Arjan Bevers On Schwarzkopf Professional, Challenging The Pandemic, Future Of Hairdressing And More
Arjan Bevers is no stranger to the hair scene in the Netherlands, showcasing a vision of sophistication and aesthetics to Avanti Kappers salon. His talent has gotten him the role of global digital education ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional as well as winning awards.
We caught up with the award-winning hairdresser and successful salon owner, who discussing more on his role for the hair care brand, maintaining a global image, challenging the pandemic, among others.
Career lift off
I started 25 years ago when I was 15 with an internship at a hair salon—washing hair and a lot of cleaning. At the same time, I went to hairdressing school and I moved to the salon, which is now mine, Avanti when I was 19. I took over when I was 23 and still living with my parents. I started participating at hairdressing awards right away, but it took me 10 years to finally win an award! In 2012, I won best men hairdresser! From then, I won a lot of awards, 12 ‘Coiffure’ awards, two ‘Dutch Hairdresser of the Year’ awards, ‘International AIPP’ award and a lot of nominations for Behind the chair #oneshotawards, ‘AIPP and TCT’ awards.
Representing brands
I just signed a new contract that makes me the global digital education ambassador Schwarzkopf Professional for the next three years. So, I am very happy with this! I love the brand and I worked with Schwarzkopf for many years now.
Schwarzkopf is a sexy brand but also one you can totally rely on. A lot will happen this year so it’s going to be very exciting!! I am currently working on ‘The Essential Looks’ collection for the second part of the year and it’s going to be awesome!
Keeping up the pace
This is what we hairdressers do! That’s why we became hairdressers! It’s the best part of our jobs to create new trends or spot them on the runways and transform them to haircuts and colours for
Salons. This means watching a lot of magazines, books, runways, social media and that’s really interesting!
And of course, it’s not always about trends because we also love classics that will never go out of style! An iconic haircut as a pixie or a bob will always make me happy and I’m sure we will be going to see this forever! So, keeping the balance between those two is so interesting!
Maintaining global image
I don’t feel it as a big responsibility! When I create new images in the first place, I want to create something beautiful that makes me happy! I have to feel it and has to inspire me in the first place. If that’s the case, I’m sure other hairdressers or clients will also love it.
For me, it’s very important that the work I make is making me happy and proud, not only now but also over 10 or 20 years.
Challenging and rewarding aspects
The most challenging aspect for me is running a business, because I’m not a natural born entrepreneur. I have to learn it and I think I made all the mistakes you can make (laughs)!! But it’s getting better through the years so that’s a good thing.
I get inspiration from everywhere; I like to walk every day and that gives me a lot of inspiration. Not only what I see like the sky, trees, plants and flowers but also being alone and having the time to think is so good. And of course, a lot of inspiration comes from books, magazines, social media, TV and other hairdressers.
When I create new collections, I always want to reinvent myself and be different as the last time. When you make something new, it has to be new so in a way that’s a risk but it always pays off.
Choosing a colour company
What’s most important is, of course, the quality of the products. You have to work with it every day and you only want to work with the best there is. And second most important is that it has to feel right. So, the way you work and what your style is leading in your choice for the brand you are going to work with.
I work with Schwarzkopf for many years—and of course it’s a multinational— but for me it feels like a family company and that’s a great feeling.
Biggest accomplishment
That’s easy! Becoming ‘Dutch Hairdresser Of The Year’ twice! We also won two times best artistic Dutch team and that was also amazing!
For me, it’s super important to enter hairdressing awards. And when I participate, I want to win.
Personal style
I won a lot of awards for men’s hairstyles, but I see myself more of a women’s hairdresser. And I like it when it’s super feminine and sexy! So long wavy hair is a big LIKE for me (laughs)!
As a colourist, I like to work very soft and I love blonde, so a lot of my clients are blonde.
As a cutter, I work very intuitively, not with clean sections and every time in a different way. One time, I start with the fringe and the next time in the nape; just what feels right for me at that time.
Future of hairdressing
Well, our profession is much more appreciated because of the COVID-19! We are in the second lockdown and everyone is complaining that the hairdressers are closed! And in time, we can go back to normal I think, but clients are having high standards for hygiene and space and I am glad that I have a big salon which is future proof.
Most memorable moments
There are so many! Being on stage with Tyler Johnston and Lesley Jenisson was amazing! And working with Bescene was also really cool! And I really like to work with my buddy from Greece Christos Michalidis! Shooting campaigns with Andrew O’Toole in Milan was also a real hairdresser highlight for me!
Challenging the pandemic
The biggest challenge is to keep positive! I think it’s very important to always stay positive to your staff, clients and everyone who’s following you. Complaining won’t get you anywhere! And of course, trying to find ways you still can makes some money because every week that you are closed It’s super bad for business.
Working something new
Yes, I’m working on the new ‘Essential Looks’ collection for Schwarzkopf! So I am one of the colourists, and I am creating two looks. It’s going to be super cool and I hope we can present the collection with a big event with all the hairdressers from all over the world.
Advice on keeping up to date
Keep on learning! Education is key in our business so that’s the most important thing if you ask me. So, invest in education and learn from the best that will keep you up to date. And of course, practice! So, get a doll head and just try new things.
Most pivotal moment
I think participating in hairdressing awards! I learned so much and met so many nice and inspiring people! I always advice hairdressers to also participate because it makes you a better hairdresser.Thank you!!
Company: Avanti kappers
Arjan Bevers
(Global Ambassador Schwarzkopfpro)
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Interview: Romy
Images: Arjan