Meet Henry Graham III of Void of Hair in Highland Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Henry Graham III.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Henry. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in the Imperial Valley of California. I left at age 18 to begin my career in Seattle WA where I attended cosmetology school at an AVEDA institute. After, I began training at a salon in downtown Seattle focusing on cutting and styling to further my understanding of hair. I continued to grow my craft and knowledge over the years through advanced education to stay on top of my ever-evolving industry. I constantly seek out creatives who inspire me to keep learning and push myself as a stylist and individual. My career has given me the opportunity to work, teach, and do hair in Seattle, San Francisco, Austin TX, and New York, now calling Los Angeles my home. I continue to work abroad, taking clients where the opportunities arise but am full time in LA. I had moved here in 2016 to be closer to family and to really focus on what felt like the beginning of my career, after already putting in 14 years of work in the industry. I wanted to move here and build a name for myself, do hair that felt right to me (and the person in my chair), and eventually open a salon all my own. I feel extremely fortunate to walk into the space where I work and realize I am currently fulfilling all I set out for, and still have so much more to do.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Is it ever a smooth road?

I moved a lot and had to start over every time. I’m thankful for those experiences I had. They helped nurture and guide me into who I am today. I can only look back and be thankful for all the people, the knowledge, and situations that have helped nudge me along the way. Without the spaces that weren’t right or the people that we grew in opposite directions, I would not have the experience behind me I have today.

Working through my own self-doubt as an artist and business owner and realizing I had a voice in this industry pushed myself to do more. Trying to figure out that voice took me most of my career, which is why I say I feel like now, after 16 years of doing hair, I’m just now starting. I’m sure there will be more bumps along the road, but I see them more as opportunities for growth and ways to guide me forward.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Void of Hair story. Tell us more about the business.
I work out of a private studio in Highland Park. My goal of branching out on my own was to create a safe environment and clean air space for myself and my clients. Salons create so much waste, and the prolonged exposure to chemicals in hair products is something that hasn’t been talked about until recent years. Part of what I do is try to educate people on how to really care for their hair and themselves in the process.

I never thought that giving myself the Instagram handle, voidofhair, was going to stick the way it has. It’s sort of a play on words, and a lack of ever wanting to actually brand myself as a hairstylist.

I specialize in haircutting, working primarily with a razor. I work with people’s natural textures and help them see what’s there. I’m not the person you go to when you just want a trim; I’m the hairstylist you go to when you are ready to see the full potential of your hair. That doesn’t mean that it’s going to be a huge change, sometimes a simple edit can make a huge difference.

I take great pride in actually listening to the person in my chair, and really understanding hair. It’s so much more complex being a hairstylist then people think. Knowing how to execute a good haircut can be taught, but understanding what is suitable takes experience and patience.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I feel extremely lucky to have had the opportunities and experience I have had throughout the years getting me to where I am today. A lot of hard work has brought me notice from people that have wanted to give me a chance and help me grow. I feel like good luck/bad luck just comes down to hard work or neglect. I do believe I luck, fate, and the stars, but when it comes down to it, the work needs to be put in for luck to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.voidofhair.com
• Email: voidofhair@gmail.com
• Instagram: @voidofhair

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