Our interview this week comes from the city of Belgrade where the top stylists are quickly earning their place on the hair map. Milica Maksimovic, who also goes by the name Shishalica, is among those top talents that are already generating impressive client lists and bringing more interest to the styling scene in the Serbian capital. Her hair designs have been featured around the globe and have landed Shishalica a coveted sponsorship from American-based Manic Panic NYC as well as a publication in prestigious magazines like Head1st, Bangstyle, and Peluquerias. We had a chance to speak to the up-and-coming stylist about some of her interesting opinions about hair.
Q: How many years have you been a stylist?
A: I started cutting hair when I was very young, eleven years ago.
Q: What made you choose hairstyling as your profession of choice?
A: I love cutting hair and I was good at it.
Q: Did you go through formal training to become a stylist or are you self-taught?
A: Yes, I went to beauty school here in Serbia, but it was only the beginning. I learned many useful things by working at hairdressing salons in Belgrade.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration for your work?
A: I draw inspiration from the world around me, music, people, movies...etc.
Q: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you while cutting someone else's hair?
A: A client of mine farted. You can't imagine the embarrassment - the situation was awkward for a moment, but fortunately she laughed like crazy and, after all, it was one of those situations you can't control. Everything turned out great and we became very good friends over time. She is still my client and all of her friends came to me, too. ;)
Q: What is your favorite part of being a stylist?
A: I love it when my clients leave my place happy with their hair. A good haircut makes a person feel full of confidence.
Q: What is a product you're addicted at the moment?
A: I don't have a favorite product because I always try out new stuff.
Q: If you could style anyone's hair in the world, who would it be?
A: Most definitely Dave Grohl (Nirvana/Foo Fighters) and Rooney Mara (actress).
Q: What is the most difficult part about your profession?
A: The most difficult thing for me is that I stand all day long while I work. My feet are killing me sometimes. Other than that, there is nothing I find to be difficult.
Q: What hairstyle is "in" this season? Why?
A: "Ombre hair" in different variations. Why? I think the beauty of this particular hairstyle is that it looks natural and women love it. ;)
Q: Do you have any advice for men and women who color their hair?
A: I have often been in situations where clients come to me after they tried to color their hair at home on their own and ended up being sorry and looking bad, so I guess my advice is to always ask for professional help, you won't be sorry and trust me, it's cheaper that way".
Q: What is the biggest problem you see with hair today?
A: I don't know if you've noticed, but hair quality has changed. I think it all has to do with the food we eat, products we use, and our health in general. It may come as a surprise to you, but I don't encourage my clients to use a lot of hair products. On the contrary, I encourage them to use less, especially when their hair is damaged. I take very good care of my clients.
Q: What are your favorite styles to work with?
A: Geometry and asymmetry.
Q: What is the worst thing a person can do to their hair?
A: I've done everything you can possibly imagine to my hair when I was younger. I have long natural hair today and the worst thing I can think of now is to cut it short.
Q: What is the best thing you can do to keep your hair healthy and beautiful?
A: As I said earlier, avoid using a lot of hair products and cutting it a little from time to time helps. Also, by all means, avoid using hair straighteners frequently.
Q: What is the most popular style you perform on a day to day basis?
A: It all depends on the clients and their wishes, but I do a lot of short asymmetrical haircuts and coloring in natural tones.
Q: What are some products that you use regularly?
A: I really don't have favorite products. In my opinion, every manufacturer has some good products, but not all of them are great. I tend to experiment a lot with colors from different manufacturers, which proved to be a good thing because now I can work with anything and get the desired result.
Q: For women who can't afford big budget hair care, are there any cheaper, store-bought products that you would recommend?
A: I don't believe that a big budget is needed for quality hair care. I live in Belgrade/Serbia, so obviously I don't know much about the stores from abroad, but I guess it is the same everywhere. I think that products from stores and a good hairstylist will do just fine.
Q: What has been your favorite era in hairstyling?
A: The 1930s.
Q: Do you have any tips to prevent/overcome bad hair days?
A: If you take good and regular care of your hair, there is no such thing as a bad hair day.
Q: Last but not least, where can people find you online?
A: http://www.shishalica.com/
https://twitter.com/#!/Shishalica
http://www.facebook.com/shishalica
http://www.facebook.com/shishalicahairstylist
http://www.hairbrained.me/profile/MilicaMaksimovicShishalica
http://www.myspace.com/shishalica
http://www.talenthouse.com/shishalica
http://www.manicpanic.com/cut_team.html
http://pinterest.com/shishalica/
Via: Interview with hairstylist Milica Maksimovic