Sirens of the Shallows

Matthew Tyldesley December 10, 2019

My creative mind seems to almost always be in overdrive. Even if I am not physically up to par you can believe I’m spending what energy I do have on artistic ideas. Like everyone deserves a vacation, I needed a much needed break from work behind the chair, work travel and photoshoots. In addition to being physically exhausted, I was also mentally worn out. I had an upcoming vacation planned to clear my mind and to give my body much needed rest. I had frequented New Smryna Beach, Florida with my husband Eric almost annually. We have skipped a year here and there but always return to this peaceful, low key beach town.

Last summer, Eric and I rented a beach house right on the shore. In the morning we would venture out with our dog Cupid and head straight for the beach. It was there laying after around after a few days. I had visualized a beauty collection I wanted to create when we returned home. Beautiful woman on the sand… The big inspiration came from my wet feet touching the sand when we were walking the shore. I love how small fragments of shell and rock would remind on my skin. I thought how beautiful this would look on the skin of models with gorgeous updos.

Images by Genna Yussman Greene / Absolute Studio

When I returned home from vacation, I started to story board my ideas to share with Genna Yussman Greene and Isidro Valencia. I would spend several hours practicing hairstyles on hair mannequins. I would then take photos with my camera to save for reference. I also spent a lot of time making custom hair extensions as I knew I would need a lot in a variety of different hues to compliment the models I would need to book.

I ended up booking four models from the region, Laura Kirkpatrick, Tyra Burton, Abbie Purdie and Katie Leigh Tarr. I needed models that had long necks and sharp features. I was so lucky with the girls that were confirmed for this project.

Each model took no less than four hours for hair and make up prep. The photoshoot was booked for two days exclusively at Absolute Studio . Each hairstyles was so technical requiring three hours. Model, Tyrah’s natural hair was first blown straight then ironed using Redken’s Iron Shape 11. Hair pad were used to create her asymmetrical mohawk. Hair pads were used on each models, including Laura who had two oblong hair pads to create her updo.

I used so much hair spray. Redken’s Fashion Works 12, Control Addict 28, Triple Take 32 to created these masterful hairstyles. I set the models hair with various curling irons ranging in different diameters to control the hair and to create volume. The use of hair extensions allowed for more density and to create some soft, color variations on each hairstyle.

Genna spent some time creating soft, “net” tops she constructed for each model. Isidro practiced the make up for the skin using spirit gum. We end up using super fine sand along with gold dust. The make up was clean and gorgeous with each model having a soft, youthful glow. The aquatic, summery, florida vibe was in full effect.

This photoshoot was two full days of work but the final outcome was worth all the sweat and tears. During the first day of shooting we were struck with a severe storm. We lost power temporarily and had to move electronics since water had started leaking in our studio. Without electricity I was freaking out because being a hairstylist requires a lot of heat styling. Fortunately after an hour, power was restored without issue and we resumed were we had left off.

Believing in Mermaids and Sirens, I decided to title the collection, “Sirens of the Shallows”. Originally pitched for competition I decided to try submission for publication. Our collection was picked up for print of the entire collection in the September 2019 beauty issue of Picton magazine. I was beyond happy with our collection and grateful to our team and thankful to Picton magazine for publishing our collection.

Credits

Models

Laura Kirkpatrick @laura_allstar

Tyra Burton @tyramonique

Abbie Purdie @abbiepurdie

Katie Leigh Tarr @kt_tarr

Photography | Styling | Genna Yussman Greene @gennayussman

Make Up | Isidro Valencia @valencia0612

Hair | Creative Direction | Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

One aspects about photoshoots I truly love is that each one possess an amazing story. From start to finish there are challenges, discoveries and unexpected wins. The beauty from inspiration to end result is where the magic lies.The challenges we all had on set regarding the storm only made us work harder. I am grateful to all who collaborated on this beautiful collection.

