Charles Gray

 

“I wanted to create a new movement within hair,” says barber and educator Charlie Gray on his company, Hair In Motion. “I have created an education platform which focuses on one-on-one and educational training.”

Aspiring hairdressers all have dreams and ambitions, to push their creative boundaries and fill in gaps found in the sector. Charlie Gray was one of them. At 19 years old when he ventured into the hair industry. “I was encouraged by members of my family and friends to give it a try and landed myself an apprenticeship with HOB salons and have never looked back since,” he says. “Thank God I made that decision to give it a go!”

That decision certainly did him good. He went on to establish a solid career, of which includes educating barbers and hairdressers and is soon launching “a unique online platform which I can’t reveal to much about right now”.

“Not only continuing with my education, I am also focusing on the fashion and editorial side of hair in which I have started to work with some big brands, and wanted to broaden my network as it’s a new challenge I had always wanted to get my teeth into,” Gray says. “Bringing both of these elements into play. I believe I can create a truly fresh and interesting movement under the ‘Hair In Motion’ brand.”

“I Wanted To Create A New Movement Within Hair”

When maintaining your global image for Barbering and Education, what responsibilities are expected from you and how important is it to create artistic seasonal collections?

I think that constantly creating collections or images is a vital important part of growth personally or for a brand. After finishing a collection, I’m constantly looking to improve and thinking about the next. Moving forward is an important thing, but also analyzing what you’re doing right is equally important to build upon. When you understand how to improve and what to build upon this is when you understand what you need to do to grow.

What is the importance of mentoring in this industry? What inspires you to continue to educate?

Ever since I started the education route, I knew I belonged there. I felt like it was my calling in the industry; its personally allowed me to hit the highs of my career so far and allowed me to make valuable networks and friends which have opened up many doors for me as I launch my new chapter. Having a mentor can be a huge part of growth at any stage in your career, it all depends on what type of mentoring you need. It could be in business, in cutting, in managing or may other different areas. Never be afraid to listen or ask for help it could save a lot of mistakes and time.

How did you get involved in education? Are there any particular thoughts or feelings you hope viewers take away when they view your work?

I used to watch the educators at HOB academy and be in one of what they were doing which always inspired me to want to be like that one day. When I joined Menspire salon, myself and Josh Lamonaca launched our own education and built our criteria from scratch. It was such a fun stage of my development. I would hope I can change the way they think and look at hair not only help them to cut it.

What are the main factors and learnings that men’s stylists will take away from the ‘Hair In Motion’ courses?

That nothing can limit them to what they want out of their career. With a vast array of different subjects and courses within my curriculum, I believe my one-on-one mentoring can help push anybody to where they need to get too.

With many years of experience working and showcasing your work on shows and courses, what have you learned throughout the whole process?

Don’t take anything for granted. Appreciate and value every second of being on stage and showcasing around the world, because one day I won’t be doing it anymore and I will miss it.

Is there a signature technique you are known for?

I wouldn’t know, but I would like to think I’m a good all-rounder with every type and length of hair. I prefer more natural styling and looks.

Who would you say has influenced you most during your career? What was the craziest thing that you had to do?

I would say an array of people starting with the group of educators at the HOB academy. They truly allowed me to develop knowledge on how to handle hair and think if it as a material. The last 6 years working at Menspire alongside Josh, I have seen myself develop and grow into the person I am today. The experience and knowledge I have obtained is unreal and I owe a lot to Josh for many things.

What are the necessities for every Barber when working with color, clippers and hair products in the salon and what is something that we can improve on?

Educate yourself and truly understand your tools and products. This will give you complete confidence in your work and your ability ultimately giving you a great end result.

What tips can you give for that perfect Fade Cut?

Use good light and understand the system you’re using to achieve the blend. Use conviction in the clipper strokes.

Your career has been so event-filled. What has been the most amazing opportunity you’ve had in so far?

It’s hard to say but in 2019 I gave a private seminar to a room full of people in the most amazing venue overlooking the Hollywood hills in Los Angeles – I had to pinch myself.

Advice for men’s stylist that want to take their career to the next level?

Work harder than everybody around you. Never stop learning, find your niche, build on your strengths, and work on your weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to take a step back for many steps forward.