Nick Arrojo is quite the stylish entrepreneur.
The Manchester, England native took his love for hair and created a unique salon experience with locations in the SoHo area of New York City and the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn with stylists who are prepared for success under his hands-on tutelage.
“I believe education is the backbone of strong technique, of creative expression, of confidence with clients, of feeling motivated and inspired, of success in any field of hairdressing,” he told Viva about the importance of his training academy.
“When I opened the first ARROJO Studio in 2001 it was inside an Aveda Cosmetology School,” the former stylist for TLC’s “What Not to Wear” added. “That made me realize that in order to influence the industry the way I wanted to, I had to connect to the next generation of great hairdressers, and help to elevate their education, so they could begin on the strongest footing possible.”
Francesca, a color specialist, and Clare, a hairstylist, both in the Brooklyn location, are prime examples of professionals taking Arrojo’s techniques taught in the classroom to the clients in the salon. During my recent visit to the Williamsburg salon, the ladies not only made the salon experience — which women know can take a large portion of the day — enjoyable, but they also explained the impact Arrojo had on their careers and the techniques they were using to cut and color my hair.
For example, Clare used a razor cutting technique that Arrojo proudly stated is a signature of the brand.
“Razor cutting hair, when practiced correctly, allows for more texture, taper, softness, and versatility in haircuts,” he explained. “All our stylists must master this technique, and our razor cutting skills are revered and practiced worldwide.”
Francesca skillfully added a touch of color to my otherwise untouched hair.
“We use … modern freehand hair painting to add vibrancy, texture, depth, and contrast that is always tailored to the client,” Arrojo said, adding how the cut and color are “intrinsically linked.”
Just has his cut and color techniques go hand-in-hand, Arrojo’s business sense also bridges his intended “legacy of excellence and integrity, craftsmanship and creativity for the future of the hairdressing industry.”
“I came to America from England with $1500 and I want to continue living my dream,” Arrojo said.
By Zayda Rivera [Daily News]