Thea Derecola, ageless

Photograph: Beth Levendis

Who: Thea Derecola, ageless
Where: Sassoon Salon Downtown (32 W 18th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves; 212-229-2200, sassoon.com)
Services: Cuts $145; blowout/flatiron starts at $75

What makes your style of cutting hair different?
Each one of my clients always receives an individualized, high-quality cut. When starting an appointment, I begin by analyzing my client’s face structure, hair texture, lifestyle, personal fashion, etc. Then I take all of those characteristics into consideration, and I create a custom look that is specifically suited for that person. This careful consultation ensures my clients leave the salon with not only a fresh and modern look, but with one that flatters their particular style.

What are your areas of expertise?
Cutting with precision techniques, creating strong shapes for both long and short hair, harnessing artistic influences and incorporating them into my work.

Why did you go into hair?
I’ve always been attracted to the arts and went to college as an art major, focusing on painting and sculpting. However, I soon decided hair would be a better medium because I enjoyed interacting with clients and collaborating with colleagues. That realization led me to Sassoon Academy in London, which then cemented my decision to join the Sassoon team.

What are things that clients do that irk you the most?
Taking a pair of blunt scissors and randomly cutting chunks of their own hair! No, seriously, there really isn’t anything that a client can do to “irk” me. I want my clients to be completely open when they sit in my chair and tell me all about their hair care and likes and dislikes, because that’s what allows me to do my job well.

What’s the most overplayed style?
Hair extensions. They can really damage the hair.

How long have you been cutting?
I’ve been with Sassoon for 27 years and worked in Sassoon Salon and Sassoon Academy in London, L.A., D.C., and NYC.

What style icons, art, etc., do you turn to for inspiration?
Valentino, the House of Balenciaga, the galleries and exhibits in Chelsea (my neighborhood)—specifically Richard Aldrich, the MoMA, Frank Gehry and other architecture throughout the city. And really, just walking through the streets of NYC.

Who does your own hair? Do you cut it or go to someone else?
Martyn Duff, the East Coast regional creative director for Sassoon is based in NYC, so he usually cuts my hair. However, I would feel comfortable with anyone on the Sassoon team.

—Interview by Erin Wylie

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