(NEW YORK) Tressed out? Spend some quality time at Frédéric Fekkai and you’ll be back to your old self in no time. Here, seven of his top stylists share their strand-saving secrets.
BY ALEXANDRA ILYASHOV
PIERRE PAPPALARDO
Fifth Avenue location
Hair-story: “I’ve been cutting hair for 14 years. I trained with my dad. He’s been a hairdresser and salon owner for over 35 years.”
If I wasn’t a Fekkai stylist… “I would be styling hair still, but most likely in Europe.”
Early career memory: “When I was 16 I remember shampooing my dad’s client—she was beyond rude. She told me at the end of the service that I’d never have a career in this business!”
How to handle a hair crisis: “You must be kind and honest! There’s always a way to turn a hair disaster into something better.”
How would you describe your own hair? “Wild!”
Craziest coif: I had a red Mohawk when I was 14. I don’t think I’d do it again!”
Frédéric Fekkai is… “A visionary. He came up with new concepts, developed them and changed the way we think about hair.”
Passé hair trend: “The heavily angled and stacked bob!”
Where are you most critical of people’s hair? “On the street in random towns outside NYC.”
Career stats: “I estimate I’ve done 30,000 cuts since I started cutting hair in 1999.”
Career highlight: “When Anna Wintour requested I style her hair in Vogue’s offices.”
Best hair tip: “Work with the nature of your hair instead of fighting it. It sounds like a cliché, but it really is the best approach!”
Favorite Fekkai product: Pot de Crème from Fekkai’s Essential Shea line.
Favorite hair moment in pop culture: “Oasis’ Gallagher brothers in the late Nineties!”
STEFANIE FRANÇOIS
The Mark location
Hair-story: “Anyone who knows me will tell you that I loooooovee hair! I decided to turn that love into a career. I trained at NYC’s Carsten Institute.”
If I wasn’t a Fekkai stylist… “I’d be a psychologist, or in the FBI or CIA!”
First-ever client: “My Barbie doll. At age six, I didn’t know the difference between synthetic and human hair. I might’ve melted Barbie’s hair with a curling iron. Barbie was not happy!”
Longest booking, ever: “A three hour booking for a…blowout!”
How would you describe your own hair? “Naturally curly and soft.”
Craziest coif(s): “I’ve had short hair, long hair, curly hair, straight hair, wavy hair, jet black hair, and bangs. I get bored easily.”
Frédéric Fekkai is… “A genius! He’s kind, passionate, and he has a great sense of humor.”
Where are you most critical of people’s hair? “While watching the news.”
AMANDA DALY
SoHo location
Hair-story: “I was a late bloomer in the hair business: I didn’t start cosmetology school until I was 27. I went to Jean Madeline in Philadelphia and then started working at Frédéric Fekkai’s assistant program. I’ve been at Fekkai for eight years.”
Longest appointment, ever: “A women who was cutting off her dreadlocks after having them for more than 20 years. They were down to her waist, and the dreadlocks did a number on her scalp! It was extremely emotional for her to cut them off, so I made her my last appointment of the day. It was such a transformation.”
How would you describe your own hair? “Easy and fun. People usually think I have to do a lot to get my hair in order, but it literally takes me 30 seconds!”
Craziest season: “Usually autumn, for two reasons. A lot of people wait until the end of summer to get a cut, and the holidays are approaching so clients want a cut to last until the new year.”
KEVIN MARQUES
The Mark location
Hair-story: “I’ve always been passionate about beauty! I trained in Zurich and at Fekkai.”
Longest appointment, ever: “I had a client for six hours, going from brunette to blonde.”
Handling a hair crisis: “Remind the client that nothing is truly permanent with hair! It grows back.”
How would you describe your own hair? “Healthy and trendy.”
Frédéric Fekkai is… “Upscale and high-end.”
Passé trend: “I’m over hair that’s too long, too bleached, and looks fake! Not attractive… on anyone.”
Career stats: An average of 500 cuts per year.
Dream clients: “Britney Spears or Lindsay Lohan. There would be a lot of creative freedom!”
Favorite pop culture hair moment: “Every hairstyle Madonna has rocked!”
HANA CHONG
Fifth Avenue location
Hair-story: “I started cutting my friends’ hair in high school on the back porch of my parents’ house. I‘d make them wear a garbage bag with a hole in it as a robe/cape. I still have no idea why they let me do their hair. This habit continued into college. Then, I decided I should probably learn how to cut hair properly, so I went to Jean Madeline in Philadelphia.”
Handling a hair crisis: “I keep the client calm by staying calm myself. It’s usually never life threatening so there’s no need for hysteria.”
How would you describe your own hair? “Wash and go. Que sera, sera! I change my hair color quite a bit. It’s been hot pink, magenta, red, purple, blonde, etc. I really like the work my colorist does and I always leave my next look up to her.”
Where are you most critical of people’s hair? “At awards shows, people rely on hairstylists to look their best on camera, so when the outcome doesn’t look great, it’s disappointing.”
Career highlight: “When I get to teach co-workers how to do something. It’s a great compliment!”
ELIE CAMORO
Fifth Avenue location
Hair-story: “I dated a Bobbi Brown makeup artist. That was my first look into the beauty industry. Then, I trained under Frédéric Fekkai, and the rest was history.”
If I wasn’t a Fekkai stylist… “I would be a hotel entrepreneur.”
Early career memory: “My first client was one of Frédéric’s, who asked him if it was okay that she start visiting me for haircuts.”
How would you describe your own hair? “My hair is simple, it’s my clients’ hair that matters!”
Frédéric Fekkai is… “My mentor, someone I look up to, and have immense respect for.”
Where are you most critical of people’s hair? “I’m always critical of hair. It’s not mean-spirited, it’s just how my eye works!”
Favorite Fekkai product: The Brilliant Glossing Cream.
Dream client: Elle Macpherson
Chicest music biz ‘do: “Gwen Stefani, no doubt about it!”
LISA EPPERSON
Fifth Avenue location
Hair-story: “I’ve always had a passion for hair and makeup. After college, I pursued that and learned from the best. I trained at Fekkai; the culture and passion was a perfect match for me.“
If I wasn’t a Fekkai stylist…“I’d be a travel writer or beauty editor!”
How would you describe your own hair? “I’m a chameleon! I’ve had every color on the spectrum except platinum blonde. It’s very liberating!”
Passé trend: Extreme ombré.
Where are you most critical of people’s hair? “On the subway.”
Career stats: “I’ve done 2,000 to 3,000 cuts.”
Career highlight: “Working with Frédéric and Renato Campora for the Fekkai advertising campaign. Being around two legends was a career high for sure!”
Best hair advice: “Don’t over wash your hair.”
Dream client: “Someone bold and beautiful like Charlize Theron.”
Favorite hair moment in pop culture: “I love hair from the Twenties and Thirties.”