BTS making of “Sirens”

Alluring Seduction

Matthew Tyldesley November 19, 2019

2019 IBI FInalist “Best Short Cut/Style”

I noticed my husband was watching episodes of “Star Trek: The Net Generation” on Netflix. I sat through a couple episodes and was instantly reminded of my youth growing up watching this gem in the early 90’s. What also inspired my were the short hairstyles on the woman aboard the enterprise and the Klingon woman who had edgy fringed haircuts fashioned in the 1990’s.

So naturally inspiration for a photoshoot developed and I started conjuring ideas for a collection. Inspired by the show and hair master, Vidal Sassoon I started working on several custom wigs. I could work on them in my spare time (Before work and after) and I could book any model since cutting their own hair would not be an issue with them or their agencies.

image by Genna Yussman Greene / Absolute Studio

I used Redken hair color in varying shades and levels of Reds, Coppers and Violet-reds in both permanent and demi permanent colors. A lot of time was spent cutting the wigs. I created various geometric shapes and textured the wigs for the models. Removing weight and refining angles with shears, texture shears and trimmers.

The collection was photographed at Absolute Studio by Genna Yussman Greene. Genna also styled the collection in all black in varying textures and silhouettes She brought together several dress and blazers in leather, satin and matte textiles.. Isidro Valencia was responsible for the gorgeous make up. make up consisted of a smoky eye, soft lip hues and soft blush. He also did a little bit of contouring on each model and created dark, defined brows on each model for a high fashion finish.

The photoshoot lasted several hours on a hot summer day. Models were photographed separately and together with hair and make up prep taking upwards of two hours per model. I booked local talent, Katya Estes, Alexandra Hepfinger, Theresa Krosse and Alexis Fabish. I was able to cornrow on scalp all the model’s hair then I used Redken Hardware Gel 16 and spread thinly with a color brush around the models hairline to gather all tiny hair for control. Stocking caps were placed on top of the braids and the wigs were fitted on each model.

With refitting and the wigs having previously cut helped with timing. Now time was spent recutting fringes and refining angles. Cleaning up random hair and lightly irony each section for a clean, beveled finish. I really took my time to make sure each look supported and enhanced each of the model’s features. I am so grateful to this team for bringing the collection to life. Everyone was so passion about this entire project.

After the photoshoot was completed, Genna and I sorted through the images for our favorite image of each look on each model. We put the images together for submission and initially thought about competition then print of this one. After initial rejection I decided to submit the collection to Elegant Magazine. After less than a week after submitting I had heard back from the editor that they want to run with the collection in was published in a seven page spread in summer, June 2019 issue of Elegant Magazine.

With some encourage from Isidro, he urged me to enter some of my previous published work into the IBI 2019 awards. (International Beauty Industry Awards). So I decided right before the competition deadline to enter one of the images in the collection into the category for “Best Short Cut/Style”. Imagine to my surprise the image had made second place finalist for Best Short Cut/Style 2019. That was pretty awesome.

image by Genna Yussman Greene / Absolute Studio Finalist 2019 IBI awards “Best Short Cut/Style”

It amazing to see the legacy of a collection one puts so much heart and soul into. This collection started from simply watching a vintage, childhood program on Netflix that blossomed and morphed into it’s own with the love and support of the models and Isidro and Genna of Absolute Studio.

Credits

Models

Theresa Krosse | @theresa_krosse

Alexis Fabish | @alexisfabish

Katya Estes | @ekaterina_etes_katya

Alexandra Hepfinger | @alexandrahepfinger

Photography / Wardrobe | Genna Yussman Greene @gennayussman

Make Up | Isidro Valencia @valencia0612

Hair / Creative Director | Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Assistant | Love Yascone | @love_yascone

BTS making of “Alluring Seduction”

it takes village…readying the lovely Abbie for the camera

Monarchs of Venus

Matthew Tyldesley April 1, 2019

I am a busy body and always have been. As far as I can remember I can never sit still and to this day I like to sit up at night after working at the salon and create and practice on mannequins and custom wig pieces. I can get inspiration from anywhere and I had stumbled across some really pretty shades of teal in synthetic hair from my local hair shop.

I had started to create some braids using the hair and I loved how the ends turned out but had put that aside to create a similar piece for another collection. This sometimes happens as an artist. I knew I wanted to return to this collection but had worked on some other pieces for two other shoots. It had also been a while since i had worked with Isidro Valencia so I knew I wanted him to be in charge of the make up to go with each piece I decided to create.

