Inspirational Styling with Andis Platform Artist Whitney VerMeer

Whitney Vermeer Stylist

When Whitney VerMeer designs a collection, how the hair will look is actually the last thing she considers–and there's a good reason why. 

When many hair artists conceptualize a collection, they take inspiration from a source and apply it to how the hair will look. Everything, from wardrobe to lighting, is based around the hair concept. Not Whitney VerMeer. The Andis platform artist and owner of The Aesthetic x Whitney VerMeer in Minneapolis proudly proclaims that the hair is the last of her considerations when it comes to executing a collection.

First, she says, she compiles her inspirations. “They could be hair, but also art, architecture, or images that show texture,” she explains. Next, she narrows it down to a concept."

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Then I select wardrobe—one of my favorite parts,” she laughs. “I always do the wardrobe in my collections, and I generally make at least one of the pieces for it.” The models are chosen as to how they fit into her overall concept, and it is only then that she chooses the hairstyle, and it’s tailored to the individual model. “If the cut isn’t right for the model, the entire collection means nothing,” she states. “It all has to fit, and that is why the hair comes last.”

Left - For this retro look, VerMeer cut the bottom of the hair with the Andis Supra ZR Cordless Detachable Blade Clipper, and cleaned up the hairline with the Andis SlimLine Pro T-Blade Trimmer. “I first cut the parietal ridge vertically to remove weight through the interior, and then cut horizontal sections through the middle to remove length,” she further reveals. After texturizing the top with shears, she diffused the hair with a blowdryer and finished with a styling cream.

Right - "I started this look at the bottom portion of the hair using my Supra ZR Clipper,” VerMeer explains. “Again, I used my Andis Slimline Pro to clean up the neckline, but this time I kept it more natural while also breaking up the hairline.” She took vertical sections on top to remove weight, and horizontal sections to remove length. Prior to diffusing it, she applied a lightweight cream, and then finished it off with a high-shine pomade to enhance the curls.

Man Magazine Spring

This issue’s cover collection from VerMeer showcases a diverse range of cuts and styles that challenges the viewer to look at the craft of cutting a little bit differently. Take the cover: the shape is linear—there’s no fade—and the fringe is choppy and uneven. But it’s these details that make the look so compelling and fresh. “Each of the styles looks effortless, and I wanted to keep each hairstyle looking lived-in to enhance the texture in each look,” says VerMeer. “A great haircut sets the foundation for the style, and if it is executed correctly, the product is just the added polish.”

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To craft the cover look, VerMeer created the shape using the Andis Supra ZR Cordless Detachable Blade Clipper, and then used the Andis Profoil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver to take the hair down to the skin. “I cut the top of the hair using texturizing shears, and finished the look by blow-drying it and adding clay to enhance the definition,” VerMeer details.

VerMeer says what she loves most about barbering is the fact that there’s really no room for error. “When the hair is so close to the scalp, you can see everything,” she says. “I’m a perfectionist, so I love a good challenge and sculpt the shape accordingly.” And although she’s constantly challenging herself, she wants to expand on this concept. “My overall goal is to change perception. I don’t need to be the best haircutter in the world; I just want to change the way people think about barbering and execution. I have some exciting things in the works, so stay tuned!”

 

[Images: Courtesy of Whitney VerMeer]

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