Remember the excitement of flipping through the Sunday magazine during school days, eagerly searching for the fashion trends and hairstyles your favourite celebrity was spotted in? As a 13-year-old self-proclaimed fashion critic, I took cut-outs of denim skirts, cowboy boots and models with long, wavy hair—the glossy pages were then stuck on my study. Fast forward 15 years—with the study now a work desk—we skipped the vicarious joy and caught up with two celebrity hairstylists, Yianni Tsapatori and Gabriel Georgiou, to get the inside scoop on what's trending in hair, their hot takes and pet peeves, as well as the riskiest transformations they've pulled off before shoots. Here's an excerpt.
Who is your all-time favourite hair icon?
Yianni Tsapatori: Farah Fawcett—she's just iconic.
Gabriel Georgiou: Julien D’Ys. His creativity was the spark that inspired me to dive into hairstyling.
What’s your hair moodboard for the festive season this year?
YT: Think easy, healthy hair with rich colours, interesting textures and accessories.
GG: Lots of headbands, flowers, bows and ribbons.
What's your favourite part about working with a Gen-Z artist like Suhana Khan?
YT: I would say a lot of things, but mainly the fact that Gen Z artists are so eager to learn and open to experiments. It’s kind of a white canvas—quite different from previous generations because of social media and all the information and exposure this generation gets through it.
Any quick tips to recreate Kiara Advani’s sleek hairdo from Tira's anniversary film?
GG: If you’re blessed with thick, voluminous hair, go for a good straightener and well-blended long layers. If not, invest in high-quality extensions that blend seamlessly.
What's the riskiest hair transformation you’ve pulled off; and how?
YT: I remember one or two times when I had to completely change the hair colour of a celebrity in the dead of night, for a shoot the next morning. The risks it entailed!
GG: One of my wildest transformations was creating an afro track mohawk for a body double in Los Angeles. I cut an afro wig in strips, trimmed it and glued it on a shaved head to mirror the singer’s look.
What’s a go-to party hairstyle you always recommend?
YT: A cool, textured bun or a braided ponytail.
GG: A slick or textured top knot—easy and chic.
What’s the one hair product you’re always stocked up on?
YT: A light texturising spray—it's like an extension of my arm.
GG: I’m never without hairspray and dry shampoo. They’re my go-to.
Can you share your top hack for tackling:
Humidity-infused frizz
YT: After using the right shampoo and conditioner, tap dry your hair and try not to rub it with the towel. Also, use some leave-in conditioner.
GG: Lots of moisture is the trick. So, lots of hydrating, moisturising shampoos and conditioners and treatments. The more organic, the better.
Post-workout hair
YT: Use a towel for any excess sweat and apply some dry shampoo. Put your hair up in a ponytail, bun or even a French braid.
GG: A hairdryer and some dry shampoo. Then bun it, ponytail it or top knot it.
Styling fine hair
YT: Lower the temperature on your hot tools and use fewer products. A lot of product on fine hair tends to weigh it down.
GG: Not much product—and no extreme heat.
Lastly, we’d love to do a round of your hot takes on the following:
Middle parting or side parting?
YT: Middle parting is sexier.
GG: I love both, but I’m leaning towards middle parts. Although, side parts are making a big comeback in 2024.
Your biggest pet peeve?
YT: When people brush their hair without love—I can actually hear the breakage!
GG: When curls from curling tongs are left untouched and not brushed out or textured. It drives me crazy.
The best hair colour trend right now?
YT: 'Expensive brunette' shades are where it’s at.
GG: Honey blonde and balayage are still going strong!
