Kai Sohn: Wella Educator and Creative Team Member at Wella Studio Munich
Kai, you’re an influential color expert and educator in the hairdressing industry. Can you share with us how you started in hairdressing?
After an internship in a local hairdressing salon, I got overwhelmed by the possibility of making people happy with a hair statement which matches perfectly to their personality. Due to this experience, I started my studies in 2005.
Can you share with me more about the color techniques that are shown on your Instagram account? How important is it to share color formulas when posting hair images that are created by the hairdresser?
The color techniques are an important part on the way to a perfect color. Besides them, the proper choice of my products to be used is very essential. I like to share both – the technique and the product choice – because they lead other colorists to the perfect result. Like in a cooking recipe, you have to know the ingredients and the steps to get to a delicious meal. Of course, my recipes are just inspirations and should be personalised to each client.
Can you name some of the color masters you’ve worked with? What is the process like working with other professionals in the hair industry?
I worked with several nationally and internationally known hairdressers, stylists and colorists, for example Patrick Cameron (UK) and Jutta Gsell (Germany). In general, working with other color masters is very inspirational, rewarding and always a great team work.
“My recipes are just inspirations and should be personalised to each client.”
Your position as Wella Educator entails commitments and responsibilities within the brand. Can you share on what you educate and coach hair stylists and the role you hold?
The big topics of our trainings are color, styling and hair care. My business is teaching, inspiring and supporting our customers in workshops and “look-and-learn” events.
What are your tips on the perfect Blonde?
First of all, there has to be a good consulting with the client. Furthermore, you should be aware of the chromatic circle to choose the right shades. Of course, you should use and take your time for the right technique depending on your client’s expectation. And last but not least, the application of Wellaplex to strengthen the hair and a good home care by the client.
“You need to stand out from the crowd. Nowadays talented and well-trained hairdressers are needed like never before!”
Seeing my step-by-step videos and other works at the Wella education homepage due to my work as a creative team member.
What fascinates you about this line of work?
Developing, encouraging and inspiring people every day.
What are your thoughts on people considering hairdressing as a career change? Would you recommend it? What are the demands and challenges in the hairdressing today?
Everybody should live his dream, no matter what others think about it! Of course, you should like the work with different personalities, have a creative mind and keep calm in every situation.
You need to stand out from the crowd. Nowadays talented and well-trained hairdressers are needed like never before!
What are the main points and advice that hairdressers must do on a regular basis to grow and maintain a successful salon business and further their education?
You should stay in touch with the latest trends, keep pushing the limits every day and use social media like Instagram to get known by a big group of customers.
What is Wella Education to you? What’s the main thing that your job has taught you?
In my opinion Wella provides one of the best trainings in our industry.
My job, especially the period of one year as a trainee, taught me a lot of personal and technical skills.
What secret tip can you give about color mixing and using Wella colors?
One of my secrets is using mix tones to create a very individual color for each client.
What is the biggest challenge in your job? How do you deal with the challenges?
Teaching each workshop participant depending on his level of knowledge. At the start of a workshop, I want to get an idea of the level of every participant to provide individual training, because no one should be left behind.
Who is your mentor? Which creative hair colorist do you follow?
I follow a lot of colorists because from my point of view each of them creates beautiful and inspirational works! But to be honest, my all-time favorite is the adorable Wella Global Artist Sonya Dove (
@sonyadove) from the United States.
If you gave out one hair product/hair tool to hairstylists what would it be and why?
Definitely the hair color additive ColorID to create beautiful sculptures and couture color services.
What are the upcoming hair color trends that we will look forward to?
The biggest change is the possibility for our customers to change their hair colors more often by using semipermanent or even nonpermanent color services, without being restricted by any trends.
What’s been one of the best reactions from a client that you’ve had when you’ve transformed their look?
I have seen almost every reaction from laughing through tears to screaming (of course only the positive way of screaming). I love working with such emotional clients because they show me the enormous impact of my handcraft.
Thank you for taking part in this interview. Is there anything you would like to add or share with our readers that we haven’t covered?
I would like to thank you very much for giving me the opportunity of being part of your blog!
Follow Kai Sohn on:
Instagram: @kai_sohn
Facebook: Kai Sohn
Credits
Images: Kai Sohn
