The luxury of the "Classic Dry Cut"

I would like to share a letter and artcile written by a good friend, Carole Deutsch, a FIne Arts Journalist. A personal experience that brings beauty and life together, where little luxuries in life can uplift the spirit and the mind.

Mark, As you know, I recently suffered a shoulder injury making it impossible to do my hair. At first I let my hair go for many days as I spent most of my time in bed since it hurt to move...hair still looked good. After almost a week I enlisted my husband to blow dry my hair. I think in all probability it was the first time he had a hair dryer in his hand, his preferred tool being a chain saw. However, Chain Saw Husband stepped up to the plate and the hair still looked good. Eventually, I began to do my hair myself, feebly, and with no attention to detail.....hair still looked good. You can't imagine how much of a psychological lift it gave me during my recuperation to have my hair looking good. It's bad enough to feel wretched, but to look wretched as well is a serious downer. I blessed you often during that challenging time. As a professional journalist, I can only give you the gift of words. As a woman who enjoys a great haircut, I can only give you the gift of my gratitude. You are my super haircut go-to guy. Thank you for your generosity and dogged determination to make my unruly hair gorgeous...you have succeeded. Gratefully, Carole

Have you ever....... had a haircut that was so good you could go for days without doing anything to it and it still looked terrific? Have you ever had a haircut that you can put on a hat, take it off, run your fingers through your hair and have your hair look like it had just been brushed? Have you ever gotten caught on a windy day with your hair whipping around your face like a kite, walked inside and every hair fell into place? If the answer is "no" then you have never experienced the luxury of a classic "dry cut." Contrary to what most beauty salons will tell you a dry cut is not merely "cutting the hair dry." It is a specialized technique that was forefronted by the late John Sahag who learned the unusual technique in Paris. He introduced it in New York City where it became central to the runway world of high fashion and signature to many of Hollywood's most celebrated stars. The primary quality of a dry cut is that your hair "moves." It swings, bounces and swirls and still maintains its characteristic "great shape." Tragically, John Sahag died in 2005 at the peak of his popularity. Fortunately, he had hand picked and personally trained an elite group of talented coiffure artists who learned his specialty cut that is more like sculpting than cutting. Don't be taken in. Many haircut practitioners will either, in their lack of knowledge, or in an attempt to deliberately mislead, tell you they can give a dry cut...all they will do is cut it dry. It takes years to learn and perfect the technique and few have the talent or wherewithal to achieve the perfection of the dry cut.     To be certain that you are not deceived, ask where they learned to give the dry cut and then check with the John Sahag Workshop in New York City. There is only a small nucleus of the original Sahag team around now.  One eminent stylist that was a member of the Sahag stellar team is Mark Schwartz. Schwartz teaches and works at the Sahag Workshop and also has his own salon in Red Bank, New Jersey. Schwartz does not disappoint; once you have had him style your hair there is no remote substitute. Women who care about hair and know what is good travel from coast to coast to treat themselves to Schwartz's "got to have it" cut. Pros and Cons: Time spent in the chair...A dry cut takes about 2 hours; however, you can go months without having to return. As the dry cut grows out it does not lose its shape, it just gets longer. This is a huge plus for women who do not want the same look month in and month out, as well as for those who don't have time for frequent trips to the salon. Cost....A dry cut costs twice as much as a normal haircut; however, you save money in the long run as it is not necessary to cut the hair as often. Regardless of your position on the pros and cons, the fact is that once you have had the experience of this sensational cut there is no other cut that will satisfy. You may find yourself wanting to move to be near one of those rare few who can still give the cut of your dreams that will set you free from the tedium of daily "hair cut labor" with less than desirable results. Carole Deutsch, Fine Arts Journalist

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A powerful message to real-life women, I am are tryng to get this article out to the media. If you like the letter and article and know anyone in the media industry, please do not hesitate to forward and let me know.


Mark

The Art of Beautiful Hair

five ways to make your hair look fabulous

1. Start with high quality products to wash and condition your hair......I recommend the Kerastase Paris home care line.

2. You should apply a styling product to towel dried hair- such as Kerastase Veris Nutri-Sculpt. This product will protect your hair from the heat of the dryer and leave your hair soft and smooth.

3. Make a choose between a round brush or a flat brush. Round brushes will give your hair a lift and the effect will be a more fuller, rounded finish. If you use a flat brush, the finished look will be straight and more streamlined. Which ever you chose, make it a good quality brush otherwise the bristles will damage the quality of the strands of your hair. At the salon we use Mason Pearson brushes. These brushes will last a lifetime and the quality is unbeatable. Stylists from all over the country will only use a Mason Pearson brush.

