About the time I met frank.
He’s one of those guys that doesn’t say too much, but when he does, people listen.
He’s a smart guy. But, I find he’s not one of those guys that just talks to talk. When he speaks, it’s either really funny or it really makes sense.
He’s also, and I’m sure everyone that knows him will agree when I say, one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. He very kind and is always considerate of others. He has got a big heart and loves being around people.
His passion for the industry and craft is at a different level, from other stylists I’ve met over the years.
He’s an amazing leader in his salon.
He leads by example. His passion for competition and creativity is like a virus – with his team and all those he mentors.
I loved Frank instantly after meeting him. We became good friends that speak when we speak, but we always pick up where we left off. To me that’s a true friendship and one that I cherish.
These friendships are what I value most about this industry.
Frank Dicintio
Hair Stylist and Owner, Salon Gaboa
How did you get your start in the industry?
I started in this industry working as a shampoo boy in a salon and everyday I would smell my hands on my way home, because I loved the smell of the shampoo, and that’s how I knew this was for me.
You have studied photography, sculpture and 3-dimensional designs – how has this helped you as an artist?
Having studied photography, sculpture, and 3-dimensional design has helped me tremendously. Sculpturing taught me about subtractive art and to visualize the final product. Just how with a sculpture you start with a block of clay and remove to create, this is how I view haircutting.
Photography has taught me to see what the camera sees, and how to take something that is 3D and turn it into something 2D. 3-Dimensional design is that exact opposite, taking something that is 2D from a photo and creating something 3-dimensional.
This year Salon Gaboa had 5 hair stylists named as 2016 finalists for the Wella North American TrendVision Awards. How are you and your team preparing for Vegas.
My team and I are preparing for Vegas with MANNEQUINS, MANNEQUINS, and more MANNEQUINS!!! Constant practice, test swatching our colours, timing ourselves, rehearsing our finishing, and sourcing out the best possible models.
You trained at the Sassoon Academy. What impact do you think Vidal Sassoon had on our profession and you personally?
Vidal Sassoon has impacted the hairdressing industry immensely. He revolutionized how women view beauty, celebrating each individual women’s natural, hair texture. Working with the hair texture as opposed to changing it into something it isn’t. He believed that its all about the hair and that a great style was all in the haircut.
He was a big believer in education and truly pioneered training each stylist, from entry level to full fledged hairdressers.
I model my work ethic around the Sassoon way.
You have an impressive portfolio, with your editorial work and success with hair competitions. Where do you draw the inspiration for your collections? And, what advice do you have for young hair stylists getting into this area of our industry?
Inspiration for editorial looks and collections can really come from anywhere, whether it’s architecture, furniture design, or other art forms. It’s being able to take those different art forms and shaping them to hair.
My advice for anyone getting into this aspect of hairstyling would be to understand all aspects of hair such as texture, shape, balance, etc. Knowing all different ways of styling and finishing, like the basics of rollers or finger waving.
It’s important to have good mentorship and not being afraid to ask questions or to try new things. The best things happen by accident.
Contessa Winning Collection – Frank Dicintio, Salon Gaboa
Category: Hair Extensions Artist
Makeup Artist: Rosana Baggio Toscano
Photographer: Babak
What is the most important lesson you have learned from working behind the chair?
The most important lesson I have learned working behind the chair is to listen more than you speak.
We both know that owning a salon takes a lot of hard work, time and dedication. How important is building a strong brand and team to having longevity in this industry?
Having a strong team is crucial. The brand is only as good as the people behind it. That is the only way to achieve longevity in this industry.
I like asking this question – because I think it says a lot about a person. Describe yourself in five words or less.
If I have to describe myself in 5 words I would say that I am humble, passionate, sensitive, tenacious, and creative.
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