Ben Mollin, The Shear Genius
Owner/Elite Stylist at Ben Mollin Hair Education
Internationally recognized as an expert in fashion hairstyles, Ben Mollin inspires his team and Tricoci University students to deliver the hottest styles trending across the globe. Not only does Ben directly influence the stylists at his signature salon and across the TUBC campuses, he travels the world, educating and inspiring other professionals within the beauty industry, leading continuing education classes.
ABOUT BEN
Ben Mollin was born November 29, 1974 on the South Side of Chicago. Raised with teacher, musicians and theater performers for parents Ben recognized his passion for the arts early in his life.
A born entertainer, Ben picked up a saxophone at age 8. With the support of his family, he began Jazz lessons at age 10 and was privately taught by Tenor sax player, Kent Lemon. His passion for beauty began around that time as he was intrigued by Vidal Sassoon commercials of the early ‘80’s. At age 14, Ben gave his first permanent wave to a classmate and the rest is history.
Immediately going to study cosmetology after high school, Ben has always pursued his passion for music, learning how to play 10 different instruments. “Hair was always something which allowed me to work in three dimensions and allowed me to develop an understanding of anatomy” he recalls. At 21, he owned and operated his first salon and has been a gypsy of sorts playing in different bands and working on photo shoots, movies and runways along the way.
In 2007, the debut of “Shear Genius,” Bravo – TV’s reality competition for hairdressers, one of the genuine surprises was Ben Mollin. The tattooed, music-loving stylist was eccentric and humble. Exhibiting an eagerness to learn and a passion for his craft, Sally Hershberger and Vidal Sassoon commended Ben for his raw talent and his growth over the course of the competition. And grow he did, right into the number two spot, taking second place and outdistancing the thousands of other stylists who auditioned.
Today, Ben is in demand for personal appearances, video projects and more. Featured in “50 Hairstylists,” a book featuring the fifty most influential hairdressers in the country, Ben’s passion and raw talent for his craft has turned him into one of the most exciting innovative hairdressers in the industry. He is the owner and stylist at his own salon, Ben Mollin Hair Education, a guest artist with ISO, and host of the extremely popular, high-fashion runway show, Hair Wars. Ben Mollin is recognized all over the world and in conjunction with Windy City Media, Ben has challenged the most talented hair and beauty experts to bring out their best runway looks by hosting the salon tour in cities like Vegas, Scottsdale, Alberta Calgary, Chicago, and El Paso.
THE SALON
Ben Mollin Hair Education is a full-service boutique hair and beauty salon just 45 minutes south of Chicago, located in Griffith, Indiana. Since 2011, hair industry experts and Elite Stylists, owners Ben Mollin and Angela Avorio Mollin, have been delivering high-quality rock star hair services in their laid-back, vintage-inspired salon. Specializing in color and cuts for women and men, the professionals at Ben Mollin Hair Education are highly trained in the latest haircuts and professional hair color. Our Elite, Master, and Junior Stylists customize beauty services for women like precision haircuts, professional hair color, blow dry and styling, bridal and wedding party hair styling, waxing, make-up application, eyelash extension, and spray tan. Barber services for men include razor haircuts, razor shave, beard trim, and waxing maintenance.
THE CAFE
As you plan your visit to Ben Mollin Hair Education, treat yourself to something tasty at Angel Hair Cafe. Nestled next to the salon, the connecting Angel Hair Cafe is open on Wednesdays, Fridays, & Saturdays.
Gluten free, organic, vegan, and vegetarian options round out the menu. Comprised of fresh pressed juices, crazy cool and nutritious smoothies, farmed fresh salads, and specialty sandwiches, the menu changes seasonally and includes lovely libations like the signature Moscato Slushie, and simple beer and wine selections, like the ever-so cost effective PBR. With Angel Hair’s central location on the Griffith Bike Trail, the restaurant is accessible by two wheels or four. Angela Avorio Mollin has truly created a healthy alternative to eating on the go.
Check out Ben’s rock star hair and beauty services in Northwest Indiana, just south of Chicago, at Ben Mollin Hair Education at 140 S Broad Street in Griffith, Indiana or call the salon at (219) 922-1500.