Drawing hair inspo from classical paintings
Canadian hairstylist Letizia Slaayer Sprio on nurturing your inner artist, and achieving sustainability in hair salons

Born and raised in Montréal, Québec, hair and session stylist Letizia Slaayer Sprio always knew she was going to follow a creative life path. “I think my parents had other plans for me, but I just wanted freedom” she explains. Sprio started working at a local hair shop when she was just 14, learning her craft after school as well as on weekends until she turned 18, when she enrolled in an academy and was scouted. She began training with L’Oréal Professional, took part in shows and competitions, and assisted great creative talents. “The majority of my time was spent shadowing stylists and colourists” she remembers, “This is where I realised I wanted to be and learn; it was precise, intimate, and personal.” Sprio’s technical skills developed and thrived but it was important to her to nurture her creative and artistic side as well.

“I refuse to plan ahead, instead I tap into the moment that engulfs the creative team and just let myself get lost”
Letizia Slaayer Sprio

You seem to be very interested in fine art. How do you draw inspiration from classical paintings for your work with hair? Fine art can be so ethereal. The emotions that fine art portrays, the blend of vulnerability and strength. There’s a side to colouring and cutting that is very demanding and needs a balance of vulnerable beauty and technical strength in order to be visually arresting, like these paintings. Vulnerability can be a mystery at times, but when successfully demonstrated, the aspect of strength comes through too.
Growing up, when did you know you wanted to become a session stylist? Session styling came to me as I fell in love with art history. I wanted to create that emotion, challenge my creativity and develop my skills. I refuse to plan ahead, instead I tap into the moment that engulfs the creative team and just let myself get lost. I like looking at modern shoots and magazines, but never want to simulate what I see. I always felt a deep connection to anything that had a little more age to it.




Your hair colouring imagery has a coherent dreamy or romantic feeling. How do you translate these feelings or ideas into practice? I believe it’s a blend of close analysis and liberty, polar opposites, and the mystery that links the two. Trusting in my skill set while also accepting to discover my weaknesses – failure, as some might perceive. Being somewhat aloof translates just as it should, for me.
In what ways can the hair industry become more hair conscious and sustainable? It starts from within. If you are conscious of your breathing and well-being, you will then appreciate your existence and power here on earth. We are part of an ecosystem where we have the ability to save, preserve and also heal. Green circle salon has given me hope in preserving these values. They create so many alternatives with our otherwise wasted goods. The institution I am part of, Freyja, is like no other. Our founders deserve major love. I can now connect my values to my craft.
Whose hair would you ideally like to get your hands on? I’m not celebrity obsessed, I like technical challenges and personal connections. So, I would say my father.


What’s your favourite hair trend at the moment? I love to bleach and tone to a translucent base and then – splatter! And least favourite? Foils will forever give me anxiety. Would you say you have a distinctive ‘signature’ approach to your hair work? #Dreamy. What’s your favourite thing about your profession? Succeeding with my knowledge, but equally, the prospects of succeeding with knowledge that I have yet to learn. What is your ultimate goal to achieve with your work? For you to feel emotions and for me to make history.


Credits
Images Letizia Slaayer Sprio
Interview Katharina Lina
Hairstylist Philippe Tholimet on the role of beauty in his work
The Parisian session stylist discusses his inspirations
Errol Douglas on his East End childhood, favourite hair era and unusual sources of inspiration
INFRINGE meets the iconic London hairdresser
Sugar and Spice: Laurence Philomene on femininity
Her work touches upon the themes of identity, femininity and friendship, explored through a hazy, dreamlike aesthetic
Tamas Tuzes on his unlikely introduction into the world of hair
New York hairstylist Tamas Tuzes on his 60s inspirations and working with Bjork
Matthew Kazarian: The LA-based Sassoon instructor on why he documents all his haircuts
With a candid, snapshot aesthetic, his images examine hair from every angle
Glasgow born hairstylist Howard McLaren on culture, heritage and Antoine de Paris
The Creative Director of R+Co discusses his hair icons
More from People

