Daily Inspiration: Meet Andy Judd

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Judd.

Hi Andy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I first started my hair journey in 2014. I was living in Rochester, NY, studying advertising photography and photojournalism at RIT. I realized early on that I enjoyed getting the models ready and being on a different side of set than being the photographer; that led to me to hair. Skip to ten years later, and I now have completely dedicated myself to the industry. I’m fortunate enough to be able to have marketed a brand that’s provided so many opportunities. I’ve been a part of industry events, been a finalist, and won, hair competitions, teach private education, create imagery and work for brands. My love for working behind the chair hasn’t diminished, this year I’ve made the move to be more independent inside a calm environment as a booth renter inside of Holiday Salon + Bathhouse.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a continuous road! Being a hairstylist who works behind the chair in itself provides struggles. Physically, you’re on your feet consistently for long hours, typically, without breaks. Add in trying to market to clients, and to the industry as a whole and that provides challenges. You have to share so much of yourself, while also not succumbing to self-doubt. However, that’s the journey! I view the industry as a giant puzzle and once I spend time on a portion and feel confident about it, it’s time to move to the next.

In honesty, the most challenging part of this career has been state licenses. Each state has a different written and practical test and number of hours of school/years experience to be able to transfer. I’m licensed in New York, Ohio and Tennessee. New York being first, then having to take the written and practical tests to transfer to Ohio.
When I moved to Tennessee with two licenses and almost 4 years work experience, Tennessee wouldn’t accept a transfer as I didn’t have 5 years work experience, and my initial schooling in NY had less hours than Tennessee requires. (Even though an Ohio license is the same hours as Tennessee. So, I was made to go back to hair school when I moved to Nashville, delaying the job I was hired to do and stunting my income for over 6+ months.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do hair, simply put. I make an effort to make sure to have a foundational understanding for whomever is in my chair and what they’re goals are. As a brand beyond catering to a clientele behind the chair, I tend to push my creativity to create collections of interesting shapes and color combinations. I’m known for mullets, shags, mod hair, working with natural textures in shape. In color, for creating vivid tones inspired by the natural world: fish, flowers, etc.

I’m most proud of my dedication to the craft, and focusing on creating an individual perspective. I’m proud that it’s recognized, and ever changing.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Thats a difficult question! Trends in hair move so fast now, especially since the industry can be divided into some many categories of type of work. For me, it’s all about the individual and highlighting them as a person.

My hope for the industry would be to continue to thrive on creativity and more direct community.

Contact Info:

• Website: andydoesyourhair.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andy_doesyourhair/?hl=en