Meet The Artists

COMMUNITY

Meet the Artists

Behind every editorial, every runway, and every iconic cut, there's someone who sees hairstyling as an art form.

Our team of #OribeObsessed Artists and Educators have shaped their careers across fashion capitals and know everything there is to know about hair, but what really sets them apart is what they’ve learnt about themselves through their craft. We sat down with three of them to talk about their Oribe product obsessions, career-defining moments, and the advice they’d give to anyone sitting in their chair.

Nicci Welsh, Principal Artist, Global Training & Development, based in Copenhagen

“I love that I get to be creative with hair. It becomes a fabric that can be transformed in texture and shape.” – Nicci Welsh

What’s your proudest moment of your career?

Nicci Welsh: I've been fortunate to have many great moments from starting my own academy to working on some of the world's most famous faces, but the most iconic was actually one of my first music industry jobs. I styled all the models' hair for a rock band’s album cover.

What’s your favorite Oribe product and why?

NW: For my own hair, Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum. It both hydrates and protects my hair and strengthens my strands which has enabled me to grow my hair the longest it has ever been.

Why Oribe?

Because every product is a tool for beautiful hair. When I’m on a job, I know every product I choose will work and the style will last all day.

What’s your favorite part of what you do?

NW: I love that I get to be creative with hair. It becomes a fabric that can be transformed through texture and shape. Creating looks for fashion shows and working with designers gives me inspiration that I can take back to my team at my academy.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?

NW: To stay true to who you are and never give up.

Ronnie Stam, Creative Director, based in New York City

“I learned at an early stage in my career that in order to be an amazing hairstylist behind the chair, that it's not only about hair.” – Ronnie Stam

What’s your favorite Oribe product and why?

Ronnie Stam: That's a hard one. There are so many, so I will give you four. Crème for Style is amazing for a natural, bouncy pin curl setting. Gel Sérum Radiance, Magic and Hold creates one of our strongest and shiniest holds. Imperméable Anti-Humidity Spray creates an extra layer of hold on top of the existing styling product. The new Supershine Smoothing Wax Stick, particularly for updos, control, and sealing flyways.

What’s your favorite part of what you do?

RS: To create and let my imagination flow while I'm working with clients. Sounds like a cliché, but that's really what it's all about for me. Another favorite part is meeting and sharing my knowledge with my clients. I love teaching and sharing my experience.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?

RS: I learned at an early stage in my career that in order to be an amazing hairstylist behind the chair, it's not only about hair. A big part of success is being a good communicator, having confidence, and being a people person.

What and who inspires your work?

RS: I was fortunate to work with amazing hair mentors, photographers, and people in the fashion industry which helped me through my career to feel confident, inspired, and excited. Confidence is a big part of my work and life. I believe if you have confidence, you can get inspiration from all different angles.

Coby Alcántar, Principal Artist, Training & Content, based in New York City

“Listen to all the information and take what works for you, be open, it may change over time.” – Coby Alcántar

What’s your favorite Oribe product and why?

Coby Alcántar: Foundation Mist on its own or to layer on top of. And because I am a hairdresser, I love to use it as a cutting lotion, maintaining the moisture and guiding the hair as I cut.

If you could only perform one hair service for the rest of your career, what would it be and why?

CA: Bang trims. All day.

What’s your kit essential?

CA: An Oribe comb.

What’s your favorite part of what you do?

CA: Seeing and feeling the happiness of when the client loves their hair!

What’s your one piece of advice for your clients?

CA: Listen to all the information and take what works for you, be open, it may change over time.

What’s your proudest moment of your career?

CA: This, right now. I am proud of all of it.