The following interview was quite a fascinating experience for me. Few weeks ago I was given an incredible chance to chat with Allen Edwards the man who created The Farrah for Farrah Fawcett one of the most famous haircuts of our time. I grew up in Israel watching my mom trying to get The Farrah and even me as a child was dreaming of having that flip and layered cut. It felt like I was writing a piece in history. Farrah left Allen Edwards at one point to another hairdresser called: Jose Eber, who apparently also takes credit for creating The Farrah. But, Farrah Fawcett went to Allen first! Read more.

Allen Edwards

For more than three decades the internationally recognized beauty industry icon, Allen Edwards has been styling the tresses of some of the most glamorous women in the world including Farrah Fawcett, Donna Mills, Anne Bancroft, Diane Keaton and Raquel Welch. It was Edwards who fashioned Assistant District Attorney Marcia Clark’s new look during the O.J. Simpson murder trial. Modern Salon Magazine recently named Allen Edwards among 50 most influencial hairdressers in history with industry leaders Vidal Sasson, Jose Eber and Sally Hershberger. Also a must read Allen’s 200-page memoir: “Shear Force: An Image-Maker’s Memoir”, released in 2008. The book details the glitzy Beverly Hills beauty industry over the past 30 years and Allen Edwards tumultuous parallel ride through it all.

In this interview Allen Edwards talks to Marta Walsh about his beginnings as a young hairdresser in Beverly Hills. How one day he met Farrah Fawcett and what led him creating The Farrah one of the most famous haircuts of our time . Talks about the changes in hairstyles and celebrities over the years. The celebrity who he would love to style today. His favorite Shear Force products. Gives advice to aspiring celebrity hairstylists. And talks future plans.

Marta Walsh: When did your interest in hair design begin?
Allen Edwards: I was always into the arts side of the world. I was a musician and a dancer from 8 years old till I was 19. I thought that’s what I’m going to do. After meeting other musicians I’ve realized they really didn’t make much money. When I got out of high school I quit playing trumpet. Around that time I met some people who went to beauty school. That interested me. Since I quite music and career was always important to me, I decided to go to beauty school. It came really easy to me.

Allen Edwards styled the hair for this shoot of 5 of the top talent from E ! Catt Sadler, Ashlan Gorse, Debbie Matenopoulous, Samantha Harris and Giuliana Rancic. I’m huge fan of the E! beautiful presenters and always wondered who did their hair. Now I know! Mr. Allen Edwards Marta would like to meet you!:)

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