When it comes to creating colour, Rodica Hristu wears many hats. As Goldwell’s North American artistic director, international creative team member and Color Zoom ’17 master for Canada, Hristu has showcased her innovative colour techniques around the world. We chatted about her many accomplishments, what she attributes to her success and her tips for achieving flawless colour.
Q&A with Rodica Hristu, Goldwell’s North American Artistic Director
Salon Magazine: You assisted in creating Goldwell’s In-Flux collection, which is the focus of this year’s Color Zoom competition. Tell us about that experience.
Rodica Hristu: It’s a very special collection to me. I was responsible for supporting the winning team and designing the colour story—the concept, application methods, colours and shapes. The collection is all about power and strength. I’m part of the international judging panel, so I’ve seen all of this year’s Color Zoom entries. I didn’t get to judge Canada, but the Canadian images are amazing. I’m very proud because I can see inspiration from In-Flux in every single image. Being a Canadian and a global master colourist involved in creating that collection, it just gave me huge satisfaction and pride.
SM: What is the best colour tip or advice you can share?
RH: Consultation is really important; making sure you choose the right combination of shades. Don’t be shy about it and don’t be scared. If a client wants red, they want red. They know what they want, so have fun doing it. Life is short. People are being more daring and showing their wild sides.
SM: Do you have a secret product weapon that is a must-have when colouring hair?
RH: I have a love affair with Elumen. It’s the most creative tool for a colourist. It takes a colourist to a different level. It adds artistry to our craft. There’s no other colour like it.
SM: What has it been like being a woman in the male-dominated hair industry?
RH: For me, nothing is too hard. Everything can be achieved, you just have to work hard at it. I’m not a competitive person with other people; I’m just competitive with myself. I think the hardest thing for me in my career is to make myself happy. Everybody knows the industry is male dominated but I don’t let that bother me. It’s been tough, but also so rewarding, because I’m not competing with anyone but myself.
SM: Do you have a mentor in the industry?
RH: I admire a lot of people in the industry. For me, there’s no territorial hair colour. No matter what, our infuence is still the same way. Hairstylists, colourists—we all speak the same language.
SM: What has been the secret to your success?
RH: I’m real. I don’t say or do things to impress people, and I’m not afraid to make mistakes. My strength is that I always finish what I start and I’m not afraid to do it, and if it goes wrong—and things go wrong sometimes—I know I can fix it or I will do my best to fix it. I’m always looking for a challenge. Also, I love people and I’m not a jealous person. I’m an educator at heart. I work behind the chair and feel like my purpose is to not only create and be part of the international creative team, but to support my fellow educators and help them achieve their own goals; to get to where I am. I’ve been all over the world and I’ve seen a lot of artists, colourists and stylists and I still believe Canada is number one in my books.
SM: You’ve been actively involved with Kao’s breast cancer fundraising initiatives. Why has that been an important cause for you?
RH: Everything that involves cancer, I’m involved with as much as I can. I was diagnosed two years ago with breast cancer but I didn’t let that stop me. I never missed one day of work. I did radiation for five weeks and had three surgeries and I worked through it. I want to make sure people aren’t scared of the word ‘cancer.’ I will never stop or feel sorry for myself. I encourage every woman who is diagnosed, if it’s possible, to be strong and fight it. Keep your mind straight and positive and anything is possible.
SM: You’ve accomplished so much already. What’s next for you?
RH: I’m going to take a break for a year or so. I want to put Canada and Canadian artists on the global map. I would also like to work on a few other global projects. I’m a workaholic and I feel that, on a personal level, working on global projects is immortalizing my work; putting my work in print. My mom is so happy when she has something with my name, my face, my work—either on social media or a magazine. She is so proud it brings her to tears. So maybe a global project is next, along with my hope that someday I will get to do Justin Bieber’s hair. Avril Lavigne is my client and I’m very proud of that. I just want to add another Canadian artist or another name there so maybe when I’m 60 I can look back and say ‘Wow, they were the best in the world and I did their hair.’
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