Hairstory’s less-is-more philosophy is creating a revolution
![’New Wash’, a revolutionary, all-in-one shampoo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LeNrrQ9x7M8VNANhc3PygK-415-80.jpg)
The anti-shampoo movement may have only recently hit the mainstream, but for Michael Gordon, the hair master who founded Bumble & Bumble and counted Vidal Sassoon as a mentor, eschewing traditional shampoo has been the end-goal for developing Hairstory.
Consisting of just four products, Hairstory distils some of Gordon’s greatest hits in their purest form. ‘Undressed’, a texturising hair spray, evokes the undone, everyday elegance of French women by producing a matte, perfectly mussed finish. ‘Dressed Up’ – a lightweight crème – protects hair from heat styling while providing non-greasy hold and separation. ‘Hair Balm’ is a frizz-controlling moisturiser that adds a natural definition to curly hair. The true hero however, is ‘New Wash’, a creamy hair wash infused with lavender, nettle and calendula to soothe the scalp and repair dry hair. Formulated without any sulfates and detergents (the culprits that create a need for conditioners, treatments and all the other haircare products that flood the market), it’s so nourishing that nothing else is needed after.
‘The most important question for me was: could we develop a new way to wash hair, and what would that look like?’ Gordon recalls. ‘I was amazed at how many different shampoos, conditioners, masks and treatments companies had, and had finally woken up to the fact that it was mad. I was convinced a less-is-more approach was needed.’
He adds, ‘I honestly think in five years people are going to go, "Oh God, remember when we used to wash our hair with shampoo?’’’
Hairstory (which was initially known as Purely Perfect when it first launched in 2013) today consists of a product line, creative studio and content portal for hairstylists and hair enthusiasts alike. In addition to the products, Gordon runs an invitation-only hair studio from his home in downtown Manhattan, where his team creates real (and enviable) hair on real people to debunk the airbrushed myths of conventional beauty. Focused on individuality, colour and a liberating, non-conventional approach to hair, the results are artful and inspiring, accompanied by an imperfect standard of beauty that we can get behind.
In addition to the product line, Hairstory also consists of a creative studio and content portal for hairstylists and hair enthusiasts alike, operated from Gordon's downtown Manhattan loft
The concept also includes an invitation-only salon, where his team creates real (and enviable) hair on real people to debunk the airbrushed myths of conventional beauty
A view of the entryway to the studio (pictured left) and a cutting station with shelves of Hairstory products and inspiration (right)
Focused on individuality, colour and a liberating, non-conventional approach to hair, the results are artful and accompanied by an imperfect standard of beauty
Michael Gordon (pictured left) at work
INFORMATION
Hairstory products range from $30–$40. To buy, visit the Hairstory website
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
Pei-Ru Keh is a former US Editor at Wallpaper*. Born and raised in Singapore, she has been a New Yorker since 2013. Pei-Ru held various titles at Wallpaper* between 2007 and 2023. She reports on design, tech, art, architecture, fashion, beauty and lifestyle happenings in the United States, both in print and digitally. Pei-Ru took a key role in championing diversity and representation within Wallpaper's content pillars, actively seeking out stories that reflect a wide range of perspectives. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children, and is currently learning how to drive.
-
Commune’s sustainable personal care products look ‘quite unlike anything else’
Commune’s Somerset-made products stand out in the sustainable skincare crowd. Madeleine Rothery speaks with the brand’s co-founders Kate Neal and Rémi Paringaux
By Madeleine Rothery Published
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
New Texas blowout bar is first to specialise in textured hair
Pressed Roots is a new Dallas salon that seeks to revolutionise the industry with care and styling services for highly textured hair
By Mary Cleary Last updated
-
Nakeya Brown explores Black womanhood through hair
For her latest series, the photographer documents trends in African American hairstyles from the mid-century onwards
By Fiona Mahon Last updated
-
David Mallett opens a new salon at The Webster New York
By Pei-Ru Keh Last updated
-
Hair master: Reverie’s minimalist offering achieves maximum results
By Pei-Ru Keh Last updated