American Crew's 2012 Face Off: Best Men's Stylist in the US

Winner: Patrick Chai
Salon: Floyd’s 99 Barbershop
City, State: Los Angeles, CA
Photography: Patrick Chai

Method: "This hair cut was done entirely with shears," Chai says. "I first did a uniform cut around the sides and the back. I left more length on the top and performed notch cutting to add texture. After drying the hair, I also added more texture to the sides. I knew I wanted to emphasize the texture and a matte finish, so I chose to use Fiber. I worked it through the hair, twisting the ends of pieces on top."

Products: American Crew Tea Tree Balancing Shampoo, Tea Tree Calming Conditioner, Fiber

Inspiration: "We get a lot of conservative young professionals at our shop who settle into the routine of getting the same conservative hair cut. I was inspired by their conformity to create something that was fitting for young professionals but with a little bit of an edge. I'm also drawn toward modern style and architecture, so I feel the added texture in this cut adds play while keeping things current."

Runner Up: Sarah Adams
Salon: 77 Salon
City, State: Portland, OR
Photography: Quavando Nguyen

Method: "This horseshoe rests from above the crown and points downward toward the temples," Adams says. "This causes the undulating line seen at the profile. Clipper-over-comb with scalp exposure close to the transition. Horizontal disconnected transition adds to the dramatic rolling sensation sweeping from the back to the front in a 'jelly roll.' Grooming Cream amplifies the shape with maximum shine and hold."

Products: American Crew Citrus Mint Refreshing Shampoo, Citrus Mint Conditioner, Grooming Cream, Light Hold Texture Lotion

Inspiration: "Hanging out on the river dock while fishing, I saw a pile of rope. The way it undulated back and forth had such an interesting feel. Charming and yet a little immoral."