There are many things you can learn from Shay Dempsey. He’s multitalented. He’s a Global Art Director of Sebastian Professional and not to mention a Salon Director at EDEN by Eden Sassoon. He opens up about his 25-year career, collaborating with Eden Sassoon, working alongside the likes of Heidi Klum, Renée Zellweger, Kirsten Dunst, thoughts on social media and more.
Get to know the all-rounded hairdresser, Shay Dempsey:
Shay, you’re an award-winning hairdresser and a Global Artistic Director for Sebastian Professional with over 25 years of experience in the hairdressing Industry. Did you ever think you would be where you are today? Can you give us an inside scoop of your professional career?
It’s hard for me to answer this question, because I still feel I have a lot more to give in the crazy industry. I never stop challenging myself , saying that I’m very honoured to be the Global Art Director of Sebastian Professional. They constantly push me and the brand. And I still love to work on the salon floor with my friends.
You are the Salon Director at EDEN by Eden Sassoon, what is your forte and can you describe your responsibilities? What do you love most about your job?
Working at Eden by Eden Sassoon on Sunset is a real trip. There are so many talented artists at the salon; some are amazing cutters , and some are all about color. But really the salon has to cater to all aspects of hair and makeup, because of its location. We have so many hotels on Sunset Blvd. The requests are varied so you have to be a very well-rounded hairdresser to work with our team. I just love to talk with my workmates, find out where their passion really lies, or what takes them out of their comfort zone, and try and help them on the journey. We all never stop learning.
What can you share with me about collaborating with Eden Sassoon, the daughter of Vidal Sassoon, in Los Angeles California?
Eden is not a Hairdresser herself, but she really knows the business and has an amazing eye. She’s the first person over congratulating the stylists on the amazing job they created on the client. Also, she knows how hard we have to work to build a clientele and constantly fine tune our craft to take our careers to the next level. She was brought up with that mentality since she was a child, by the MAIN MAN !!
“Maybe it’s a haircut collection, but the more process evolves, you start to see how you could dial something simple into something more extreme .”
Eden by Eden Sassoon is a worldwide well-known salon in West Hollywood, what can you tell our readers about it? Why would you recommend it and what makes it different than others?
Edenbyedensassoon has probably the best location in West Hollywood, right on the famous Sunset BLVD. The salon itself has beautiful high ceilings and amazing natural light, and a very relaxed but professional attitude, with a team of stylists that are extremely proud of having the Sassoon name over our door .
Your close partnership with Wella Professional lead you to showcase your work on shows (Trend Vision Awards) and educate at the Wella Professional Studios and Sebastian Professional. Your role entails you to continuously create collections and trends to inspire other hairdressers. How is this development perfected?
Sometimes you can be inspired by something simple I’m working on for Sebastian. Maybe it’s a haircut collection, but the more process evolves, you start to see how you could dial something simple into something more extreme. I workshop at home a lot and I constantly look at ways of changing how I play with hair. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, but if it does I will put that idea away or picture for when I need some inspiration.
“My biggest advise is to be yourself. Remember they want you for your talent not to be your friend. Sometimes that can happen. Building trust is one of the key things with celebs. Let those hands do the talking!!”
Sebastian Professional have an exceptional range of professional products. How and what is the best advice when choosing the right hair product? Is Sebastian advisable for everyone?
Sebastian has a huge range of care and styling for all hair types, and it’s important to have a stylist who really knows the line up to then personalize the proper product for you.
Working alongside many celebrities like Heidi Klum, Renée Zellweger, Kirsten Dunst, Jerry Hall and many more. In your opinion, are celebrities usually treated differently and have specific requirements compared to clients? What advice would you give someone wanting to do a celebrity’s hair?
My biggest advise is to be yourself. Remember they want you for your talent not to be your friend. Sometimes that can happen. Building trust is one of the key things with celebs. Let those hands do the talking!!
In hairdressing today, we aim at collaborating with people and companies. What is the key point to consider for a successful collaboration?
You must believe in the company you collaborate with. Almost like being in a tribe of like minded people, then you will flourish .
Social media is something we all use. What app/s do you utilize and what should hairdressers be posting on social media?
Absolutely post on social media. It’s up to you on how far you want to take it. Social media can build you as a brand and expose your talents to people globally.
“Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s what makes you better.”
In what area do you think that hairstylists need to improve their services and when it comes to colors and cuts, especially with new trends and seasonal colors are constantly emerging?
I think one of the best way for hairdressers to improve on their skill set is to take time out for themselves! Have a day where you can workshop at home our in the salon. Our business is very labor intense and sometimes it can feel too much just like a job. Think about why you went into this business, you wanted to be able to create for yourself. Well, take that time back for you .
With many years of experience working and showcasing your work on shows, courses, and seminars, what have you learned throughout the whole process and about having a good relationship between a client and the hairstylist?
We are an amazing bunch of people. We are always striving to be better and are so open to evolve. It just comes down to how much you want it. In our industry, you can take it to what ever level you want. Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s what makes you better.
What’s the single, most important piece of advice you can offer other hairdressers who are looking to become successful in their own careers?
Surround yourself with quality and good people. Find what really inspires you and don’t stop learning. Take yourself out of your comfort zone as much a possible, and don’t be afraid to reach out to others for advice .
Living previously in Ireland, what differences have you found compared to the hair industry in California?
Between Ireland and the UK, I think the training is exceptional and I would not be the hairdresser I am to today with working with so many mentors. I feel living in LA has given me more opportunities. You don’t know what’s next! And that I love !
Who would be your ideal person to style or give a complete change and why? Also, who is your mentor?
My biggest mentors were my parents. They helped me so much with my training, course, competitions etc… and really being proud of the career I choose. They never stopped pushing me , so thank you Mom and Dad X
Favourite hair products…
SEBASTIAN PROFESSIONAL of course 😉
Favourite hair color…
A PIXI CROP
WELLA COLOR
Favourite hairstyle…Long hair or short…
SHORT
If you could drop everything and do only one thing, what would you do?
I really love to run , so maybe an athletic coach.
