Alternative Hair Show: hair genies present a genius show

Written by Victoria Hart, photography by Lin Vitali

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Illusion - London alternative Hair Show 2011

Illusion, Imagination, Fantasy, False Impressions...

Alternative Hair Show "Illusion" saw great hairstyles across the board. The show was dedicated this year to the late Alternative Hair Honorary President, Joshua Galvin. His award (Joshua Galvin Award) was presented to Dmitry Vinokurov (Russia), for the enthusiasm to not only produce exquisite hair but also for his extraordinary efforts working with Russian authorities to ensure Alternative Hair Show premiers in Russia.

...and a real chunk raised for Leukaemia and Lymphoma

The London event raised £190,600 for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, as well as a few eyebrows when the artists got to work.

Winner of the Best Men’s Category, Anne Veck (UK)

Winner of the Best Men’s Category, Anne Veck (UK), produced quality contrasting hairstyles shown by her female models; a slick, short bob that wouldn’t look out of place on an action film antagonist, oozing attitude and wicked mystery. Her other style is fluffy, netted, curly with a tuft of fluffed up feathers on top - a decorous hair style screaming exuberance, referencing the white beauty of a swan with an almost 'Black Swan' moment, contrasting two personalities.

Images 1 and 2: Backstage at Alternative Hair Show. Hair by Anne Veck, UK. Image 3: Alternative Hair Show "Illusion". Hair by Ales International from Japan.

Slick oil meets candyfloss

Hair by David Murrey, Ireland.

Alongside Veck's classical yet unique styles, David Murrey (Ireland) presented his metallic phantasm complete with a glittering gold-splashed face expanding to a golden-wired afro pushed back from the painted masked faces.

Metal curls wrap into bows

Murrey's dark yet immense illusions are shown so wonderfully in the following hair styles; with the twirling like tin curls shadow across the face meeting royal design concepts. We can follow the Yellow Brick Road with this Tin Man splendour, now oiled up and polished in all its glory. The hairstyle certainly has desire for the heart just like the imagination and finishing of Murrey. The hair sits across the face, wrapping in itself and yet looking strong and durable against all gravitational forces. The execution of this style is exquisite, the formation and presentation explores the avant-garde style with such dynamism.

Hair set on fire with bubbly curls

Hair by Laszlo Hajas, Hungary.

In comparison, to create an illusion does not necessarily take a lot of hair spray. Laszlo Hajas (Hungary) came to this show with a procession of soft curls and bubbles creating the most beautifully elegant and effortless yet resilient styles. The bright red orange fire of the hair compliments its very own lack to break any sturdy structure, the gentleness, although electric, is such a well-complimented assembly.

From Russia with... lovely hairstyles!

The award winner (Joshua Galvin Award), Dmitry Vinokurov (Russia) brought something extremely different to the spectacle. A transformation turned these hairstyles into an almost peacock formation with beautiful plates besides quaffed up Mohawks, producing intense shapes and structure. The puffed up pride of these hairstyles shows how limitless designs can be and how far originality can be stretched, enough to see Gaga seeking something of equivalent imagination and execution.

Images 1 and 2: Backstage at Alternative Hair Show. Image 3: Alternative Hair Show "Illusion".
Hair by Dmitry Vinokurov from Russia.

Can I please have a portion of that…?

The most enormous array of curls, straights, fringes, afros, braids and mohawks are on parade at Alternative Hair Show. From hairstyles reminiscent of candyfloss to styles of beetroot hanging off the ears, there is certainly enough to entertain everyone if not make you hungry for a hairdo. It is certain that the level of imagination and technique exhibited at this wacky event is not only inspirational but also a raises the bar for future hair genies.