We are pleased to introduce Chrisoula Petraki from her salon in Glyfada, Athens, Greece. Dedicated to providing high quality services in her salon, she works with each one individual client to ensure the best outcome. Her motto is “beauty through health” and this always reflects in the hair she creates and her loyal clientele among them many celebrities who trust her for their look.
IF: Tell us what you think is the biggest challenge in hairdressing today?
CP: Perhaps the biggest challenge we face today in hairdressing is to manage expectations versus reality. Keep the right balance between clients’ requirements and our own aesthetic and belief of the best outcome. With the increase of social media, more and more clients are coming determined to do what they’ve seen in a retouched picture. It takes a lot of “training” and reasoning to make them understand what would be the right look for them based on their personality and quality and health of hair.
IF: What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?
CP: I believe the most enjoyable and rewarding part of this creative job is the result!
IF: Why did you choose the path of hairdressing and was it easy to fall into this work?
CP: My obsession with hair started when I was 9 years old. I was the flower girl in a wedding and I got so impressed with the hairstyles I saw, I knew this was what I would like to do. I got in the hairdressing world early after school, worked hard to excel my skills, I wouldn’t say I found any major difficulties. I believe when you love what you do it comes natural and easy.
IF: If you had not made the decision to be a hairdresser what would you have been?
CP: I would be happy in any other customer service provision field. Beyond creativity that has driven me to the hairdressing profession, I enjoy a lot communicating with people, providing counseling, opinion and services.
IF: What is your greatest strength ?
CP: Determination and decisiveness. Never give up on my goals/targets.
IF: Your favourite hairdressing tools?
CP: My scissors.
IF: Tell us about your relationship with Iles Formula. How you discovered us and which formula is your favourite?
CP: It was love at first sight. I came across on Iles Formula one day during my regular search on Instagram and I was impressed with the overall concept, philosophy, communication, products, packaging… everything! I am really very happy to have Iles Formula in my salon and work with people like Iles Formula family! All the products are amazing and you can see the results instantly! My favorite is the Finishing Serum, makes hair smooth and shiny and perfects the styling.
IF: What was the most challenging job you ever made ?
CP: One of the most challenging moments in my career was the day I had to make the hairstyle of 34 models for a catwalk show! It was crazy, but I enjoyed it and was compensated by the result.
IF: If you could style anyone’s hair, who would it be and why?
CP: I am very much inspired by Wendy’s hair! It’s that luscious, thick, healthy hair that allows you to be very creative.
IF: Where do you pull hair inspiration from?
CP: Fashion magazines, social media and overseas travels.
IF: Your advice to young hairdressers starting out?
CP: Do it with passion! It is a challenging field, however allows you creativity and is also so rewarding by the instant outcome. You will need to love it to succeed, like in any other profession. Be an expert! Clients seek for experts’ advice. You need to keep learning and stay updated to be able to provide an expert opinion that will gain their trust.
See more of Chrisoula’s work on instagram @chrisoula_petraki