MODEL HAIR

by Naeema Rehmani

Chloe (Elmer Olsen Models)
long and layered


Susanna (Elmer Olsen Models)
An exception to the rule

Short, spiky, sleek, curly, chunky, highlighted - the options for your hair are endless. But when it comes to modelling, the verdict is in: long, layered, and natural is the way to go.

If you're looking to get picked up by an agency and you're at a loss with what to do with your tresses before the open call, don’t fret. Better yet, don’t do a thing. Chances are, if you do get signed, your agent will have lots of ideas for your locks and will have very specific directions for you, and will probably even send you to a pre-approved hairdresser to fine-tune your look.

"When a new model starts out, a big part of developing her and her look is giving her the right haircut to introduce her to the industry," says Elmer Olsen, director of his namesake agency, Elmer Olsen Models. "Maybe I overreact a bit because being an ex-hairdresser, I'm very aware of hair, but to me the hair is a very major part of launching a new girl."

Olsen and his camp are firm believers that long and layered is the way to go, especially in the relatively conservative Toronto market. The key to this seemingly mundane style is its versatility. "When you look at Daria’s hair, Erin Wasson’s hair, Liya's [Kebede] hair, they all have gorgeous commercial haircuts so the girl can do a Prada campaign, Italian Vogue and a Maybelline campaign." says Ryan Greenwood, booker at Elmer Olsen. "Look at fashion magazines like American Vogue, in all the editorials in American Vogue all the girls' haircuts are so commercial, but it’s the styling that makes it amazing. We never want a girl to have a crazy haircut because then they can’t work." adds Olsen.

So what about bangs? Olsen asserts that he loves bangs and finds them to be flattering on a variety of face shapes, but not all bangs were created equal. Staying true to his mantra of long, layered and versatile, he prefers the longer sort, as they lend themselves to more variety, “but in the fickle world of fashion, bangs are in one season and out the next”. Translation: If you don’t have them yet, you might be well advised to forgo the fringe.

There are however exceptions to these rules. Long and layered doesn’t work for everyone, like those with diminutively sized heads that may seem to get lost in masses of hair, or others with very unique looks. Take Linda Evangelista for example, who, before reaching superstar status, had long hair and was relegated to catalogue and bridal work, "but when she got her hair cut it took her from a normal looking Italian girl to a Superstar" says Greenwood.

PAGE TWO