The first time I met Gianpaolo, I remember that he made me feel really comfortable. Sometimes you meet people and your not sure what to make of them – maybe it’s something about their personality or their a bit reserved.
Gianpaolo had such a warm personality – smiling and nice – it was easy for me to start a conversation with him.
And I remember thinking he’s a nice guy but I didn’t really get the vibe that he was as talented as he is, because he was very humble.
I find that sometimes in this industry, people who are really talented, feel the need to let you know that right away.
Gianpaolo wasn’t like that at all.
He was more interested about getting to know everyone and hanging out – not look at me and what I can do. I really liked that about him.
Then I discovered – that he was really talented. He does a lot of platform work, his ability to do updos, different styles and the latest trends, is amazing.
Gianpaolo was also really kind when he spoke about others.
He is just one of those good guys in the industry.
Gianpaolo became one of the guys I enjoyed talking to. We were the same – down to earth and had a similar group of friends in the Wella family. We all got along – it was just easy.
I’m really proud of all his achievements and how he has done it with out bragging about it. He just let’s his work brag for him. I look forward to following his career and seeing “what’s next” for this passionate hairdresser.
Gianpaolo Colombo
Artistic Director, Hair After Salon and Spa
Design Team Member, Sebastian Professionals
What made you decide to follow your fathers footsteps and go into the hair industry?
At the age of 12, I started working at my father’s salon once a week on Saturdays .my job was greeting clients, offering coffee and sweeping the floors. As the years went by, I started to have a passion for hair and really fell in love with the industry and later on went to Italy for further training. Seeing my fathers success and passion with over 45 years in the industry, makes me want to be just like him. So I dove right in and never looked back.
What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from behind the chair?
The most important lesson I have learned is to listen to what the client wants and what his or her needs are for their hair. If they want a trim, give them a trim and don’t get scissor happy, I always like to cut less hair then more.
You have done a lot of hair shows and events like fashion week. Do you think that exposing yourself to different parts of the industry makes you a better stylist?
I believe the more you expose yourself as a stylist the better it is for your career. The more opportunities and experiences you have, allows you to grow as a stylist and opens more doors along the way. By exposing yourself to different areas of the beauty industry, you will open your network and take your work to another level as a stylist. But remaining humble and having respect is a key aspect of success.
When you work on editorials, how much planning do you do beforehand and where do you get inspiration for your collections?
I like to plan at least 2 to 3 months beforehand and start my brainstorming. I like to gather my inspiration from different objects I see from architecture to fashion from the runway, hair, shapes, colours or from what’s happening around me to create a bunch of different storyboards.
Inspiration is everywhere we just have to open our minds and think outside the norm.
You won the 2016 What’s Next Awards in the Affiliated artist category. How was competing helped your career?
Winning the What’s Next Awards was an unforgettable experience for me and a highlight in my career. I feel strongly about the importance of competitions and challenging yourself as a stylist. Competing has truly helped my career in many ways, it has taught me to be polished and clean when finishing my work. It has helped my technical skills, given me an eye for shape and silhouettes and taught me discipline and determination.
What does it take to be successful in our industry?
To be successful in our industry you must keep yourself educated and current with the latest trends and the latest techniques. Being consistent in your work and your dedication behind the chair is also very important for not only maintaining your clients, but keeping them happy. Offer change regularly and always keep an open mind to learning new things.
Describe yourself in five words or less.
Fearless. Passionate. Determined. Motivated. Humble.
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