The highly anticipated masterclass kicked off with a bang. Patrick Cameron, one of the leading figures in the world of long hair styling, took centre stage. This was his first-ever Salon International Masterclass. Here’s an insight into the details of the sessions.
The audience was treated to a captivating showcase. It included tips, techniques, and the magic of long hair manipulation. It provided a blend of classic and contemporary hairstyling for all to take back to the salon.
Known for his iconic step-by-step guidance, Patrick’s masterclass demonstrated the fusion of timeless hairstyling techniques with cutting-edge trends. He masterfully transitioned his expertise from the screen to the stage. The presentation was a spectacular. It displayed both trend-led and enduring hair-up looks. “It’s all about having fun with long hair, and this masterclass is all about great technique,” said Patrick Cameron.
During the masterclass, Patrick shared insights into his transition to moving back to New Zealand. He spoke about how this created the launch of his digital outreach program. He introduced his colleague, Marco. Marco plays a pivotal role in managing Patrick’s social media. He has also played a role in the creation of the latest ‘Fusion’ collection. This innovative collection involved producing intricate hairstyling on mannequin heads and leveraging artificial intelligence to transform them into realistic photoshoots. Patrick emphasised his love for mannequin head education, stating, “It’s just pure technique, and then it’s up to you as creatives to apply it to your customer’s personality.”
Patrick also reflected on receiving an MBE from Princess Anne for his outstanding contributions to the industry. He highlighted that this recognition wasn’t just a personal achievement but a milestone for the entire industry.
Patrick then shared his approach to creating beautiful, straightforward hairstyles. He presented tep-by-step techniques. Besides that, he ensured that the story of the hairstyle remains consistent throughout the process. “One of the wonderful things about long hair work is that repetition is a beautiful thing,” he noted.
When asked about his sources of inspiration, Patrick said, “I continue to play with long hair, and there are days when I feel incredibly creative and on top of the world. But there are also days when it’s harder to come up with something I want, especially when working on a new collection. My advice is to work as hard as you can on the days you feel creative and embrace the down days.”
During the masterclass, Patrick unveiled a series of stunning looks, including a textural, low chignon reminiscent of a seashell, “a cacophony of textures and curls held together by a ladder of hairpins”, and a bold Mohican-style quiff. He also demonstrated a playful updo using knitting needles to create volume while sharing valuable tips and tricks on how to create a look using this medium. “When I’m working on a hairstyle, it’s not about my success, it’s about your success,” added Patrick.
Patrick also emphasised the importance of adaptability in the ever-evolving world of hairstyling. “The biggest change I’ve seen in my career is the rise of the individual. Whether it’s cutting, colouring, or long hair, we’re witnessing the rise of the individual. To be successful, you have to excel at everything, from finger waves to bouffants with a 2023 twist.”
Patrick also shared with the audience how to achieve the best results when it comes to long hair styling, recommending preparing the hair with a soft roller set for movement rather than curl, followed by using tongs to create cylindrical curls for hair updos.
All of the looks presented during the masterclass aimed to showcase the meticulous attention to detail that has become synonymous with Patrick Cameron’s work. “I’m about to give you a ‘do that you can sell for a lot of money, and it’s so simple!”
The recently launched Fusion collection features a total of eight stunning styles. It reflects the importance of balance and control in achieving precise, beautiful, and textured hair. In closing, Patrick Cameron recapped the five looks from the Fusion collection. He also extended an invitation to the audience: “I’d love you to be part of my story—come and join me in my digital family.”