Gianna Scumaci

Welcome back to Joico Muse, our newly launched one-on-one chat with some of the most magnetic hair artists around the globe. Today, it’s a conversation with London visionary, Gianni Scumaci, an extraordinarily talented, humble, creative superstar who’s styled hair at the Academy Awards; served as the youngest creative director ever at Vidal Sassoon; and been tapped to go on location with photography legend, Patrick Demarchelier. Listen in here…

GIANNI SCUMACI, Joico International Vision Director, London

Bragging rights: Not my style.

On my nightstand: My latest favorite book, Zen in the Art of Archery, by Eugen Herrigel – a classic work about Eastern philosophy.

I’ll cry if I’m out of: Milk.

What I’m eating when no one’s looking: Happy Tan Japanese rice crackers.

If anyone could dress me: Junya Watanebe / Commes des Garcon.

What’s on my feet: An air boot, as my foot is currently fractured.

Can’t live without: My girlfriend’s cooking.

My influencers: Both of my grandmothers… My Italian Nonna is almost 90 and my British/Russian Grandma is 92. They’re extremely strong women who have lived amazing lives in completely different ways, yet through the most difficult of times. Both have worked with hair (one on the 1940’s and the other in the 1960’s), and their individual opinions have influenced many decisions I have made in life. I’m overwhelmingly inspired by them.

Guiltiest pleasure: The music of Chas and Dave, a British duo known for founding “Rockney”–a mix of pub singalong, Boogie Woogie piano, and pre-Beatles rock.

Biggest misconception about hairdressers: Believing they’re not intelligent.

What I’m known best for: Running behind.

Oddest job: Styling hair while hanging from a tree with two long wooden sticks to reach the model–all in a lagoon in Tulum, Mexico for British Vogue.

If not hair: Definitely something with people…visual and creatively expressive.

The look I never want to see again: Poor quality work and low standards in hairdressing… unacceptable.

This hairstyle/color will never bore me: It’s about the person, not the hair!

Best advice ever: Two ears and one mouth… use them to that ratio.

“I’ve made it” moment: In 2000, I created “The Fanni,” a haircut that had a global impact on the fashion world and dictated the look of many fashion houses. Gucci, Jil Sander, and Gap utilized the new style for their shows and advertising campaigns. The haircut actually became a question in the board game Trivial Pursuit.

What’s playing in my salon: Spotify.

Tool/product I’m always reaching for: Scissors given to me by my late great mentor, Takahiro Uemura.