Celeb Hairstylist Harry Josh: If I Disagree on a Style, I Won’t Do It

Celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh. (Photo: Harry Josh)

Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, Harry Josh’s fashion focus began when he was just 15, flipping through the pages of Vogue. He started hairstyling and coloring training while still in Canada, later relocating to New York to pursue this dream. Josh then worked for eight years as a casting director for the houses of Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton. During this time, he worked double duty as a hairstylist and colorist to many of the people he met in the business. Having tended to the famed manes of many top models and industry professionals, Josh eventually committed to hairstyling full time. His extensive celebrity roster includes Gisele Bundchen, Rose Byrne, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tina Fey, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Britney Spears, and many more. Here, Josh dishes on what he learned from mentor Serge Normant, the delicate balance of knowing when to chime in on a conversation, and the ubiquitous tattoo of the ‘90s.

My mentor in my 20s, today, and always is Serge Normant. I’m blown away by his delicate balance of glamour and precision, while always keeping his work modern. It’s a fine line. He has been a friend, a mentor, and an idol for many years. I love his work as a stylist and he’s truly a wonderful, kind, and inspiring human being. His business acumen and career savviness provides for me a template that I aspire to follow. Serge Normant told me to always be grateful when the phone rings, because nobody is really your client. Things can change any day. You should feel lucky when they call you. He’s always reiterated that who you are as a person is more important than who you are as a stylist. He can really do it all, but he also keeps the style modern — or puts a modern twist on it.

Celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh’s pet peeve is super long hair. (Photo: Instagram)

My skin care regimen since my 20s hasn’t changed much! I focus more on sun care. In my 20s, I thought I was invincible when it came to the sun, which was stupid. Now I slather myself in SPF constantly and avoid the rays. How anyone escaped the ‘90s without a barbed wire tattoo is beyond me. Soooo many mistakes. As for hair, I’ve always loved drugstore products — I was a fan of John Frieda even before I starting working with the brand. The Frizz Ease products are, and have always been, unparalleled. Frizz Ease Expert Finish Polishing Serum ($10) — it used to be known as the Thermal Serum — is my favorite because it works on everyone, no matter the hair type. I also like the Frizz Ease Mousse ($7). I also love Serge Normant’s products. His texture spray is unbelievable. It’s fun to watch new innovation in hair care as time goes on.

My hair pet peeve is super, super long hair with too many extensions. And bad ombré! As for textures and looks I’m loving now, I’m really into polish and high gloss — rich, shiny color. I’m ready to move away from the beachy hair — it’s almost fall. I love so many of the looks I’ve created, but I adored Rose Byrne’s Michelle-Pfeiffer-circa-Scarface-esque bob and bangs at the SAG Awards in 2012. It’s so hard to pinpoint the first look I created that I loved, but there is an Australian Vogue cover I did with Gisele of which I have fond memories.

Harry Josh did Gisele’s hair for this cover of Vogue Australia. (Photo: Vogue Australia)

The most challenging thing about being a celebrity hairstylist is reading personalities and learning when to chime in on a conversation. It takes practice. There are some clients I know just want to vent and have a good ear. Others need the tough love. When it comes to hairstyle choices, if I disagree, I don’t necessarily hate on my client’s idea, but I won’t do it. I’ll never do something on a client that I don’t think will make them feel beautiful. If it’s in reference to a client’s personal life, I tread very carefully. I’m supportive and don’t offer an opinion unless he or she asks.

I’ve learned a lot about confidence since my early 20s, most importantly that it takes time and experience to cultivate. For me, it didn’t come naturally. In my early 20s, I thought success was measured by fame and notoriety and it definitely isn’t. To me, happiness and quality of life is true success and what I ultimately crave now. I’d tell my 20-something self not to worry about fame — worry about finding true happiness. Don’t get caught up in the scene. Instead, focus on your craft. Find happiness in your family, friends and everyday life.

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