Session stylist and former London Hairdresser of the Year Luke Benson’s grooming clients include Tom Grennan, Roman and Martin Kemp, George Ezra, Liam Payne, Joe Dempsie, Louis Tomlinson, Joe Jonas and more, and he’s tipping easy to wear longer looks with natural texture for men’s hair this season.
Luke says, “We’re seeing a lot more grown out styles on guys without it being long, moving away from fades and super short cuts. Look at Paul Mezcal’s shape for inspiration; he’s got a modern mullet with length at the back and sides but tapering at the sideburns. For Tom Grennan’s new album launch I’ve done something similar which works with his texture – I’ve taken the taper in right at the front but used his natural movement everywhere else. With a low fade, embracing his curls, I added some scattered lights to enhance that natural texture.
“For a recent shoot with Patrick Gibson, I gave him a soft haircut to complement his natural texture keeping the length at the back and sides to retain a clean tailored finish.
“I’m keeping Roman Kemp’s cut a bit longer than we used to, because it’s a little bit softer it’s great for TV as it appeals to everybody. Technically, you’re basically cutting it through the fingers, using a square layering technique most of the time, or a soft scissor over comb using a wide toothed comb, adding a lot of texture, point cutting to reduce some weight and then working visually with it.
“It’s important to take hair growth patterns into account, thinning or thick areas where you want to reduce weight or take away, keeping the edges sharp and cleaning up neck hair if someone with shorter hair wants to grow it out – just for a maintenance haircut if this is kept clear it makes the growing out process easier.
My product tips for styling this look include Keune Curl Cream applied to damp hair, or Keune Style Soft Mousse and Style Salt Mousse which can be layered together for more hold. I like a texturizing spray or spray wax to give hold without being claggy like a pomade can be. If you want the hair to move just apply product to damp hair then a very light mist of soft hairspray when dry.”
Luke’s client list includes the world’s hottest singer, Billie Eilish, for whom Luke created the iconic hair moments at the BRITS and the BOND premiere, Liam Payne, Roman Kemp, Michelle Keegan, Joe Dempsie, Anna Friel, Louis Tomlinson, Mae Muller, Martin Kemp, Daisy Lowe, Joe Jonas, Amelia Gray, George Ezra and leading Bollywood Actress, Amy Jackson. Find more from Luke at https://www.lukebensonsalon.com/