This look for Abbie was done by using straight kanakalon hair which I meticulously braided. Afterwards the braids were formed into shape and sewn into a headdress.

It took me several weeks with work and travel as priority as I would work in my freetime, in the evenings and on the weekends. I took snapshots with my phone and sent to Isidro to inspire his make up creativity. We would feature this collection in my art studio I shared with Genna Yussman Greene (wardrobe stylist and photo retoucher) at Absolute Studio in Louisville, Ky and Tony Welsher would photograph the collection.

forming the hair to the headdress using Redken’s Control Addict 28 and heavy heat from hairdryer

The “Pink Lady” hairstyles is very whimsical, Dr. Seuss like feel with a braided veil to cover Dezaray’s face for a dramatic effect. Konakalon Hair was cut into small pieces and fused to a active mesh covered with plaster strips custom head piece. I used matching colored thread instead of elastics to create the braided net veil.

I wanted this collection to showcase braids and feature lots of texture. I created various braids and created form with unusual shapes and hair forms using plaster strips, light weight active mesh. Custom wigs and hair . I kept the shades various hues of “cool” tones and “pastels”.

Photo Sep 17, 2 06 20 PM.jpg — Dezaray on set

Everything turned out to have a “Space Goddess” feel. I used beads and various hair setting techniques in advanced to set and prep the hair pieces for the day of the shoot. I did have to give my hands a break as the preparation of this took several weeks and several hours of braiding.

I took Custom wigs and stacked them using hair forms to create this look on Tracy. I did a lot of prep work on the wigs such as the twisting and ric-racking technique for texture along with stringing the ends with beads.

This look on Dominique which I later referred to as “The Jaguar” started first from forming light weight wire into a headdress. I used plasters of Paris strips to cover the wire then after drying, painted in acrylic the base to match the shades of hair I was using. It was then covered with the braids and matching konakalon hair.

molding the headdress with plaster strips and wire

I found this color at my local hair shop and fell in love with the color effect. I had to braid quite a few of theses

Soft lighting was used to enhance the hair and make up but not to overpower. The same cool tones were used in opposing position with gels in diffused tones. Genna provided simple black bandeau tops as to create the perfect canvas to showcase the hair and make up.

The bast of this was done with active meche and paper mache

For make up isidro decided on two themes: two models were done in avant grade style of make up inspired by his favorite painter, Jackson Pollack. Then the other two models were done is sultry, glamorous make up.

This collection was published in Feroce Magazine in a five page spread. Thank you to Feroce for the feature.

Photo Apr 01, 9 48 50 PM.jpg — Feroce Magazine spread

Credits

Absolute Studio

Creative Director | Hair | Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Creative Director | Make Up | Isidro Valencia @valencia0612

Wardrobe Stylist | Photo Retouching | Genna Yussman Greene @gennayussman

Photography | Tony Welscher

Models |

Dominique Thompson | @so_joyful79

Abbie Purdie | @abbiepurdie

Dezaray Nicks | @dezaraynicks

Tracy Rowlett | @tracy.rowlett

my go to hairspray on set…Redken’s Control Addict 28

BTS making of “Monarchs of Venus” from Absolute Studio

PHOTO FINISH 10/18

Matthew Tyldesley January 14, 2019

Lights, Camera, Hairspray, lipstick…it’s time for these models to work it for the cameras.

Photo Finish was a rousing success once again as hairstylists from around the world (This time we had attendees from Dubai and Australia) for a three day, hands on, Immersive experience executing their very own photoshoots.

Noah Hatton and I once again reconvened at The Redken Exchange in Manhattan. This time joined by fellow Redken artist, Lindsey Olson. Our program is 90% hands on experience. Attendees have theory highlighting contemporary and past photographers, along with each facilitator presenting a portfolio of their work to fuel inspiration .

By Day three we were joined by New York Photographer, Joseph Rivera and make up artists Xinxin Chang and Samantha Martinez.

