Feature Highlight + Interview: Nathaniel Dezan
Nathaniel Dezan is a celebrity hairstylist whose revolutionary work continues to outdo itself. Nathaniel knew he was meant for greatness from an early age, and after finishing his college education, he pursued his dream of hairstyling. He started his career first working in a hair salon, where he continued to hone his skills before transitioning to working in the fashion industry.
After working with various magazines from Quebec, Nathaniel dedicated three years styling for well-renowned luxury brands such as Alexander Mcqueen, Dolce and Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Prada, Versace, etc. multiple fashion weeks in Milan, London, and Paris. Where he created extraordinary looks on top models Adriana Lima, Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, and Kendall Jenner, to name a few.
Having established himself as a one-of-a-kind artist and a master of his trade, Nathaniel moved to Los Angeles in 2017. He then created iconic covers for Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Marie Claire, Nylon, Vogue, etc. But Nathaniel didn’t stop there and took his skills even further, working on various billboards, red carpet events like the Met Gala, and other high-profile events. American actress and dancer Jeanine Mason notes, "Nathaniel is the best of the best. I love getting to be creative with him; there’s no limit to what he can do. With him, I’m in the best hands."
Despite his success and achievements, Nathaniel still has many goals left he wishes to accomplish. His main priority has always been the happiness of his clients, ensuring they leave feeling confident and beautiful. Nathaniel hopes his work will truly make an impact in the hairstyling world of fashion and better the lives of others. American singer-songwriter Annika Wells states, "Nathaniel is a visionary in the world of hair and make-up. His professionalism, expertise, and artistry are unmatched by anyone else in the industry."
Instagram: Nathaniel Dezan
Agency Profile: Opus Beauty @Nathaniel Dezan
Photos Courtesy of Nathaniel Dezan & Tony Chiappetta @chiappettapictures
GR8T Feature Interview with the Extraordinary Hair Stylist Nathaniel Dezan….
In this industry, everyone faces a lot of rejection; what keeps you motivated?
First, you cannot take it personally at all. Everything happens for a reason. Secondly, The most important thing is to make sure you are doing what you love. When you wake up in the morning, you must feel passionate for the day ahead and love the career you pick, and that in itself is motivation.
Do you love what you are doing?
I absolutely do. There are times like anyone else that are harder than most, but in the end, doing hair has shaped who I am. I love the connections I am able to build with clients and the creativity/vision on sets or even when doing a haircut. I help make people feel better about themselves, and that in itself is an award for me.
What made you become interested in hair?
Well, I originally got into hair to help people feel better about themselves. To bring a smile to their faces and make them look good. Then one thing led to the next, and with a lot of hard work and believing in myself, I became the hairstylist I am today, working with a range of celebrities and models. It is still truly important to me that the clients must be happy no matter how creative or weird the hairstyle is.
What are your future goals for your career?
I am far from done now. I’m going to continue taking risks and pushing forward. Building deep and meaningful connections with clients. Also, one day, I do plan on coming out with men’s grooming products. I won’t say much about it now, but I do have big ideas to help make hairstyling easier.
What about hair makes you proud?
Truly, being creative and building connections along the way. Letting my artistic side take over and just creating pure magic. When I create art in the form of hair and I see it go viral, or being talked about, that is what makes me proud, knowing that I help others be confident in their own work, or help inspire someone else to go after what they want.
Have you always been confident about your work?
Like anyone, when I first started over ten years ago, I doubted myself. It’s a big, highly in demand industry, but that’s like anything. So was I going to let my self-doubt stop me from taking risks? No. I knew starting from the bottom and building myself up would be the only way to gain knowledge and grow. Like Socrates says, “The only true wisdom consists in knowing that you know nothing.” The more you learn in life, the better you are basically. As humans, we constantly doubt ourselves, but we must believe in ourselves and go after what we truly want, chase those goals. I mean, that’s what got me to where I am today, confidence.
Who has been your biggest influence in life and with hair?
Ever since I was little, I was always more tuned into my artistic side. My biggest influence in life would have to be my mother. She has always been such a strong woman who supports and accepts her children no matter what. This allowed me to grow and experience my artistic side.
There is beauty all around us with hair, in nature, art, hairstyles on the streets; anywhere you look, you will see it. When we keep an open mind, your mind will see the beauty in everything. Especially nowadays. I believe firmly in letting whatever be… be, meaning if it doesn’t concern me, I’ll let it live and grow to its full potential. That’s when we will truly start to see art.
What was your biggest accomplishment to date?
My biggest accomplishment to date would have to be that I never gave up. No matter how much I wanted to at times or how hard it got, I stuck with it. Persistence is key in all aspects of life. Instead of giving up, I decided to just work harder. And I believe it paid off; I am now living in Los Angeles, working with the top artist agency, Lux Artist Management, aka Opus Beauty, and working with the best people in the industry. I am proud of how far I have come from being that scared little kid over ten years ago.
Any words of advice to further generations of hairstylists, starting off?
Honestly, be confident in who you are because there is only ONE you. You are unique and special, so trust and believe in the process. Along the journey, always be kind to others and remain humble. But most importantly, be happy.
