From Sardinia to the international competition: hair stylist Nicoletta to the semifinal

She will be the only Italian in her category to bring her art to the global online competition based in New York which selects the best hair stylists and make-up artists in various sections. Nicoletta Sottosanti, 31 years old from Alghero, is among the semifinalists of the famous “Ibi Beauty Awards”, a contest that takes place via the internet with a jury made up of high-level international experts who choose on the basis of the photos sent by the competitors.

Some of her works have been published in well-known magazines such as “Elle Spose” and “White Sposa”, and last year she reached the National final in Salerno in a hairdressing competition. But Nicoletta's passion comes from afar, from when she was still a child she combed Barbies: “We all did it a bit, I guess, but I was quite manic”, and as a teenager she enjoyed transforming her friends with new looks. After graduating in accounting, he attended a private school to open his salon in 2012 in the center of Alghero. For three years she has specialized in the wedding sector and collaborates with various wedding planners. Now she has also started a new path as a teacher and trainer in an academy in Oristano.

Why did you decide to participate in the competition?

“I follow several world-famous hair stylists on social media, including a Russian teacher. She had signed up, I saw that the selection was open so in August I sent the shot of the hairstyle I created ".

In what category?

“There are 50 of them in the competition, from make-up to hair styling, from the most natural to the most whimsical in terms of colors, cuts and techniques. Mine is the one called 'Best Bridal hair', therefore a hairstyle for brides ".

Can you describe it to us?

"It is a low blonde crop with waves, a tuft structured in three Ds because I applied a particular technique, and on the nape of the curls that intertwine".

Had he already made it for a wedding?

“No, I created it specifically for the contest. From start to finish it took me about two hours, the average time required for this type of work ”.

Have you already won anything as a semifinalist?

"For now a certificate and if I manage to win a trophy will be awarded, but what counts is the return of image because in this sector it is a very important recognition".

Was it a complex job?

“In reality it is the result of a group work: the make-up artist Sarah Alfonso, the shots of Giuseppe Esposito, the jewels of Alfonso jewelery, the flowers of Ikebana, the dress of Diadema Spose. And then the model: Gaia Ferrari, a Sardinian girl who lives in Modena. A team that allowed me to pursue this dream ".

What are the trends right now?

“Definitely the bohemian style with soft lines and crops, perhaps fluttering tufts. So stop with the cotton and smooth. As accessories, on the other hand, fresh flowers, even with diamonds, and strings with pearls ".

For trendy colors and cuts?

"Natural tones, delicate shades, contouring with light effects on the part that frames the face, balayage, many bobs and the great return of perms".

What do brides ask for?

"For me, first of all, the consultancy part counts: I work on the morphology of the face, on how to re-proportion the volumes, in short, I evaluate before deciding and recommend the one that can enhance the most, also depending on the style of the wedding, the dress, of makeup. The protagonist must feel at ease, if she likes herself in a certain way and not in another I respect her choices ".

And in the face of "extravagant" or "non-enhancing" requests?

“I try to make alternative proposals, I never impose, this is rule number one. Then we move on to technical advice ".

What to say to the customer who shows up with the photo of the star on duty to "become like this"?

“We try to understand if it is a feasible thing, I'm not offended for sure, on the contrary the image often helps me to frame the type of request. I think all hairdressers are good, but it can happen that you make a mistake in communicating in the context of consulting. This is why I dedicate a lot of time to that moment and I try to use clear and understandable terms ".

Is it easier for men?
“They are more rational, they go to the hairdresser when they are in disorder. Women have different phases, they arrange their hair according to mood and seek comfort in a change of look, to increase their self-esteem. Then there are also those who come just to have a chat, they see us a bit as the confidants of the moment ".

Has there been a real recovery in your sector after the restrictions?

“There has been but the work has changed: perhaps it has improved. Since there is no need to congregate, you now have more time to devote to customers. I really appreciate being able to trade more calmly and accurately. Now we are returning to normal, compared to last year when I had to close for months and this year for a few weeks ”.

The strongest fear?

“Lower the shutter again, suffer the suspension of our activities again. However, there is a positive side, I say it with a smile: never before the pandemic had the role of the hairdresser been considered so fundamental ".