LA LEGENDS: ALLEN EDWARDS, A "SHEAR FORCE" IN HAIR DESIGN

by Don Rose

What does it take to become an LA legend? One part experience, one part charm and warmth, and then there's that magic "X Factor" talked about by George Plimpton and others. Add a long list of clients from the famous to the infamous. A passion for excellence. A strong reputation. All these characteristics and more fit beauty icon ALLEN EDWARDS.

Now is an exciting time for Edwards. He and his wife and business partner Lisa are celebrating their 35th Anniversary in business this year. And "SHEAR FORCE: An Image-maker’s Memoir" (written by Allen Edwards with Lorin Shields-Michel and published by Durban House Press) is now available at bookstores across the country. The book is an inspiring personal story of Allen Edward’s triumph over adversity. Edwards takes us behind-the-scenes into the glitzy Beverly Hills beauty industry during the ‘70s and ‘80s.

The innovative Edwards was the first to start exposing hairdressers on TV back in 1975, and personally has over 1,000 television appearances including OPRAH, REGIS and LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH & FAMOUS. Recent media coverage includes Discovery Channel's “THE SINGING OFFICE”, NBC’s “1ST LOOK LA”, “FAMILY JEWELS” on A & E and “SPLIT ENDS” and “HOW DO I LOOK” on The Style Network. Edwards and his team styled 5 female Hosts from E! Entertainment for the cover of the September issue of HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY Magazine. And SALON CITY MAGAZINE voted Allen Edwards Salon + Spa #4 on their list of “HOT 100 Salons In America”.

What is the Allen Edwards secret for being an industry leader for over 3 decades in the competitive world of beauty? He customizes each hair style and color to work for each client and emphasizes constant change with his styling team. “When a client says that they love the way they look and feel, I know my team and I have done our job. This has always been my goal," explains Edwards.

Allen and his team of personally trained stylists have coiffed some of the world’s most recognizable celebrities including Brooke Shields, Ted Dansen, Goldie Hawn, Dustin Hoffman, Kirsten Dunst and Donna Mills. Edwards is the original creator of the Farrah Fawcett layered cut which started a trend that still exists today.

Allen has been doing book signings of "Shear Force" here in the LA area, and more are sure to follow. Whether you are a fan of Allen's or simply curious, make a point to attend one of these signings as it is a great time to meet a wonderful man whose incessant passion and energy has created generations of new hair styles.

I had the pleasure of meeting Allen Edwards recently at the W Hotel. He is very friendly and looks every bit like the legendary hair stylist that he is, with perfectly coiffed mane and cool goatee. I couldn't help but wonder: can my hair ever look as cool as his? Well, stay tuned for Part 2 of this feature on Allen, as I will talk about my visit to his salon to get a style from the man himself!

ALLEN EDWARDS Salon + Spa is located in Brentwood and Woodland Hills, California -- and coming soon is a new product line: ALLEN EDWARDS GREEN. For more information go to: www.allenedwards.com.