Interview: Alexandre Zouari

Where did you get your start in hairdressing?
The Alexandre Zouari ‘brand’ got its start with a company called Lorca, which was the firm that launched the concept of “brushing” (French term for styling hair with a brush and blow-dryer). I started there in 1969, and later took a few years off to do some modelling and acting. I then was an associate in a salon on the Avenue Marceau [in Paris’ chic 8th arrondissement]. When I started there were 10 employees and I grew the business so that after just three months there were about 40 of us, and we had a very glamorous international clientele.
In 1984 I returned to the world of couture where I stayed for five years working with an Italian designer, and I was then contacted by Shiseido to work with them as a stylist.
In 1987 I opened my salon on the avenue du President Wilson, with a famous decorator who did the interior design—the first time a stylist imposed his own personal style on a salon. Since 2003 I have been 100% owner of my business.

What are your current projects?
I just signed a license with a Chinese company, Shiamas Ltd, to sell my own line of hair jewellery and accessories in more than 65 boutiques in Asia. I’m also working on a new line of hair-care products and I would like to launch my own fragrance.

What inspires you?
I get my inspirations from the street—I’m lucky enough to travel a lot around the world and I have a pretty exceptional clientele. I’m also very interested in culture and art.
I draw on my past ideas as nothing I’ve ever done has gone out of style. Women have evolved in the sense that they don’t spend as much time on their hair and they have simpler hairstyles, which is a shame. When I travel to the Emirates, for example, women of a certain class still wear couture and have elegant hairstyles and make-up. But times change and you have to stay modern.

What should women never do to their hair?
Never let it get oily! You should always have clean hair, a good cut, color and light make-up. You mustn’t get lazy about your appearance!

What are your basic hair-care tips?
Find a high-quality shampoo that is suited to your hair type. It’s also important to get regular treatments, such as hair masks. The most essential thing is to take care of your hair on a regular basis.

What is the ideal method for getting perfect curls?
The old-fashioned way is best—just wrap a bit of Kleenex around each strand of hair and roll it up and tie—the result will be beautiful bouncy curls.

What is your vision of beauty?
Beauty comes from the heart! Apart from that, I think beauty is found in flowers and vegetation.

What do you believe makes a good stylist?
A good hairstylist knows how to do everything—from the shampoo to the total look. He needs to be creative and have a vivid imagination, and not go for a stereotypical look. All the hairdressers in my salon are trained here, from the bottom up.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Paris?
I love to go to galleries every so often and see the latest shows in museums. I also have my favorite bistros, such as L’Ami Louis and Tang, a Chinese restaurant.

Who are some of your celebrity clients?
To name a few: French president Nicolas Sarkozy, model Karen Mulder, actress Marisa Berenson and Queen Noor of Jordan.