Thom Priano is a legend in the world of men's hair (though he's quick to note he also does women's hair). You've likely seen his work whether it was on an iconic Calvin Klein ad, a GQ spread, or Hollywood celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Timothée Chalamet, or Justin Timberlake's head.
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He also co-founded the luxury hair care brand R+Co (Rogue and Company) in 2014 with fellow top artists Garren and Howard McLaren. Rather than a haircare line based around one individual's experience, which can lead to shortcomings or blind-spots, it was founded as "a think tank of top editorial and salon stylists and educators, [...] we have more than one viewpoint on everything we do."
Priano's approach to hair is similarly inclusive, not just looking at exclusively at hair but all the elements that go into personal style and a photograph. I asked Priano how he's seen men's approach to hair evolve since he began. I started my career in the early 70's and men's hair has almost completely made a total 360 since then. The hair trends today have pretty much gone back to what they were when I started. For the trend setters and fashionistas hair has gotten longer almost resembling looks from the mid 70's."
The biggest difference he sees is all the new grooming products, men have a bigger option in what and how to clean and style their hair. From great cleaning foams like R+Co's ANALOG Cleansing Foam Conditioner to BADLANDS Dry Shampoo Paste, these products give the hair a feeling of next day hair."
As for men's hair trends we should keep an eye out for, Priano says most of the styles I see that are trending all include fringe. It is big in men's hair right now. No matter if the hair is short or long, or cut with a razor or scissor, fringe is incorporated in a big way.
Many men hitting middle age have issues with thinning hair. Priano's advice: One of the things I preach to all guys is that a clean scalp will help with healthy hair. Remember when the pores are clogged it usually will prevent hair growth. I also recommend guys with thinning hair to keep it short and close to the head, there are a few thickening products you can put in your hair to give it a thicker feel. Finally, I would recommend topic to color the scalp so it appears thicker.
What drives him and keeps him passionate about hair styling? The thing I enjoy most about styling hair, is making a transformation. This happens when the hair is in perfect placement and the face comes alive.
5 Grooming Favorites
Coconut Oil is my number 1 product. I use it for an all-over moisturizer: body and face. I am a vegan and I try to eat healthy. Knowing that I want to put a natural product on my skin that will not harm me.
Continental Glossing Wax is lightweight so I don't have to worry about it being too heavy on my hair.
R+Co Shampoo: One of my favorites is SUNSET BLVD Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner. I have white hair and this shampoo keeps it white and bright, it is also vegan, which works with my lifestyle, also the ANALOG Cleansing Foam Conditioner is a great 2-in-1.
Face and beard oil by C.LAKE Organics: I found this new product out on the market. I use it as a foundation oil before I shave. It is made with argan oil, grapeseed oil and it also has sandalwood and bergamot, I apply before and after shaving.
Essential Oils. I know I must sound like a hippie, but essential oils are the things I am most drawn to. They are the safest products that I feel good about putting on my body.
If you'd like to learn more about Thom Priano's work, follow him on Instagram or visit RandCo.com
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.