More from People
INFRINGE ISSUE #3 OUT NOW!
Filled with brand new and exclusive content, INFRINGE Issue #3 is a visual feast of art, design, beauty and fashion, all based around the theme of hair. Choose from 5 different covers, each created exclusively for Issue #3
Joy Matashi on how her two loves, architecture and hair, inform one another
"The exciting thing about working on a smaller scale is that there’s more room to experiment, change, adapt - the versatility of Black hair is incredible.”
Why Angelo Seminara’s exhibition hairpieces are like miniature artworks in themselves
Seminara’s collaborations with fashion curator Judith Clark illustrate the synergy between fashion and hair
Drawing hair inspo from classical paintings
Canadian hairstylist Letizia Slaayer Sprio on nurturing your inner artist, and achieving sustainability in hair salons
Meet the Japanese hair artist with a taste for the unconventional
Masayoshi Okudaira’s quirky headprops are crafted from a variety of unexpected materials
The radical theatre group turning the act of styling hair on its head
Osadia's show-stopping performances merge hair with theatre
In conversation with Annie Humphreys
The celebrated colourist and ‘mother of colour’ reflects back on her extraordinary career
Malorie Shmyr’s macro shots reveal the intricacies of catwalk hair
The photographer’s backstage shots reveal the craft behind Fashion Week hairstyles
Maverick maker Lydia Chan on her otherworldly headpieces
“Most of the hairpieces I make are based around monsters and aliens.”
Photographer Chloe Orefice on the perfect backstage hair shot
“For me, it’s about making hair look interesting even to people who know nothing about it.”
Australia’s leading hair creative Frank Apostolopoulos shares his inspirations
“The most important thing is to have an open mind and accept that there might be better ways of doing something than what you already know”
Parisian hairstylist Olivier Schawalder reveals his many creative outlets
“I love to draw, because unlike hair, it can be completely controlled and I can really go into detail.”
New York hair artist Bob Recine on the role of magic in his life and art
“The whole area of the head is my realm and domain, it’s been my fascination for a very long time.”
New York hairstylist Joey George shares his visual diary of hair
The session stylist fills scrapbooks with doodles, paintings and collages – all dedicated to hair
Meet the man behind Lady Gaga’s favourite hairy headpieces
Japanese hairstylist Shinji Konishi’s animal props are a work of art
‘Hair Magician’ Ryoji Imaizumi reveals his inspirations
Using everyday objects to craft his quirky headpieces, the Japanese hairstylist transforms the mundane into the extraordinary
Janine Ker’s hair carvings transform heads into technicolour artworks
The Californian hairstylist sculpts intricate carvings and stencils inspired by the 80s
LA hair guru Candice Birns on styling for the music industry
The hairstylist to Calvin Harris, Haim and Bastille talks trends, inspiration, and what it takes to style for the music world
In conversation with Christel Lundqvist
The award-winning colourist talks trends, colour predictions and the experience of opening her first salon
Explore genre-defying hair pieces by Nicolas Jurnjack
“I enjoy creating all kinds of hairstyles, from the simple ponytail to the most intricate and elaborate of styles.”
Meet Brick Lane’s dancing barber
Armed with nothing but a chair, boombox and willing client, his unique barbering style never fails to draw a crowd of curious onlookers
The artist sculpting her own hair into animated artworks
Ivorian artist Laetitia Ky shapes her hair into elaborate shapes, scenes and characters
In conversation with John Rawson
The former hairdresser-turned-photographer speaks to Anthony Mascolo about trading in his scissors for a camera
Session stylist Tina Outen on her colour-filled world
“My hair has started an obsession that has overtaken my life. I have become my own colour palette of expression.”
Gianni Scumaci
“A hairdresser’s job is not only to make people look good, but feel good. They fulfill a really high social function all over the world.”
Akos Bodi, European Creative Director for TIGI, reflects on his 25 years in the world of hair
