Julien Farel
On what’s inspired him in his career, and what joys he has in his life.
A little over twenty years ago, Julien Farel’s career in hair styling brought him from France to New York, and we could not be more grateful. He began his profession training with renowned dressers like Jacques Dessange and Frederic Fekkai to practice his skill and refine his genius. In 2001, he founded the Julien Farel Group. Since then, stars like Kate Moss and Richard Gere have trusted his effortless talent to create a natural masterpiece atop their heads. In his salon, he makes hair styling an art, working with the structure, coloring and subtle intricacies of the face to create a composition reflective of his subjects’ aura and personality. Having opened many new locations, founded a luxury wellness & fitness center, and started a line of anti-aging and strengthening hair products, Julien has really created an empire of reliable quality.
We sat down with Julien to talk more about the man behind the scissors, what’s inspired him in his career, and what joys he has in his life.
YOUR INSPIRATION
For starting your business…
I noticed that prices had gone up and quality had gone down. I realized that it was my time to take a chance. My clients told me that it was the right time to do it so I left the CHANEL hair division, where I worked at the time, and started my own salon.
There is no mystery to success…you just need passion, determination and perseverance when everyone else quits!
How to be an effective leader…
Respect your employees and team. Lead by example. Never say ‘no’. Be proactive. Make quick decisions. There is no mystery to success…you just need passion, determination and perseverance when everyone else quits!
How to stay creative…
Have passion for what you do, work, work, work, but also pay attention to art, images, life stories, people, fashion, beauty, social, nature, and culture. Look at the old, look at the new, look at the future, take it all in and be creative.
YOUR CITY
What you love most…
The energy of New York City. Everyone here is always on the go and if you make it here you can make it anywhere.
Favorite afternoon café…
Sant Ambroeus.
Go-to lunch place…
Le Bilboquet and Vaucluse.
A night on the town…
Bagatelle is the best.
YOUR DAY
Morning routine…
I take a 5AM jog, engage in positive thoughts, meditate, become calm for the day, then drive my girls to school (the best!).
Perfect outfit…
My ISAIA & YSL suits, TOD’s shoes, and Caruso shirt & tie.
Evening relaxation…
Driving and listening to Frank Sinatra. Watching “The Voice” with my girls or just reading with them.
YOUR FAVORITE
Skincare / Haircare…
Calm Elixir for post-shave; I use it as a skin moisturizer and for styling my hair. For hair, I use Hydrate Shampoo, Conditioner, and Restore from my hair care line.
Sports…
Jogging, tennis, and Peloton.
Perfume…
Patchouli by Etro.
Gadgets…
iPhone, Beats headphones, and Panerai watch.
Don’t use any shampoo with SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate).
THE PRO TIPS
Do’s and Don’ts for best hair care…
DON’ T:
• Wash your hair 10 times per day. Sometimes you just need a conditioner to make it smell good.
• Use any shampoo with SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate).
• Use products with heavy silicone. It doesn’t treat the hair and it cannot penetrate the follicles.
• Don’t go in the pool before washing hair with regular water.
Do wash your hair at night, add light conditioner, braid it before going to bed, and in the morning you will have beach waves and sexy effortless hair!
DO:
• Wash your hair at night, add light conditioner, braid it before going to bed, and in the morning you will have beach waves and sexy effortless hair!
• Use dry shampoo on fine hair in between shampoos to add volume.
• Always brush your hair if you have long hair.
• Use styling products to style your hair as most hair needs help and is not naturally perfect.
Lani Allen is a graduate of Columbia University’s Non-fiction Creative Writing program. After serving as Vice President of her class for two years, she contributed written pieces and illustrations to many on-campus publications. As a writer with a passion for beauty, Lani enjoys capturing the stories of innovative thinkers and risk-takers shaping the industry as we know it.
Look at the old, look at the new, look at the future, take it all in and be creative.
”
