ARTUR KIRSH
A Hair Stylist Who Makes You Feel Beautiful
Hair stylists are famous for making us look and feel beautiful. The salon environment provides many positive and safe spaces for people to converse freely as they enjoy a sense of belonging and community. With current statistics showing that more people are feeling lonely, it’s no wonder that while stylists wash, color, and comb, they also provide comfort.
The role stylists play in loose-tie relationships sets the stage for their clientele to come to them with trials and tribulations, and that’s a good thing! Relationships and conversations with acquaintances help us feel supported and give us a sense of connectedness. For many, the stylist’s chair is a place for clients to be seen and heard.
IN THE BEGINNING
Kirsh began his journey into the world of styling at the age of sixteen, and since then has achieved the stature of one of the nation’s premier stylists. The demand for him is not just fueled by his expert technique in the realm of cut and color, but also by the unique vision he brings to addressing each client’s needs.
Known for his unique vision and expert technique in the realm of cut and color, Kirsh has achieved the stature of one of the Nation’s premier professionals, earning a reputation as the preferred stylist among women of influence and taste including media personalities, celebrities, and fashion models. Kirsh specializes in coloring and a style called “dry cutting,” and is well known in the fashion circle. He is the go-to stylist for models and local celebrities.
Today, Kirsh is not only known for the best hands in the business, but the best ears. He has offered comfort and care to the clientele he’s served and continues to do so. In his debut book Ask, 1000 Questions Behind the Chair, he shares laughter and even some tears from his many days cutting, primping, and listening. No doubt, those who get up from his coveted chair not only get a new look but a new lease on life.
We met up with Artur Kirsh at The Pierre Hotel to find out more about the Stylist to the Stars.
What prompted you to create a book showcasing the many questions clients have asked you over the years?
I wanted to inspire and motivate people to laugh. When you laugh, you live longer. I wanted to create a book that you don’t have to read from cover to cover. You can open any page to start a conversation of your own or read it to inspire you to get through the day.
What are the most outlandish questions you’ve ever been asked? I am a hairdresser. I am already outrageous, but you must read the book to learn more.
Are there any topics you won’t discuss with a client?
No, my clients are perfect. Sometimes, you don’t need to discuss—you need to listen.
Tell us more about how you collected the Questions for the book.
I did not ask the questions—my client did. I did not use any names. I asked my clients to write questions without their names and put them in the closed box. I wanted to answer the questions without knowing who asked them. They could ask me anything they wished. All of the questions are memorable, touching, helpful, and even sexy.
Have any of your Q&A caused a rupture in your client/stylist relationship?
No, I hope not. I wrote this book and answered the questions with a sense of humor.
Why are clients so open and inclined to dish with a stylist as they would a therapist?
The only thing that a stylist and the therapist do not have in common is the therapist does not have hairspray, and the stylist cannot prescribe a prescription—unless it’s a complete makeover.
Do you feel you ever encounter compassion fatigue because of your Q&A sessions?
I do encounter compassion fatigue at times. Despite the challenges, the satisfaction of helping clients feel confident and happy with their appearance makes it all worthwhile.
Would you agree that being a stylist also contains the second role as a confidant?
We become a safe place where they can open up and share their stories.
For more information on Artur Kirsh,
visit arturkirsh.com