MODERN SALON is sad to report that noted hair color innovator and educator Andrew Bartfield died on June 23, 2018. Bartfield was the VP/General Manager of Celeb Luxuryand helped launch and develop its Viral, Gemlites and Bondfix brands. His long and influential salon career also included leadership roles at ARTec, L’Oreal Professionnel and other leading brands.

The Celeb Luxury team collaborated on a statement, expressing their love for their friend and leader: 

"Andrew Bartfield...The Treasure. Not just to those of us fortunate enough to know him but to the entire beauty industry. He stood for everything that is good about our industry, loved serving others, was kind and caring to all. He made us all better, not through words but by example and that little twinkle in his eye.

"Throughout his career, Andrew trained and mentored some of the most successful and talented people in the industry. He was a learner, a life-long student, who loved to share his knowledge as a world class beauty expert. His true greatness lived in his kindness, witty humor, and generosity. Andrew taught us that we can be thoughtful and caring in our strength and to be instruments of encouragement.

"A brilliant colorist and business leader, he partnered with a big heart. His most unique quality was a spirit of serving and he never forgot why we are here--to serve, respect and honor each other’s value and differences. We are an industry that serves. Andrew taught us how to be more than artists and business people, but to hold ourselves to a higher standard of patience, love, and compassion. Those attributes shine brightly through his lifetime work at Artec, L’Oréal Professional and Celeb Luxury. Andrew’s influence has been infused into the culture of all of us at Celeb Luxury. A willingness to serve and desire to care.

"He was and is loved with every passing moment. We will carry throughout our days his gentle spirit. Most importantly, no one gave a better hug than Andrew. God, we miss him. Farewell, our friend, until we meet again."

--The Celeb Luxury Family

We encourage industry peers, friends and students to share their tributes to Bartfield in the comments, and to contact MODERN SALON MEMO Editor Anne Moratto (anne.moratto@bobit.com) with specific anecdotes and memories.

 MODERN SALON extends our sympathy and support to Bartfield’s family, friends and colleagues.