Would you pay Dh4,500 for a haircut?

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Would you pay Dh4,500 for a haircut?

Dubai - Ferretti is a man of few words. He lets his scissors do the talking

By Purva Grover

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Published: Sat 18 Nov 2017, 5:35 PM

He's a 'luxury hairdresser' whose clients include Jennifer Lawrence, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek and Kate Middleton. He has over 20 salons across the globe. And the latest opens in Abu Dhabi at the end of the month.

Rossano Ferretti's grandfather was a barber who did house calls in Campegine, a village in Italy. Later, his mother opened a two-chair salon in the same village. No wonder that at 14, Rossano found himself at hairdressing school.

He's a man of few words. He lets his scissors do the talking. And is known for the hair cutting technique, The Method. To sit in his chair, you should be willing to spend a minimum of Dh4,500. That's 180 burgers from McDonald's, a Louis Vuitton monogram bag or the monthly school fee for your child's international primary school. Yet, women (and men) keep returning. And he doesn't get offended irrespective of how many times he's asked to justify the price.
Currently, his Dubai salon is taking appointments - he will be here for two days - keep reading, you might just get tempted to book yourself one.
Excerpts from a conversation...

Why would anyone pay Dh4,500 for a haircut?

Why would anyone pay Dh4.5 million for a Ferrari? The ones who understand quality and luxury products are willing to pay a premium price. They understand the time and effort that has been put into creating such unique products and they understand the value they are getting out of it. Sometimes, people spend more for a dinner than for their monthly beauty regime. A haircut lasts at least two-months and our Invisible Haircut is a perfect price-satisfaction relation. It is my lifelong creation and a beauty story that has revolutionised haircutting.

The Method: Decoded

"My natural instinct for beauty led to a revolution in the way of understanding hairstyles. I called this revolution 'body movement haircut with natural falls in motion'. A haircut with a technique that follows the hairs' natural fall is the non-cut - The Method. It's the result of my life travels all over the world to discover and understand people's hair and culture that has led to me create this personalised beauty."

Are women fussy clients?

Yes, women are fussy when it comes to beauty. However, when they know they are in good, trusted hands, their fussiness transforms into satisfaction and a discovery of their natural beauty.

And men?

Today, the males are not too far from similar behaviour.

Is there anything known as a trending hairstyle?

I don't believe in trends and we are not in this business to create them, either. Our belief lies in the natural beauty and timeless style and therefore we focus on proportions and profiles of each individual customer. Our focus is on new haircutting techniques for the generations to come.

Three hair tools that you never leave your home without.

Comb, scissors, and Rossano Ferretti Vita (rejuvenating serum).

Your advice to those who complain about bad hair days?

An Invisible Haircut, which focuses on the natural fall and movements of the hair. The hair follows the natural way and makes bad hair days disappear.

Are the days of traditional (across generations) barbers/hairstylists numbered?

No. Customers and future generations specifically do and will always appreciate the art of haircutting, which together with all other creative professions in the world can never be replaced by anyone else.

You are a craftsman, who can't enjoy his own craft.

I always saw Armani (Giorgio) in a blue T-shirt. Our craft is about taking care of others.

It is said that a barber has the memory of an elephant. True?

Considering the number of life stories we hear in our profession, I wouldn't say that the memory of one elephant would be enough!

You trust your life with a barber. Comment.

It's true. It's a relationship of trust - after all, you allow him/her to have the scissors around your neck.
purva@khaleejtimes.com


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