NYC Style: Haute Hair-Anthony Cristiano

Name: Anthony Cristiano
Borough/Neighborhood: Manhattan
Profession: Hair Stylist

Anthony Cristiano has been a hair stylist for over twenty years, perfecting his craft through innovative and creative designs.  Anthony's talent as a stylist is evident through his work with a variety of clients. His vision is featured in the works of Gilles Bensimon, Craig McDean, Norman Jean Roy and Ben Watts. His work has also been published in Marie Claire, Glamour, Vogue and Harpers Bazaar, as well as in advertising campaigns for Rampage, Mercedes-Benz and BCBG Max Azria.  In addition to his print work, Anthony has also enjoyed a long history of working closely with celebrity clientele including, Demi Moore, Mariah Carey and Uma Thurman, just to name a few. Anthony currently splits his time between New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

by Kimberly Rae Miller

How would you define your personal style?

I like to work with a classic shape in mind while still developing new styles.  I am always trying to push the envelope to create new and interesting textures and shapes, while still maintaining simplicity.  I want my work to look effortless.

When you're working with a client, what's your process in creating a signature style for them?

When I create a style for a client I try to incorporate elements of their lifestyle into their hair style.  I evaluate their face shape and create a style that balances their features and proportions and that is catered toward their personal lifestyle.

In addition to evaluating their look, I also ask my client questions to determine their needs.  Simplicity is key, and I want the style to be effortless for my client, I try to give them a look that has wash and wear feeling. A great cut should also have staying power.

What should we all know before going into the salon?  Questions to ask?

Questions are important for me as a stylist, it's how I decide the direction that I'll take with a client.  I think a client should come with tear sheets of hair styles that intrigue her, and use them as inspiration for her look.

The questions a client should ask depend on if they are interviewing a new technician or just looking for a change in their look.  If they are looking for a new stylist, they should ask their questions prior to the appointment over the phone.  Some questions may include, how many years have you been styling? What is your area of expertise?  Are you good with all textures and lengths of hair?  What are your specialties?

If you are considering a change in your look, from your regular stylist, it should be an open discussion with them.  You should ask questions like, "Can I wear this look? Would this be something you'd put on me? Does this look fit with my personality and personal style?"   With any change of hair you should also review your makeup, clothes and hair color, to make sure all aspects of your new look work together.  Sometimes the change might not even require a haircut; it might just be a color change or fine tweaks.

I also want to make sure that my client is educated on how to maintain the looks, what products to use, and how to style it for all occasions.  If your stylist is not volunteering this information you should make sure to ask them.

Hair trends you wish would go away?

I really like to incorporate past hair trends into my current styles, so there is not really a particular trend I'd like to see go away.  However, the one thing I wish would go away is the homogenous long hair, long layer look everyone is wearing these days.  I love seeing individual styles that suite my client's personalities, not the same look on everyone.

Biggest mistakes people make with their hair?  Risks people should take more?

People overload their hair with product and chemicals.   People should stay true to their natural hair texture and find a style and haircut that works for them, not what everyone else is wearing.  People should take more risks to develop their own unique look.

What are your favorite stores in any of the five boroughs?

Ricky's NYC, for their endless amount of items that a hair dresser needs

Helena Collection, for their hair extensions and wigs

Shear World, for their combs, brushes and Japanese Grips (strongest hair pin's around)