IV. Tribute In loving memory of a true artist… By definition, true artists: Have raw, innate talent that allows them to express what they feel, think and see through drawing, painting or sculpting. They try to be unique and in whatever they do. They do not follow others, but their hearts, instincts and visions. Do what they want, without regard to what other people think or do. What they care about more than anything else is being true to themselves and their art. Like to speak through their art, so they do not have to explain, argue or debate. They like to be alone, so they can be in tune with their inner voices. They are usually loners who are easily misunderstood, so they like to hide in their own worlds, and only invite into those worlds people who truly understand them and appreciate their art. Are rebels by nature, despising rules and regulations. They like to live on the edge and push the envelope; they are spontaneous and unpredictable. They like to experiment and explore the unknown. Do not like to follow rules, but to bend them. They like challenges, and often try new things because they get bored easily. Have temperaments and ways of thinking that are inexplicable, irrational and unconventional. Since they are passionate about expressing their feelings, thoughts and visions, they are dedicated to bringing their imaginations to life. Strongly believe in themselves and their art, but are humble and sensitive, and try hard to contain their egos. They simply live to do what they enjoy, rather than to impress people or make a fortune.
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I first learned about John Sahag from a hair magazine. I had just graduated from beauty school, and was so impressed with what he said in his interview that I tried to get a job in his salon. While waiting for my interview, I watched one of his hairdressers cut hair, and was shocked to see how much work was involved, and how much time it took. At that time I had no idea why his hairdressers had to cut hair in such a strange way—but I did know that I was not up for that kind of challenge. Not until many years later did I fully comprehend why John had to iron each piece of hair before he cut it. From that point on, I was always keeping my eyes open for magazines that featured his thoughts and work. I wanted to learn as much from him as I could. In time, I became a follower, and this was reflected in my attitude and mentality towards my work and profession. It also had on impact on the way I looked at myself as a hairdresser, and the way I cut hair. In 1999, I became determined to meet him in person. I ordered his entire line of hair products so that I could see him in action. It was exciting to see such a gentle man working and creating such beautiful haircuts. He only tried to explain his craft; he never talked much about his hair products. I will never forget how happy and honored the models were to have John touch their hair, and I am fairly certain they truly believed they had been given a valuable work of art. Since that moment, I have determined to be like John, so I could possess that kind of power. John would start his haircuts from the bottom, sectioning the hair horizontally. He would use a medium-sized round iron to smooth each horizontal section before using his small shears, stroke-cutting the hair to create texture and softness. Nobody would ever know how he was going to cut each piece of hair, or which haircuts he would give his models. I would be willing to bet he did not
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know either, since he followed no formula or steps, only his instincts. He would just keep cutting until he liked what he saw. He always introduced himself as a craftsman, and he always called his fellow hairdressers colleagues when demonstrating his skill. He did not want to teach them, but to share his philosophy and work. By talking to him, people who knew him and his fellow hairdressers, I came to believe that he was a person who respected nature, animals, people and hair; he loved hair and wanted to turn each haircut into a piece of art, a sculpture. It did not matter whose hair he was working on, he treated each client equally and took great pride in his haircuts, never compromising the final results. John called his salon the workshop because he wanted to work as a craftsman, not as a hairdresser. He looked at hair as a canvas, his skill as craftsmanship, and the hairdressers who worked with him as fellow craftsmen, sharing the same visions, concepts, philosophies and values. He respected his clients for giving him the opportunity and privilege to work on their hair, and in return he gave them everything he had to make their hair “a walking art.” He showed his passion in his attitude towards hair, his integrity through his haircuts, his professionalism in the way he presented himself while he was working, and his humanity through the ways he treated people around him. He worked with his heart and soul; he created his haircuts with fun and wit, and he brought life to his clients’ hair. He earned respect by devoting his life to honoring his craft. The industry has suffered a devastating loss in losing John, who had so much to offer in his experience, knowledge, skill, creativity
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and wisdom. It will not, however, be a complete loss, if we can learn from what he has left behind. I believe he had a mission in life, which was not only to display his talent in creating stylish haircuts and making people beautiful and happy, but also to inspire hairdressers to be more than “just hairdressers.” He showed them alternative ways of being hairdressers and of cutting hair. I believe he successfully accomplished his mission, because John Sahag was a true artist, and a true artist is what I want to be. I would like to believe he left us for another beautiful place and is in peace. I hope he is watching over us and the entire industry, as well as having fun watching hairdressers do hair on earth. John will not be forgotten. His spirit will live on, and his legacy will be carried on for decades by those he has touched. I will always think of him whenever I am cutting dry hair and trying to sculpt that hair to perfection. This tribute is the least I can do to thank him, show my gratitude for and say farewell to John, a true artist and a legend in our industry. To learn more about John Sahag,
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