Attendees work on both mannequins and real models for Alicja Models Agency in NYC on day 1 and 2. Foundation skills of basic ponytails, French and Italian twist along with marcel iron work are demoed then executed by the attendees.

By day 3 attendees will have created a vision/mood board reflecting their “brand” of hair they would want to create during their photoshoots. This allows total creative control but also keeps the photoshoot on point and allows everyone involved has a clear path to the vision set by each attendee.

We spent a total about 30 hours packed into three days of exciting, fun, educational photoshoot.

You won’t want to miss Photo Finish and we would love to have you there. Below, two optional dates for 2019:

March August

BTS Of our three day class in NYC sign up at redkensalon.com

Facilitator | Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Facilitator | Lindsey Olson @lindsey.marie.olson

Facilitator | Noah Hatton @noahbhatton

Photographer | Joseph Rivera @byjoseprivera

Make Up Artist | Xinxin Wang @xinxinwang_xinxinwang

Make Up Artist | Samantha Martinez @sam.martin.beauty

Alicja Burek @alicjaevents

Radiance

Matthew Tyldesley March 21, 2018

I love working with photographer, Jenni Harper (Harper Young Photography). She has an eye for good lighting and balanced composition. Every few months we make plans to execute a photoshoot. This time we wanted to create beauty images incorporating moody lighting and textured, braided hairstyles. We decided to only use jewelry for wardrobe paired with shimmering make up. We are representing beauty and fashion with wearable looks for 2018.

We chose to use costume jewelry for simplicity from JC Beauty in Louisville, KY. We selected three models, two looks a piece. Models were booked from Lexington, Ky and Cincinnati, Oh.

We planned the shoot several weeks in advanced but challenges can happen. Our make up artist could not make the date last minute fortunately, I had an assistant on set. Caleb Yeske is both a hair and make up artist. He did and amazing job as he is well trained in his skill sets. Photoshoots have taught me a lot about how to just "go with the flow" as the show must go on. The end results speak for themselves as everyone did an amazing job.

We created 2-3 looks per model and time ranged up two hours per look. Looks involved extensive braiding and the usage of hair pieces. Pre braided kanekalon hair and hair pieces were prepared a few days prior to the shoot. Make up looks included shimmers, bronzers and metallic hues. Highlighters, Metallic lip color and bronzed skinned were incorporated to match and reflect the moody set/lighting created by Jenni. Models nails were polished in metallic tones.

For this look on Ayanna, I started with a directional blow-dry using Redken, Guts 10 upwards with a Sam Villa hairdryer and Denman Brush. Afterwards I converged the hair into pontails in the center like a "mohawk" while leaving smalls sections out that I cornrowed on scalp. I secured hair pieces on the small ponytails and attached the braids into them with hair pins and Fashion Works 12 hair spray.

bts side profile of Ayanna

I used Water Wax 03 pomade and a fine tooth come to wave the fine hairs around her hairline on Ayanna's skin.

bts profile of Kirjah (cross hatching)

This look on Kirjah, was created by sectioning small square sections into elastic bands and converging them together (cross hatching). I found Hardware Gel 16 helped with control of the hair. The top of her hair was braided with Kanekalon hair for length and density.

bts profile of Katy

For this look on Katy, I section the center top and secured the hair into several ponytails that I pulled and loosen. The remaining hair was braided scalp and formed into a rosette and secured with hair pins. Control Addict 28 was used to set the look.

The collection was published in the January 2018 beauty issue of Beau Nu Magazine. We were excited and honored to have it featured.

The above look on Katy, involved irregular sectioning for on scalp braids pinned into a textured updo.

