Hairdressing according to shay dempsey and michael polsinelli

As creative directors for Sebastian Professional, Shay Dempsey and Michael Polsinelli inspire hairdressers around the world with their latest collections, designs and techniques. HJ Editor Ruth Hunsley spent time with them in Berlin recently and asked them for their thoughts on each other, their inspirations and the world of hairdressing

CREATIVITY

Shay: To be creative I must be inspired, then it's the process of getting from A-Z thats is so special. Making mistakes is the best way to create. Michael: Creativity is very personal. For me, it is an energy or feeling of inner expression waiting to be given life.

PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES

Shay: I never want to limit myself, I constantly challenge the way I think and look at all that is going on around me. Michael: For me, this is about going against the norm or status quo and creating something or unusual that ruffles conformity.

INSPIRATION

Shay: Inspiration can come at the most unexpected times, it's usually just a strong feeling I get that draws me closer to whatever it is at that time. That can be the Earth, a person, music or art. Michael: You can't be creative without being inspired by someone or something. It effects us most when we are plugged in or in tune with our surroundings. Sometimes we can look and hear but we don't see or listen.

BEING THE BEST

Shay: I am always trying to be the best I can be as a dad and as a professional while having fun along the way! Michael: Surrounding yourself with artists greater than yourself opens the mind's eye to new ways. Only then can you grow and learn. Then you have to train and put those lessons learned into practice.