You receive many high-profile clients every year. When a new client sits in your chair, what is that one question?
How do you manage your hair at home, and how much time do you dedicate to styling? This question is essential to understand the client’s aesthetic desire versus her daily reality. If she doesn’t have the time or manual dexterity, proposing a high-maintenance look would be a mistake. She needs something that works for her, not against her.
What are the physical signs you observe in the first thirty seconds?
To understand if there has been excessive chemical treatment, we look at the hair. Does it appear stony or rigid, or on the contrary, is it elastic or gummy when wet (signs of extreme chemical damage)? If we find it dehydrated, we will notice a dry scalp, static/frizzy hair, and split ends that break off easily. By touch, we can also understand if the client has a “sleep side.” These factors—flat, tangled, or dehydrated hair compared to the other side—often indicate that a cotton pillowcase is creating friction and excessive stress.
What is that exclusive Roman ingredient — or that local treatment — that a traveller cannot find anywhere else in the world?
In Rome, an exclusive treatment could be the use of extra virgin olive oil in holistic wellness rituals to nourish the hair fiber. Many salons offer specific bio and vegan treatments, such as the holistic “reset” for the scalp and hair, or base masks made from powders (like acacia), which leverage the philosophy of natural well-being typical of some local excellence.
Every day you observe hair under direct light and magnification. What do you notice in a client’s texture, elasticity, or growth patterns that tells you her diet is unbalanced?
We can notice precise signs of nutritional deficiencies. Regarding texture and shine: dull, opaque, or rough hair may indicate a deficiency in essential fatty acids or proteins (keratin). Regarding elasticity: a brittle mane that breaks easily suggests a lack of minerals like zinc and magnesium. Slowed growth or hair thinning are signals of a deficiency in B vitamins, such as biotin or iron.
Which vitamin or mineral should a client really have her doctor check, before spending another euro on supplements?
Before taking any supplements, it is crucial to check iron levels. Iron deficiency is a primary cause of weakness and hair loss, especially in women. Vitamin D can also have an impact; low levels are linked to alterations in the hair growth cycle and alopecia.
True elegance is that which appears effortless. How do you personalize a cut to enhance a client’s natural architecture, without imposing a trend that conflicts with her face?
Customization happens through the study of morphology, not by following trends. We analyze the volumes of the face, balance the proportions, and respect the hair’s natural fall. The goal is a cut that moves harmoniously, enhancing her unique strengths instead of hiding them behind a pre-defined template.
Which vitamin or mineral should a client really have her doctor check, before spending another euro on supplements?
Before taking any supplements, it is crucial to check iron levels. Iron deficiency is a primary cause of weakness and hair loss, especially in women. Vitamin D can also have an impact; low levels are linked to alterations in the hair growth cycle and alopecia.
If a client frequently moves between different climates, what is that indispensable tool or product she absolutely must pack to prevent her haircut from misbehaving in dry air or humidity?
For different climates (inside or outside of the country, we are never without: Sealing oil or light serum, such as argan or coconut oil. Heat-activated anti-humidity spray. Heat protection is talked about often, but few truly understand how it works.
It’s true! Heat protection has changed the game! Speaking of heat, what is the actual safe temperature for fine hair versus thick hair, and how should one adjust their home routine accordingly?
The temperature should be adjusted based on hair type to avoid “cooking” the internal proteins. We can differentiate: for fine hair, 120-150°C (250-300°F); for thick hair, 180-200°C (355-390°F). At-home routine: always apply heat protectants to damp hair before using a heat source. Do not run the flat iron over the same section repeatedly. Choose professional tools recommended by your stylist.
Today, luxury is longevity, not volume. What is that investment tool — a specific boar bristle brush, a certain type of hairdryer motor — that truly justifies its price?
For styling, opt for high-quality boar bristle brushes (like Mason Pearson) or a comfortable and effective brush that doesn’t break hair, like a Tangle Teezer. For drying hair, there are several quality professional brands like Dyson, ghd, or Flux (also used in salons).
What is the most damaging habit you observe in otherwise impeccably groomed women, and what is the five-second correction that would solve everything?
A bad habit could be tying hair too tightly or using the wrong elastic bands (causing traction alopecia or breakage). How to correct it: replace the classic elastic with a silk scrunchie or a claw clip. This protects the fiber and doesn’t leave marks, keeping hair healthy.
A client rushes out of a meeting and goes straight to dinner. No stylist, no flat iron, five minutes to spare. What is that one hairstyle you teach her that always works, in every situation?
Five-minute hairstyles: The Sleek Bun. It’s a low, tight bun that gives a neat and sophisticated look, suitable for formal events. Alternatively, a high messy bun if you want a fresher, more carefree look.
Pillowcases: neurosis or science? And if it’s science, what fabric, weave, and thread count should she invest in?
Pillowcases? It’s science! A silk pillowcase reduces friction during the night, avoiding frizz and preventing hair breakage. It’s not neuroticism, but a true nightly beauty treatment.