Credits

Photography | Styling | Harper Young Photography | @jharrrper

Hair | Styling | Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Make Up | Caleb Yeske @ckyhair

Models | Kirjah Hoops @queen_kirjah

Katy Ngo @kaytme

Ayanna Willams @aswillly

bts video making of of "Radiance"

Credits

Photography | Styling | Jenni Harper Young | Harper Young Photography @jharrrper

Hair | Styling | Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Make Up | Caleb Yeske @ckyhair

Models | Ayanna Williams @aswillly

Katy Ngo @katyme

Kirjah Hoops @queen_kirjah

Backstage Stevie Boi SS18

Matthew Tyldesley September 29, 2017

I was asked to be lead hairstylist for designer Stevie Boi by High Definition Professional's Heather King. Prior to leaving for NYC Heather sent me the looks requested by Stevie Boi. The hairstyles were slicked back wet hair, cornrows and standing high ponytails. I created two quick tutorials of which I shared with the team prior to arriving in New York.

the hair team with the models Hi Definition Professional

Once in NYC we had just completed one show and loaded into the Uber and headed towards Pennsylvania Hotel for Stevie Boi's "NOIR" SS18 show presented by Walk Fashion Show.

The hotel was filled with models, hair and make up artists. We had a total of 50 models to complete with a team of 13 hair & make up artists. I split our team into groups based on skill and comfort level. This way everyone was responsible for the same looks for continuity. As models came in I assessed what looks would work best on them based on their current hair and directed them to hair stylists that were strongest in certain areas.

hairstylists, Chrystal Lotz and Jake Walker ready a model for the runway

Derek Moser and Matthew Tyldesley styling model, Tina Kay for the runway

The hair looks were created using Redken hairstyling. The high ponytails required a directional blow-dry upwards using Guts 10 spray foam. Hair was then put into a pontail. Next the model leaned forward and Two hairstylists had to work together and wrap the base of the ponytail using elastic cording. The elastic had to be taught in order for the ponytails to stand on their own.

Matthew Tyldesley and Jake Walker creating a high pony on model, Claudia.

Make up was soft and natural with a smoky eye, bronzer and defined brow.

hair styled by Tiffany Brown & Michelle Renee Make up Nu Evolution Cosmetics

Braids for Days Hair by Tiffany Brown & Michelle Renee

Slay Models pose for the camera. Hair: High Definition Professional  Make up Nu Evolution Cosmetics — Slay Models pose for the camera. Hair: High Definition Professional Make up Nu Evolution Cosmetics

Runway look Hair: Matthew Tyldesley & Derek Moserimage : ELLE Hong Kong — Runway look Hair: Matthew Tyldesley & Derek Moser
image : ELLE Hong Kong

Model: Sanvernetas ThomasHair: Ashley OrtizImage: ELLE Hong Kong — Model: Sanvernetas Thomas
Hair: Ashley Ortiz
Image: ELLE Hong Kong

One thing I think is really cool is working with the same models. You run into them backstage working shows over the years. It's really cool to be on this journey in the beauty industry and to follow the models, make up artists, photographers and designers grow.

Selfie time with Claudia & Sanvernetas — Selfie time with Claudia & Sanvernetas

Model: Rain KluttsHair: Matthew Tyldesley & Ashley OrtizImage: ELLE Hong Kong — Model: Rain Klutts
Hair: Matthew Tyldesley & Ashley Ortiz
Image: ELLE Hong Kong

Model Claudia CharriezHair: Matthew Tyldesley & Jake WalkerImage: ELLE Hong Kong — Model Claudia Charriez
Hair: Matthew Tyldesley & Jake Walker
Image: ELLE Hong Kong

Model Jose Costelo BrancoHair: Matthew Tyldesley & Mikki ConwayMake up: Isidro Valencia & Jeromy AdamsImage: ELLE Hong Kong — Model Jose Costelo Branco
Hair: Matthew Tyldesley & Mikki Conway
Make up: Isidro Valencia & Jeromy Adams
Image: ELLE Hong Kong

BTS runway show video Stevie Boi SS 18 by Logan Curtis

Phoenix Risen Productions

Below are two of the quick tutorials I created based on Stevie Boi's Imagery for the stylists to review prior to his show.

Runway Looks: Stevie Boi SS 18 Wet Look Tutorial

Runway Looks: Stevie Boi SS 18 High Ponytail Tutorial

Model Claudia Charriez escorts Designer, Stevie Boi

NYFW was another success and dream come true. I look forward to the next opportunity. I am grateful to my team and to Hi Definition Professional and to Stevie Boi.