We caught up with Christopher Asta from Harmony Hair Care, Contessa 2016 Ontario Hairstylist of the Year, to ask him about the inspiration behind his collection “Vertebraid,” and what he’s looking forward to conquering next.
Salon Magazine: When did you first know you wanted to be a hairstylist?
Christopher Asta: In grade five our teacher asked us to write down what we wanted to be when we grew up and I wrote: to be like my dad and do hair.
SM: Who are your styling influences?
CA: My hairstyling influences begin with my mentor and coach Guylaine Martel, the Europeans and our wonderful Canadian team at L’Oréal Professionnel. I also consider my clients styling influences as I challenge myself to exceed their expectations.
SM: Where do you find your inspiration?
CA: Where I least expect it, as an example with my “Blue Dreads” model the inspiration hit me while shopping at Walmart.
SM: What’s your secret weapon (tool or product)?
CA: The must have product in my toolbox for creating is L’oréal Professionnel Tecni Art Constructor styling spray, It’s heat activated, heat protectant, light weight and versatile. The must have tool is my brush, the Centaure from France, it’s my everything in one brush, it’s soft bristles can both tease and smooth. I have two with me at all times in case I lose one.
SM: What’s the next milestone you want to achieve in your career?
CA: Next for me is to step outside of my comfort zone even more for the benefit of others and our industry. To make it a constant practice to contribute beyond myself, by being a positive influence on likeminded artists, both as a colleague and educator. This comes from my core belief in the need for growth, be it my salon team Harmony Hair Care or as a portfolio artist with L’oréal Professionnel. Oh, and for sure more shoots for the next Contessa!
SM: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone entering the Contessas for the first time?
CA: Ask and you shall receive. If your goal is to be a finalist, someone with experience can help you learn faster. Turn fear into excitement and embrace your emotions by using them as leverage. My hands were shaking like a leaf for the entire 90min it took to create the “Vertebraid” in this collection, I kept saying to myself “I’m excited.”
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