4. If you like to flat iron your hair, make use the temperature is not too hot otherwise you will burn your hair. Take small strands of hair and start at the roots and slowly run the iron through your hair. Take your time with this process, the results will look professional and polished.

5. Lastly, just like with anything else, its the final step that will make all your hard work pay off. Finish the blow dry with Kerastase Nacre or the Vinyle Nutri Sculpt-both offer flexiable hold and shine. And if you would like to set your style with a little hairspray, use the Kerastase Double Force hairspray.

Schwartz salon:17 Monmouth Street: Red Bank: NJ 732-741-7337

Photo was taken by Mark Schwartz

STYLEWATCHTRIBUTE

John Sahag 1953-2005

John was famous for his forward thinking cuts to Demi Moore and Kristen Dunst. But his long career began at age 8,with Sagah sweeping floors at a salon in his native Lebanon. It ended with his death from cancer at age 52. While working with photograghers like Richard Avedon and Helmut Newton and stars like Gwyneth Paltrow to Jon Bon Jovi, Sahag became well-known for his method of cutting hair cry. "He looked like a rock star and had the manners of a count," says Anne Langerfeld, manager of the John Sahag Workshop.

I had the pleasure of working with John from 1985-1996 as a Senior Stylist on Madison Avenue in New York City. I was Director of Education at the John Sagah Workshop and currently at Schwartz Salon I teach junior stylists the art of the dry cut.

Classes are open to any hairstylists or assistants who would like to learn more about the techniques of dry cutting.

Schwartz Salon: 17 Monmouth Street: Red Bank, NJ: 732-741-7337

• Upcoming Events:

• July 27th and 28th: Red Bank Sidewalk Sale:
• All Kerastse Products will be on Sale
• September 28th : Kerastase Treatment Day
• Schwartz Salon.17 Monmouth Street.Red Bank NJ. 732-741-7337

Mark Schwartz

Stylist, Rides a Harley -Davidson, Martial Artist, Optimist

" When I first approach a client, I am immediately inspired. No two people are alike, and even with years of experience, the challenge never dimishes. I search within myself to bring forth my best mental and physical energy in a close relation with my client. As I cut, shape and handle their hair, experience directs me while I summon forth my creativity. The forms are revealed and I sense a totally unique creative moment. I am hopeful that my approach to my craft will bring pleasure and satisfaction to everyone I come in contact with. "

biography

mark Schwartz: September 23, 1957 : Virgo

I have traveled throughout Europe, Asia, and North America to perfect my art form. I trained at the prestigious La Coupe, Vidal Sassoon, Warren Tricomi, and Elizabeth Arden. And for twelve years I was a stylist, director, and head of education for the famous John Sahag workshop. My portfolio includes work published in Vogue, Elle, Glamour, and featured on fashion runways of Oscar de la Renta, Escada, and Betsey Johnson. I've also been fortunate to work with a celebrity clientele encompassing designers, fashion models, sport celebrities, VIP's in both the music and entertainment industry.

The History of the Dry Cut

For Perfectionists only: sessions are one and half hours to two hours long

The dry cut was first brought to the public's attention through the work of the legendary John Sahag with whom I collaborated over many years before opening my own salon: Schwartz Salon.

The concept of the dry cut is extremely logical: wet hair is imbibed with water, weighted down, stretching unnaturally under its own weight. When hair is cut dry, each strand is first straightened and prepared for precision cutting and tapering. The attention to detail is literally one hair at a time. Weight is carefully balanced by approaching each successive layer and shifting the weight and the elimination of unnessary bulk, the desired three-dimensional volume is captured and sustained. I treat your hair with respect for its unique qualities and character, your cut will be more appropriate to your image. I promise, it will last longer, be easier to maintain, and be more naturally beautiful.

Schwartz Salon

17 monmouth street: red bank: new jersey phone 732.741.7337

The promise of pure artistry awaits you once you place yourself in the competent hands of the highly trained Schwartz Salon staff. Your comfort and well-being will be attended to from the minute you walk through the door. Schwartz Salon has a commitment to excellence and my dedicated staff will treat you as an honored

guest. It is our pleasure to remind you by phone 24 to 48 hours in advance of your appointment. Please make all desired changes at that time.

Parking is available in the White Street Lot for three and four hour intervals.

The Professional Luxury :

Experience the spirit of Kerastase

Beauty energized by advanced performing technology in the hands of highly trained pracitioners.

Well-being from the sensory pleasure of a Kerastase Ritual-the highest level of personalized care that restores balance to your hair and your life. Experience an in-salon treatment and scalp massage prescribed by your stylist to address the specific needs of your hair.

Continue to optimize the benefits of your in-salon ritual and maintain the quality and intergrity of your hair by following with a customized 3 step home care program prescribed to address your hair's specific needs between salon visits.