Executive Contour Look by WAHL

When muscle cars meet powerful clippers

WAHL presents iconic men's trends in collaboration with Jürgen Niederl

Muscle cars embody everything that young people in 1950s America were about, including their rejection of boring street cars and rebellion against their parents' conservative ways. At the time, these cars generated phenomenal buzz and are still popular around the world today thanks to their turbo engines and rebellious design. Simply put, something for masculine guys.

Inspired by all this, WAHL collaborated with Jürgen Niederl (Holy Tiger Barbershop, Graz) to develop a trendy collection for a truly epic man. The parallels are obvious, as WAHL clippers boast muscular power for the user's enjoyment and are internationally renowned symbols of "The American Way" and "true masculinity" within the barbering industry. The new trend line includes a total of seven great looks, which WAHL will release one by one starting in 2021.

However, it's not just about classic men's haircuts and trendy styles of this period; inspiration is also taken from several characters within the muscle car community. We want to inspire hairdressers and barbers to use these creative impulses in their work and delight their male customers with new styles again and again,” explains Heike Engel-Protzek, Marketing Manager EMEA at WAHL .

Muscle Cars collection – the ladykiller

Look 1: The Holy Executive Contour

Bold, arrogant and unabashedly attractive: this is how the ladykillers of the 1950s muscle car community presented themselves. With their charismatic looks and fierce supercars, they would turn women's heads wherever they went. And it's not surprising because they offered a refreshing change from the post-war conservative male look.

These heartthrobs were extremely versatile in fashion and had an unbeatable sense of style. Consisting of a mix of casual clothing and trendy sunglasses, new rebellious style trends were emerging. However, the jewel in the stylistic crown was the haircut, and as a result, men's hairstyles were suddenly freed from all shackles of convention. Barbers of this time were constantly developing new and elaborate looks for their male clients. Inspired by this, WAHL collaborated with Jürgen Niederl to produce the Holy Executive Contour , a look that combines rebellious elements with a classy sense of style. The top of the hair is longer, but still defined with a parting, and a sculpted quiff is created at the front of the head. The neck and side areas are much shorter and have precise contours, which adds an extra touch of class to the cut. In contrast to this, a characteristic full beard with a first-class intricate cut is created and shaped.

The perfect cut requires two things: the correct technique and the right tools. Jürgen Niederl chose the WAHL Cordless Super Taper and the Beret to create the entire haircut, with the latter, a popular choice among many barbers for its exceptional precision, used to create clear contours.

Step by step for the Holy Executive Contour

Step 1: Part and pin a profile line from the front hairline to the back of the head.

Step 2: Using the WAHL Cordless Supertaper and the over-comb technique, create a baseline that runs from the anterior hairline to the occipital bone.

Step 3: Using the WAHL Cordless Supertaper and the over-comb technique, and going from the baseline to the hairline, a connection is created with the occipital bone in diagonal sections that run backwards, matching the natural fall of the curvature of the head. Repeat on the other side.

Step 4: Using the WAHL cap , create a clean, smooth transition from your hairline to your beard line.

Step 5: Clean the area using the WAHL Mobile Shaver .

Step 6: Create a radial section from ear to ear at a 45-degree lift angle. The vertical guide band is split in the center. This technique is repeated with star-shaped sections running vertically and diagonally across the front. Repeat on the other side. Then define a visual transition from the shortest point to the longest point. This will create a gentle graduation (softness in the cut line). The longest point can be shaped individually.

Step 7: Shape your beard freehand with the WAHL Cordless Super Taper . Use this technique to create the client's preferred symmetry and shape. The result should be a beard style that visually complements your face shape.

Step 8: Hair is blow dried to ensure a natural fall, with as little volume as possible at the back of the head. In the front area of ​​the hair, volume builds up to make it easier to create the classic 50s style.