A quick squeeze of the shampoo bottle, frantic scalp scrubbing underneath the shower, a one-and-done blast from the hair dryer—for the everyday consumer, haircare and styling hasn’t been a glamorous affair. But for creative minds like Frédéric Fekkai, David Mallett, Odile Gilbert, and Julien Farel, the artistic innovation possible within the realms of hair knows no bounds.From majestic updos in the pages of a French fashion magazine to edgy runway presentations in the hands of a talented hairstylist, humble follicles become the protagonist of a visual narrative—be it the sultry femme fatale with softly tousled waves or the razor-sharp, futuristic androgyny of a black bowl cut.Before there were content creators, an elite few hairstylists, equipped with steadfast determination, a passion for the art form, and a tireless work ethic, were setting the trends on the catwalk, in the pages of magazines, and on movie sets. Building their triumphant path isn’t pure luck, but rather years spent refining their craft and sharpening their editorial eye. They were the original influencers.Channeling success on the editorial and salon front into a successful product range comes with its different set of challenges altogether: investor decisions, formulation approaches, and maintaining a cohesive brand identity. BeautyMatter spoke to the four hairstylists who have successfully managed to traverse both of these worlds for decades, with no signs of slowing down.Frédéric FekkaiDespite being a lauded member of the industry, Frédéric Fekkai’s professional path began in law school at the insistence of his father.