With recent technology, people can print not just on paper but on fabric and huge canvases. But what about the human hair?
A Barcelona-based hairdresser and stylist, Alexis Ferrer developed a technique allowing him to digitally print onto human hair. He started with his experiments in 2012 after Wella Professionals tasked him to interpret a collection at the International Trend Vision Awards.
The goal was to “was to innovate with a technique not usually used in hairdressing.” Photos contains good storytelling potential so why not use it on hair. His first attempt got a lot of attention in the world of fashion. He is now currently working on further refining the technique.
He first printed female protagonists from horror classics like The Shining or Psycho on the hair. Models have their printed hair draped over their faces with extension fixed with a net for the hair to adapt to the movement.
In 2017, he teamed up with designer Txell Miras for 080 Barcelona Fashion Week inspired by shipping containers and fisherman. He had portraits of bearded fishermen printed.
Earlier this year, his technique improved with more vivid image. He kept the process a secret but described it as “a combination of artisanal styles mixed with technology”.
“I must admit that the first impressions on the hair were a challenge. It took two months to get good results with high definition… Mixing technology with our knowledge of crafts has allowed us to recreate those wonderful patterns on the hair,” Ferrer said.
His latest collection, ‘La Favorite‘ inspired by “the best fabrics for the French bourgeoisie during the XVIII century”. It contains Baroque-style motifs, like colourful peonies, butterflies, and birds.
Although, hair printing isn’t yet available commercially, but it’s proof of the innovation made possible by technology in hairstyling and fashion in general.
Source: Oddity Central