"I got pretty lucky, because I fell into a world where I loved being from day one."
In conversation with Angelo Seminara
“My style is very eclectic. I like to go where people don’t usually go.”
Takayuki Shibata
Exploring the exquisite, dreamlike creations of the Tokyo hairstylist and headpiece designer Takayuki Shibata
In conversation with Sam McKnight
“Collaboration is key, I think that is the most important advice I could offer.”
The Provocateur: Inside Charlie Le Mindu’s iconoclastic world
Much has been said about the transformative power of hair, an idea truly embodied by the anarchic creations of Charlie Le Mindu
Glasgow born hairstylist Howard McLaren on culture, heritage and Antoine de Paris
The Creative Director of R+Co discusses his hair icons
Cos Sakkas: We meet TONI & GUY’s Artistic Director and Head of Education
Born in London with Cypriot roots, Cos Sakkas’s first brush with the world of hair was through trips to the local barber with his dad.
Cyndia Harvey’s love affair with hair
The London hairstylist on buzz cut love and growing up in her mum’s salon
Iggy Rosales: Talking creativity with the Hair Editor of Laud Magazine
“At primary school I used to choose my friends on the grounds of their hair!”
Holli Smith: The radical New York hairstylist talks Prince, Tumblr and favourite hair trends
Her bold, edgy style has made her a key player in the world of hair
Jake Gallagher’s world of iconic characters, bad taste and ‘ugly pretty’
The London hairstylist discusses pop-culture inspirations, hair icons and what his own hair means to him
Hairdresser Allan Hogg on why music will always be his biggest inspiration
“Hair is such an important part of expressing your identity in music"
Stockholm session stylist Rudi Lewis on why he is inspired by imperfection
Rudi Lewis on musical icons, his love of photography and the importance of collaboration
Dolled up with Dejan Cekanovic
The Stockholm based hairstylist discusses his 'Doll' Series
Jiv D on creating wearable sculptures, styling for the hair industry and why he loves latex
The stylist on trends, inspirations and what it is like to style for the hairdressing industry
The mask maker transforming faces into enigmatic artworks
We visit the studio of Muriel Nisse, who uses hair to create experimental masks and headpieces
Watch the Popovy Sisters create their intricate dolls by hand
Go behind the scenes at the studio of Russian dollmakers Lena and Katya Popovy
In conversation with Luís Llongueras
INFRINGE meets the iconic Spanish hairdresser-turned-artist, renowned for his collaborations with Salvador Dalí
Moonage Daydream: Robert Lobetta shares his latest collages
"The power of collage relies on a strong idea and focus on the content, much like hairdressing."
My Hair: Ryon Wu
Meet our new favourite part-time noodle house server and full-time A.I. entity
In conversation with Paul Hanlon
“It doesn’t matter if people like what I do or if they don’t, as long as they feel something.”
Pablo Kümin, Hairstylist and Wigmaker Extraordinaire
On juggling work and staying inspired in times of scarcity
LA hairstylist Dylan Chavles on rejecting ‘Hollywood’ hair
“I try my best to stay away from stereotypical West Hollywood hair. I feel like I’m doing myself and Los Angeles a disservice by entertaining that aesthetic at all.”
In conversation with Robert Cromeans
The prolific platform artist talks showmanship, controlled chaos and on-stage swagger
Meet the twin doll-makers bewitching the world with their hyperreal creations
Russian twin sisters Lena and Katya Popovy, aka the Popovy Sisters, create highly bespoke dolls from their St Petersburg studio
Behind the scenes with New York Wigmaker Raffaele Mollica
INFRINGE meets trailblazing wigmaker Raffaele Mollica, who has been in the industry for over 40 years
X-presion merges hair with technology in search of new hairdressing techniques
A hair studio like no other, X-presion discusses the creation of their pixel hair trend and why it's vital for hairdressers to embrace modern technology
London based session stylist Ryuta Saiga on how his Tokyo roots influence his work
“In Shibuya and Harajuku, where I grew up, people are very individual and not scared of being different.”
How swapping hair for sculpture reignited this hairdresser’s passion for his craft
