Will Johnson, 34

Photograph: Beth Levendis

Who: Will Johnson, 34
Where: Whistle Salon (267 E 10th St between First Ave and Ave A; 212-477-0631, whistlesalon.com)
Services: Cuts start at $60

What makes your approach to hair different?
It’s not too different. I find that scissors work well.

What is your area of expertise?
Making people look less ugly.

Why is it so much fun to get a cut from you?
Complimentary wine. Or tea, if that’s your thing.

Why did you go into hair?
To fulfill the dream I’ve had since I was a seven-year-old of becoming a hairdresser.

What traits about clients irk you most?
Tardiness! Oh, and butt sweat on my chair.

What’s the most overplayed style?
The Teri Hatcher–Michael Jackson ’do.

How long have you been snipping?
Legally for 15 years. Twenty if you don’t tell the New York State Board.

Are you self-taught or have you been trained by the best?
The best. The now-defunct Pittsburgh Beauty Academy.

Any style icons come to mind as inspiration?
Miss Piggy, Siouxsie Sioux and Brigitte Bardot.

Who does your hair?
If they work at Whistle, they do my hair.

Lastly, do you have any recommendations for a stylist with a similar vibe to yours?
Tom, Corrine, Leigh, Aaron, Heidi…anyone who works at Whistle would make a great Will substitute. They’re just shorter is all.

—Interview by Drew Toal

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Will Johnson, 34 Whistle Salon