An ohDearyme Interview with Sergio Giannasso by Becki Burrows
From: Puglia, Italy
Current location: Covent Garden, London
Current happiness levels out of 10: 11 (Becki: ‘ooh nice one!)
Favourite film: Dirty Dancing
Favourite musician: Giacomo Puccini
Favourite artist: Henri Matisse
Favourite book: Dark fire by C.J.Sansom
Favourite colour: Fuchsia (Becki: google tells me that.. fuchsia is another name for magenta sometimes described as hot pink, reddish-purple, vivid pink and light purple).
Brief synopsis: Owner & Creative Director of Giannasso Hair & Beauty
QUESTIONS:
You started out as an apprentice at 19 and spent five years blowdrying hair… and have trained and worked with some of the worlds biggest brands in the hairdressing industry – including Charles Worthington. I found you to be very down to earth and friendly – how do you keep your ego at bay in an industry like this?
By being myself and keeping my feet on the ground! I always remember my main goal is to please my clients whilst creating a great bond with them & maintaining professionalism.
What was it about styling hair that attracted you?
The art of it.
You run the self-titled shop Giannasso Hair & Beauty in Covent Garden – why London?
I feel it’s the heart of the world and not too far from home.
Who are your style icons?
Italian film actress – Sophia Loren
Actress Sophia Loren
You styled David Hasselhoff’s aka “The Hoff”‘s hair! How was he? Do you have a picture? Awesome!
He knew exactly what he wanted but took my professional advice.
Sergio with David Hasselhoff @DavidHasselhoff
You love to bake at home – and serve your special alcohol free recipes (Tiramisu) to your clients which is a lovely touch! What is it you love about baking?
I’m afraid you don’t bake tiramisu! (ME: Oops).. I love that unique touch. The recipe was passed on from my Grandma- it’s her secret recipe!
There is only one store so far – do you see yourself expanding soon? I have big dreams & why not!
From my experience of your salon – your staff seem to be having a lot of fun, yet very professional – a warm and relaxing atmosphere – is this the Italian ethos? This is what I have always wanted with my salon, a professional but charismatic team- I think that’s what makes us special!
What styles in hair would you say, in your opinion, are hot right now?
For me ‘what’s hot right now’ doesn’t exist, it’s what should be tailored to you. I believe the hair cut has to work with you, not the other way round.
What do you enjoy about the creative process of styling?
Being able to emphasise the best features in my clients and bring out the best in them.
You are award winning tell us a little about those awards…
I get great satisfaction for being recognised for showing that special magic touch! We won best team/service at the London Hair and Beauty Awards 2016. I’m very proud to say we have just found out we won Gold for Best Hair Salon and Best Colour Technician, as well as, Silver for Best Hair Stylist of the year at this year’s British Hair & Beauty Awards 2017!
What else do you offer in store?
I like to think of the salon as a ‘one stop shop’. We offer a wide range of hair services, beauty treatments, make-up and also offer bridal packages.
You guys styled my hair really well – then I went home and tried to do it myself. With some rollers and er, some extra firm hairspray (I had to take my friends dog for a quick walk). Basically I’m rubbish at styling my own hair. Do you have any tips for me please? What am I doing WRONG?!? AAAAHHHH!
I always recommend to use the products advised by your stylist. It’s vital that you start your hair at the front/fringe as it makes it easier to get the style into place. The best tool to use at home is Velcro rollers as they give you great volume and bounce without damaging your hair, classic but effective!
What brands would you recommend for keeping my fabulous (and I do love it) new colour fresh?
I would recommend our new Silky Reloaded product. This is a take home product for you to use to bring back the tone that’s lost after washes to your hair.
You used the brand Silky – they are from Italy – my colour is still looking fab. Tell us more about them?
This colour range is fantastic for both vibrant shades and being kind to hair. With just 1% ammonia, Silky delivers great shine/condition and beautiful colour. I am really enjoying using them.
I am trying to avoid burning my hair – do you have any tips that might help in maintaining it’s health whilst I am swimming/sunbathing/styling?
I always recommend Neal & Wolf heat protection spray! Its light weighted so it does not kill the volume!
Neal Wolf
What do you love about your job? Being able to make people happy and feel confident whilst creating bonds and in some cases dear friends! It makes me feel special that I can do this.
What makes you happy? My love for life.
Do you have a quote that you live by? Carpe Diem (live in the moment).
What fashion styles are you enjoying at the minute? What do you predict for the future.. ? At the moment I love simplicity with colour. For the future I predict that fashion and sporting clothing will merge for every day wear, comfort but yet still fashion.
Best thing about London? The freedom
What are the styles like and how do they differ to the British styles in Italy?
I feel like the style in Italy is a little stuck in their ways. It’s very classical, impeccable and beautifully put together. Where as in Britain it may not always be perfectly put together but yet it can be unique, interesting and inspiring!
What would be your top tips for people who want to start out in the industry?
Be prepared for a long hard road, be patient, work hard and enjoy every step of the way!
You have worked on catwalks in Milan to styling models – what has been your favourite experience so far?
The excitement rush you get minutes before the runway starts…it only lasts a few minutes but its intense.
When you are styling someone I noticed you are studying them quite a bit- what are you looking for? As a Make-Up Artist (#mua) I always look at the complexion, eyes and face shape to what you’re wearing, to how you talk and the tone of your voice to determine what hair style/colour would suit you best. That’s why we never do a consultation with a gown on!
How do I say thanks in Italian? Grazie!
Visit Sergio’s salon in London at:
53 St Martins Lane
Covent Garden, London – WC2N 4EA
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f. : 0207 240 9973
e. : bookings@giannasso.co.uk
w. : www.giannasso.co.uk
Twitter: @SergioGiannasso
Facebook: @SergioGiannasso
Pics of my new hair and the team below:
Grazie! And remember y’all Seize the Day!
Becki Bx
Sergio Giannasso and Rob