“I got some old hairdressing scissors and literally started trying to do haircuts into the clay.”
A rare glimpse inside the studio of a Tokyo wig maker
81-year-old Kanehisa Osawa has been styling traditional Japanese wigs for over 60 years
Asami Nemoto’s immersive art installation combines hair with light and sound
Created for Tokyo arts hub Pavilion, the Japanese session stylist’s atmospheric piece features hair-covered lanterns
Inside Katsuya Kamo’s Tokyo studio
INFRINGE meets the Japanese designer and artist, renowned for crafting his unique headpieces for Chanel and Junya Watanabe
Photographer Alex Black on the satisfaction of shooting hair
“I love working with hair. For me it feels like the last space in fashion photography that is still innovative.”
The London hairdresser providing free haircuts to the homeless
Josh Coombes is the founder of the movement #DoSomethingForNothing which encourages people to reach out to a person in need through simple acts of kindness
Session stylist Anthony Turner shares his inspirations
“I love it when risks are taken in order to stand out from the crowd.”
Maria Kovacs, TIGI’s European Session Director, on mentoring the next generation of session stylists
“It is such a great feeling when you are able to really tap into the story the designer wants to tell.”
In conversation with Trevor Sorbie
“The most important thing in life is to be inspired, that’s what makes you want to get up in the morning and do something important.”
ASOS unveils campaign showcasing a myriad of colourful hairstyles
We speak to the hairstylist behind ‘Go Play’, the new beauty line from ASOS
Tom Connell discusses the new stripped-back aesthetic of the Trevor Sorbie Art Team
"Shooting this way hopefully made these experimental ideas look as real and natural as possible."
French hairstylist Jean Baptiste Santens shares his inspirations
“I know that if a wig is very well prepared it could be magical on set.”
Bad Apple Hair unveil their latest collection ‘PLAY’
“You get one chance to catch someone’s eye.”
Hairstylist and head prop extraordinaire Tomihiro Kono reveals the inspirations behind his new book
“Head props are pieces of transformative and wearable art. I don’t see them as headpieces used to decorate hair but as a way of creating one-off characters.” - Tomihiro Kono
INFRINGE meets the punk rock sisters behind iconic hair dye brand Manic Panic
Tish and Snooky Bellomo, founders of Manic Panic, look back on their rock ‘n’ roll roots
Transformative hair: Robert Masciave’s unique outfit created entirely out of human hair
The French hairdresser merges fashion and hair with his handcrafted pieces, which push the limits of hair artistry
In conversation with Eugene Souleiman
“I’ll be very truthful; I’ve never wanted a job. I’m probably not particularly employable, I just want to enjoy what I do.”
INFRINGE meets the World’s Oldest Barber
INFRINGE meets 105-year-old Anthony Mancinelli, who has been barbering for 90 years… with no plans to retire
Californian colourist Alaina Manibog documents her work in these weirdly wonderful photographs
These images will make you want to dye your hair
Mark Francome Painter: The London session stylist on his favourite hair trends
"The best hair in the world belongs to those who love their own"
Matthew Kazarian: The LA-based Sassoon instructor on why he documents all his haircuts
With a candid, snapshot aesthetic, his images examine hair from every angle
Eugene Souleiman: In pursuit of the extraordinary
Student for life!! - Eugene Souleiman
Errol Douglas on his East End childhood, favourite hair era and unusual sources of inspiration
INFRINGE meets the iconic London hairdresser
Hairstylist Philippe Tholimet on the role of beauty in his work
The Parisian session stylist discusses his inspirations
Alex Barron-Hough on icons, pioneers and shooting for the hair industry
The photographer and producer discusses his inspirations
Robert Lobetta on his early years as a hairdresser
Robert Lobetta on manipulating hair to create art, and being punched in the face by the punk movement
Vidal: Anthony Mascolo on photographing his icon Vidal Sassoon
"He completely changed the world of hair" - Anthony Mascolo
Tamas Tuzes on his unlikely introduction into the world of hair
New York hairstylist Tamas Tuzes on his 60s inspirations and working with Bjork