When Vasile Bernevec, Color Educator for Alfaparf and stylist at Custom Hair Lounge, moved to the U.S. from Moldova in 2011, he had to learn an entirely new way of living. He uses this patience when educating to show stylists that if you stick with it, learning can be fun. His fresh perspective on the craft of hairdressing is why we’ve selected him as Premier Beauty’s April Educator of the Month!

How did you get your start in hairdressing?

I used to be a lawyer before doing hair! However, I went to America’s Beauty Show in 2012—one of my friends was a model for Tabatha Coffey—and I realized I probably had this passion in me all this time. I wanted to create. As soon as the show was over, I went to the Aveda Institute to become a hairdresser.

What’s your favorite hair color technique?

Color melting. I want to master color melts and hair color tattoos.

What’s your favorite product from Alfaparf?

The Harmonizers, which are post-bleach balancing toners that give up to a level and a half of lift. I lighten my hair a lot and use these with 20 vol. to lift my yellowish hair to a white. They are soft toners; I never end up with over toned hair.

What's the newest, freshest approach you're bringing to education?

Stylists like to hear stories about what I do and what happens in the salon. Icebreakers and questions grab their attention. Many stylists feel like they don’t need education, but they have to remember that clients are always going to come in with new ideas, so there’s always something to learn. I make learning fun.

What are your educator goals?

I love what I do. I want to be a platform artist and work during New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. I can’t wait for that day. Our head educators from Alfaparf—Teri Guardino and Vivica Davies—inspire me. One of my favorites is also Ammon Carver. Last but not least, I want to give a “thank you” to my biggest inspirations: My salon crew and our salon owners, Nevena Rothe and Tania Gilbert!

Follow Vasile Bernevec on Instagram at @thehairmann. Log in or register at Premier Beauty to shop the entire Alfaparf line.