Henry E Hair Boutique

Henry E Hair Boutique 2021 Lookbook

Creative directed and shot a lookbook of hairstyles showcasing the creative expertise of renowned hairstylist Henry E. Wakefield whose motto “life is too short to have boring hair” shines throughout.

Objective and Context
Henry E. Wakefield is a renowned hair and make-up artist based in Pretoria. Known for his fun, quirky and audacius approach to both, this lookbook pays homage to his motto, “Life is too short to have boring hair”.

Creative Concept
Using the backdrop of an eclectic home in Derby, North West, the lookbook comprised of twelve looks. Each with their own different looks and feels. The larger focus was on colour and texture, two elements which Henry uses in his hairstyling to express his creativity.

Execution and Process
Look 1 – Man in the Wild
Inspired by the animalistic prowl of a feline. The concept was built around the sharp spikes on the hair resembling tiger stripes, juxtaposed with the strong build of the model, we explore the idea of man prowling in nature.
Look 2 – Flowers are for Everyone
The quiff came about in response to the hyper-masculine post-WWII era of buzzcuts and short hair. This look pays respect to that movement whilst also giving homage to the unisex image it developed in recent times exemplified by actresses like Ruby Rose. This is a callback to its history whilst also a play on the relationship between the masculine and feminine.
Look 3 – The Hero In You
Inspired by imagery of superheroes in action, this quiff is more masculine and wavy with a heavy focus on texture – the perfect hairstyle to capture the audience looking on as the hero does what heroes do.
Look 4 – Rock n’ Roll Babyyy!
Inspired by the grunge aesthetics of heavy metal, this messy bun is fun, chaotic and heavily masculine. Influenced heavily by Jason Momoa’s carefree and grunge image, we used the metallic backdrop, heavy chains and motorbike to sell the image of a rockstar in his element.
Look 5 – Crown of Royalty
The colour of the eggplant is historically attached to royalty and nobility. The model is positioned in a pose that signafies the dignity of nobility, coupled with the stylized vision of a plum crown, this is a satirical play on the image of royalty.
Look 6 – Purple
The purple undertones, softness of the make-up and playful space buns reminiscent of a young girl was juxtaposed by his strong masculine features and his eyes just popped out to me and so this head-on portrait was inspired by this gaze.
Look 7 – Birds of a Feather Fall
Although the colours were the biggest draw in this look, the true focus is the texture. This look is highly layered, dramatic and loud, so the exclusion of colour forces you to focus on what makes this look for me: the texture.
Look 8 – Red Room
Red is a sensual colour and although it is loud, it can be soft and intimate. This look was a play on this idea; having a burly masculine man in soft, or from another perspective, exposed positions. However it is less sexual and more expressive, despite the colour’s connotations.
Look 9 – Bust of a Man
Inspired by the royal portraits of the Renaissance/Baroque period.
Look 10 – Gaze
Intimate, romantic and passionate. Emphasized by the red rob and red lipstick and blush, the curly hair adds a dramatic yet encapsulating flair to this gaze.
Look 11 – Fruit of Life
Inspired by the soft curves of fruit, a curvature mimicked in both the hair and the model’s features.