His passion became his profession

AndrÉ Campbell is a hairstylist who stumbled upon a love for creating female hairstyles when he was as young as 12 years old.

Growing up in a 'family yard' on Mannings Hill Road in St Andrew with a number of female relatives, he could not escape being asked to help with their hair.

"You may have one ask you to 'pull out this for me', and another time, 'try to plait this for me', 'try see if you can canerow it," explained the well-spoken 24-year-old.

From there, it gradually grew into a love for showing his creativity through hair. He did his first full hairstyle as a teenager, picking up his skills along the way.

"I'm a fast learner; I just have to see you do something one time, and that's it, " said Campbell.

However, Campbell initially only wanted to pursue haircare as a hobby; his professional dream was to become a lawyer. However, he was hindered by the high cost of education. After leaving Holy Trinity High School and subsequently St George's College sixth form, he took up a scholarship to study to become a court reporter.

"Honestly, it was a means to an end, because I really wanted to be a lawyer," he explains. He completed the training, but has yet to practise in the field.

Instead, it would be his passion that would become his profession.

House calls

Andre's Hair Studio, which is based solely on house calls, is what keeps him busy these days.

"I do pretty much everything at their house. I walk with all the products I will need," he said, stating that most of his clients come through referrals."

Recently, he completed a certificate in cosmetology from La Marie Spa Institute and a certificate in make-up artistry from The Face Place.

He does all things hair, but recently said he's getting mostly requests for weaves.

"I do a bit of fantasy hair as well," he said, as he placed third in the Karl J. Celebrity Hair show in Barbados.

Campbell admitted that there is a stigma attached to being a male hairstylist, as he gets questioned about his sexual orientation, but he remains professional.

While he was working on a photoshoot one client said, 'I hope you're not overly gay you know, because I don't know how the persons in charge will react.'

On the other hand, he admitted it does give him an edge. "Women who have their hair done by a male hairdresser say it's just done better. I can't really explain, I just know they feel that way."

Going forward, Campbell wants to attend workshops overseas to improve his craft and to open his own salon.

"Hair for me is not work; I love what I do. I'm just very passionate about the way I do hair."

Search for him on Facebook (André Campbell) or contact him at 472-8513.