Alex Ioannou – Nationally Renowned Salon Stylist and Educator

Owner of Trio  salon in Chicago and nationally renowned educator, Alex Ioannou was named one of The Best Hair Stylists in Chicago by Refinery29.com.  Raised in London, Alex spent ten years with Vidal Sassoon and has worked on television, talk shows, magazines and runway shows for various music videos.

We wanted to catch up with Alex and ask him a few questions about his experience and success in the beauty industry, here is what he had to say:

Q: Who influenced you the most when learning your craft?

A: I had my formal training at Vidal Sassoon, so all my teachers, friends and staff I knew and still know were a huge influence for me. Prior to Sassoon, my teacher at Cosmetology school and my first boss Armand….all had very different skill sets and work ethics. All from whom I learned something and will be forever grateful.

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

A: Mostly from my staff and students that I teach. Mistakes become works of art and teaching makes you a better hairdresser.

Q: Where did you attend school?

A: I attended school in London earning a City & Guilds in Hairdressing. My formal training was as a Vidal Sassoon apprentice.

Q: What was the turning point of your career?

A: Coming to the USA was a huge turning point in my career. Becoming Artistic Director of the Vidal Sassoon salon in Chicago, then National Director of Education for Heidis, a 40 salon strong company and eventually opening TRIO.

Q: Best advice you have received?

A: Practice, Practice, Practice!

Q: Biggest career challenge you had to overcome?

A: Spinning the plates of hairdresser, session stylist, teacher, platform artist and salon owner. All very different challenges…..the biggest is juggling between family and career.

Inspiration, Interview, Mentor