FROM THE CHAIR: Anthony Cristiano, PHYTO Paris Global Artistic Director
Having styled A-listers and models like Adriana Lima, Demi Moore, and Mariah Carey, to name a few, and being published in Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, Anthony Cristiano certainly holds an impressive portfolio. In addition to all of this, he's also the owner of the renowned Anthony Cristiano Salon in Chicago.
The interior of his PHYTO Paris exclusive salon is decorated with beautiful, Italian style stations handpicked by Anthony himself and floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you a staggering view of the Chicago River. We recently sat down with Anthony to chat on his career and what makes PHYTO Paris so special to him. Enjoy!
PHYTO PARIS: When did you become a hairstylist?
AC: I became a stylist in 1985. I was inspired by my visits to my uncle’s beauty shop when I was a young boy in Chicago. There was something about the atmosphere that resonated with me. The scent of the products, the amazing hairstyles, sets that the ladies would wear. It was a fascinating place to live, and I wanted to live in it.
“Align yourself with great hairstylists that will inspire you and lead you to the best you can be”
PHYTO PARIS: Any advice for aspiring hair stylists?
AC: The best advice that I can give is to have a set of goals in mind and then continue to train and hone your skills. It’s also important to align yourself with great hairstylists that will inspire you and lead you to the best you can be.
PHYTO PARIS: When did your love for PHYTO Paris begin?
AC: My love for PHYTO Paris began very early in my career; I was still an apprentice. A friend of my mine from Europe brought Phytoplage over to the states, and at this time in my career there weren’t a lot of styling aids available. Women were wearing a lot of short haircuts that needed texture and we were using odd things like hand lotion. The second product I fell in love with was Phytodéfrisant, a botanical straightening balm. The plant extracts allows me to straighten frizzy or curly hair and there was nothing like it in the United States at the time.
PHYTO PARIS: Where do your creative influences and inspirations stem from?
AC: My creative influences and inspirations stem from many things – the people I work with, whether on location, at a shoot, or right here in my salon, as well as books and old movies.
“PHYTO Paris products opened up new processes, and I began blending products in ways I never thought possible”
PHYTO PARIS: What is your advice for scalp care?
AC: A clean scalp is a healthy scalp. I advise clients to cleanse often, at least three times a week. Also, use shampoos that meet your hair and scalp needs. Additionally, I highly recommend Phytopolléine: a botanical scalp treatment that has essential oils such as lemon, rosemary, and sage. It’s a scalp stimulating pre-shampoo treatment and it’s the perfect remedy to an unbalanced scalp. (Read more about Phytopolléine here.)
PHYTO PARIS: How has PHYTO Paris products changed your approach to haircare and styling?
AC: PHYTO Paris didn’t change my approach to haircare or styling per say, it helped me enhance it. With its large range of products, it enabled me to discover new approaches to haircare and styling. The PHYTO Paris products opened up new processes, and I began blending products in ways I never thought possible.
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