It is always great news when amazing talent comes back to Vancouver. Mark Mcleod left a decade ago to pursue a career as a hair stylist in London and New York, but has recently come back to Vancouver. Although he will be going back to NYC every eight weeks to see his clients,  he is in Vancouver for good. We sat down with this accomplished master stylist to chat about New York hair trends and the best new product on the market.

Vitamin Daily: What did you do in the eight years you were in New York?

Mark McLeod: I worked at Studio Arrojo in New York, and worked on the education side. When I wasn't seeing clients, I travelled and performed at tradeshows. Our goal was to improve the industry.

VD: What brought you back to Vancouver?

MM: Strictly family. But also I can make a great difference in the hair scene here, I think there needs to be a fresher culture.

VD: Tell us about some of the big hair trends in New York right now.

MM: Lots of ombre and reverse ombre, hand-painted colour. There are lots of undone styles, that are done. Exaggerated beach waves done with hands instead of irons. There are also a lot of strong, challenging looks, like bleach hair with black roots.

VD: What kind of styles do you recommend for the typical Vancouver girl who works out a lot (and can't necessarily wash her hair after every trip to the gym), goes straight from work to social events, and deals with a lot of rain?

MM: Any cut is good. You just need to learn how to style it in 15 to 20 minutes maximum. Twist drying is fastest, and it is easy to do undone up styles. Side chignons and top knits are also easy styles (see above and below). Try to avoid too much curling and flat irons. The tools these days are too hot, and they burn the hair.

VD: Any new products we need to know about?

MM: Dry shampoo, dry shampoo, dry shampoo. It cleanses and cleans, adds bulk and looseness. Also, you can use dry shampoo on wet hair, which can be twisted dry, the dry shampoo creates bulk and helps you style it. Try Kevin Murphy's Dry Cleaning Spray.

Book an appointment with Mark McLeod at Space salon, 528 West Broadway, Vancouver, 604-681-1444.