Shu Uemura Art of Hair and Kérastase are welcoming two incredible artists to their team thanks to an exciting new partnership. Both hair brands recently announced that Whitney VerMeer and Jay Mahmood are their newest Pro Artistic Partners.
While both brands will engage VerMeer and Mahmood in select initiatives, the partnership will largely be focused on advancing Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s educational and creative vision. Together, both artists bring unparalleled expertise, vision, and craftsmanship to the role—ushering in a new era of advanced education and artistry through an exclusive series of events: the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Icon Sessions, presented in collaboration with Kérastase and hosted at the L’Oréal Pro Lab and premier venues across the United States.
As Pro Artistic Partners, VerMeer and Mahmood will spearhead a bold new vision for professional education within Shu Uemura Art of Hair. Their exclusive programs will blend technical mastery with avant-garde creativity, offering stylists immersive and transformative experiences that elevate the craft to new heights. The partnership’s inaugural events are set to launch in June 2025, with appearances at the L’Oréal Pro Lab and select key markets nationwide.
“Whitney and Jay embody the spirit of precision, artistry, and boundary-pushing innovation that defines Shu Uemura Art of Hair,” said Kate Oechsle-Truesdale, Vice President of Education, Kérastase, and Shu Uemura. “Their partnership marks an exciting new chapter in our mission to empower artists to treat hair as the ultimate medium of self-expression and beauty.”
About Whitney VerMeer
An internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning artist, VerMeer is known for merging conceptual and architectural elements to redefine the boundaries of hair design. Her work transcends traditional haircutting by treating the craft as both a sculptural and emotional discipline—grounded in precision and driven by artistic intention. VerMeer’s innovative approach led to the creation of the VerMeer Foundational Blueprint, a revolutionary design framework rooted in anatomical proportion and architectural principles.
As the Global Creative Lead for Andis Company, she not only shaped global educational strategy but also engineered professional scissors, infusing tool design with her signature precision. Her contributions to education and product development for L’Oréal, Mizutani Scissors, and other global brands have elevated industry standards, inspiring a new generation of artists to approach haircutting with structure, creativity, and integrity. Beyond the salon, VerMeer’s influence extends into editorial styling and creative directions, where her visionary concepts have shaped the future of beauty imagery and innovation.
About Jay Mahmood
Mahmood brings over two decades of precision haircutting leadership, with a celebrated career that began at Vidal Sassoon in London. Rising to the role of Academy Principal by the age of 23, Mahmood went on to serve as Global Creative Director of Haircutting & Education for Goldwell, where he designed comprehensive global systems and mentored educators worldwide.
Known for his meticulous craftsmanship, commitment to lifelong learning, and passion for legacy-building, Jay has impacted thousands of hairdressers across North America, Europe, South Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East through his seminars, stage works, and advanced education programs. His philosophy emphasizes both technical excellence and holistic professional development empowering artists to evolve creatively and personally. Mahmood is currently based at the Jay Mahmood Advanced Academy in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he teaches his world-renowned precision cutting methods.
Keep up with both Shu Uemura Art of Hair and Kérastase by following @shuuemura_artofhair and @keratase_official on Instagram.
