“It’s really important to push boundaries and get inspired by the possibilities of improving the way we color hair.”

Angelo Seminara

What country are you from and where do you reside?

I’m Italian and I live in London.

Title of what you do and what company you work with.

Angelo Seminara, Hair Artist and Creative Director

Education background.

I became a barber after following my grandmother’s advice. I grew up in the South of Italy in a small village by the sea and I started studying hair in various academies around the world including London and Rome. At the age of 23, I chose London for a base and was fortunate to secure a role with Trevor Sorbie.

What is your signature style/artistic expression of your work?

My style is varied, but I try not to leave anything unconsidered. For me, suitability comes first. It’s important to create the right look to authentically bring out a person’s true characteristics.

What is the first creative project that you remember?

My first creative project was 20 pages for Estetica magazine. I created a beautiful men’s collection together with a hairdresser and photographer called Sergio Nocentini while working in Rome. It really opened up my eyes to the editorial opportunities that hairdressing can offer.

What is the most fulfilling job you’ve worked on or a person you have worked with?

I think it was to create an exhibition in Mexico based on the artist, Frida Kahlo. That was pretty incredible being able to do justice and pay tribute to someone so iconic. The permanent exhibition is in La Casa Azul, Mexico City.

https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/en/exhibitions/

Do you have a career turning point, big break or person that has helped your career?

Without question, Trevor Sorbie turned my career around. He saw something in me and has helped me all the way ever since with his constant experience, knowledge and passion for hairdressing.

What were your scariest and proudest moments in your career?

Many, many years ago, Trevor Sorbie was doing a live show in Scotland and he became ill, so he sent me instead. I was on stage, so scared, I had to stop in the middle of the presentation and tell the audience that I needed to go to the toilet. I had to excuse myself and go backstage! In the end, I got a standing ovation, which was amazing.

Another moment that stands out was doing Salon International, one of the hardest platforms in hairdressing, many years ago. That was my debut show with top choreographer, Kim Gavin.

What is next for your career goals?

For me, it’s really important to push boundaries and get inspired by the possibilities of improving the way we color hair. Not just with the tools and products but with taste and the techniques we use to bring them to life. 

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the business?

Business splits into different branches. You really need to understand what your passion is within this adventure. How are you going to get the most from this period of your life?

Make sure you understand that hair is universal, and that hair is something that varies in different parts of the world and different cultures, so don’t get stuck with what you already know. Try to imagine where you can take the possibilities of hair before you start, which is very, very challenging to do.

There must be a reason if you want to become a hairdresser. Why? For example, I knew this guy, years ago, he told me he wanted to become a hairdresser because he wants to be around girls! I know someone else that, like myself, sees the possibilities of creating art with hair and making people feel good. I’ve also seen people who want to own salons, with lots of chairs, and build a successful business. Or do you like to travel? Would you like to become a session stylist who travels around the world doing hair? Maybe you like celebrities, fashion or cinema.

Hairdressing is split into different branches and they all kind of connect. The foundation of hairdressing is what is the most important for me.

For someone that is starting, it’s not the tips of the tree but the roots. Try not to think that you want to get to the tips really quickly. Try to enjoy training every day and learn as much as you can. That’s when you become an amazing artist. There is no other way. It’s not about becoming famous; it’s not about having the most followers. It’s about the craft. So, if you want to become a hairdresser, learn your craft first and then find your branch.