Interview with John Nollet, L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert

He has hair as long as Samson’s, eyes as blue as a lagoon, he is loved at the opera and in the cinema and women are addicted to his golden touch. But is this the latest cosmetic surgeon we are talking about? No, it’s the famous hairstylist John Nollet.

Interview Christine Margossian

[row] [one_third] John Nollet you are a studio stylist, what do you need to get on in this universe?

The studio stylist is someone for whom nothing is impossible. We are part of a team whose mission is to create images that will carry messages. For those in charge of these various creations, it is important that each participant, including the hairdresser, is in osmosis with the story being written. I admit that in order to be able to stage each one properly, I travel with cases full of equipment, accessories, extensions and products so we can fulfil every whim. Obviously you need to master all the techniques of the trade but you also need to be creative and intuitive to the moment! This is especially so during photo shoots. Often we know just two days before hand there will be one action or another so we have to be very reactive.

How does it differ from the hairdressing salon where you also work?

Personally I see no difference. My aim is to find the ideal style whether it is for an actress who has to portray a character or for all women who play their own roles in their daily life. And it’s this diversity that appeals to me! You are the L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert, what does this involve? My mission is not linear and that’s why it’s interesting. I work closely with marketing. I put forward my suggestions for products which will give [/one_third] [one_third]

a new result regarding texture or shine or volume. Then I explain my point of view to the L’Oréal Paris scientists who get to work to create these new products.

I’m thinking especially about the process for the EverRiche, EverPure and EverSleek ranges. I’m also involved in the creation of images. I advise consumers on hair care and how to achieve certain looks.

And you also accompanied Nicole Kidman during the entire Cannes Film Festival! How to you prepare for these exclusive styling missions?

I also get to enjoy this kind of a privilege – styling one of the most beautiful women in the world! Before thinking up different styles, I started by indexing all the styles Nicole Kidman has had in the past so as to better understand her image and her hair.

I asked myself how I would like to see her and I came up with numerous ideas that I then arranged on a dozen boards. I visualised very varied themes including braids, sleek hair, hair up, hair down, sophisticated styles or more dishevelled ones. I had also prepared a stock of accessories, combs, flowers and fabrics, lent by D&G, maison Michel and Chanel, Maison Lemarié.

How was your first meeting?

I was welcomed at Nicole Kidman’s hotel by her and her make-up artist. I was introduced to the stylist, L’Wren Scott - Mick Jagger’s current partner.

[/one_third] [one_third] John Nollet-Paco Dias

The atmosphere was convivial and professional as I explained my ideas using my various boards. They liked and approved all of them.

So, together with the two make-up artists who accompanied Nicole Kidman during the festival – in turns Kay Montana and Delphine Ehrhart for L’Oréal Paris – we created our muse’s look every day. The forethought that had gone into this proved capital given the tight timing: 45 minutes for clothes, hair and make-up!

You could say you highlighted your entire profession. Your hairstyles earned more comments than the gowns!

If you say so (laughs). Personally I admit I spent an unforgettable and intense 12 days.

sources images John Nollet [/one_third] [/row]