6 minute read
Master of the Craft – Dario Chicco By Louise May
Sydney-based hairdresser, Dario Chicco has been mastering his craft since the 60s. He began when cutting hair was an art, it was the Sartorialist “tailored” individual period of hair cutting.
At that time the great hair cutters like Jacques Dessange, Jean Louis David, Bruno Pittini and Vidal Sassoon re-invented the hair industry by wash and wear – “Pret-a-porter” cuts. From the 60’s to now, Dario still continue to cut hair into shape. His cuts are 100% organic – no chemicals, brushes or irons are used in the process.
Operating several successful salons, including the famous ECRU in Melbourne’s South Yarra, VOI Haircuts in Sydney and now Dario is self-titled in Paddington and is one of Australia’s leading experts on ‘dry cutting’. After decades of working with women, Dario knows how to enhance their natural beauty with hair. By analysing their potential, he can make women of all ages look their best. It’s not a matter of what is fashionable, it’s what suits you!
It was great to catch up with Dario recently and get an insight into his journey throughout the years and his ‘genius zone’ of dry cutting.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Trieste Italy and came to Canberra Australia at the age of 5... did my schooling in Canberra and left at age 14.
Where did you start hairdressing and what inspired you to do hairdressing?
I left school; I didn’t know what to do but my father’s barber asked if I wanted to become a Hairdresser, so I started my apprenticeship in a unisex salon in 1964 in Canberra. It was at the time when women didn’t want to have rollers and sit under a dryer for hours ... they just wanted a haircut ... no fuss. This was a good grounding for me at I learnt the art of haircutting . which has stayed with me all through my career.
Tell us a little about your career prior to opening your salon?
After finishing my apprenticeship, I moved to Sydney and worked for Denise of Paris in Potts Point. At that time, I met John Sahag who was working in the Eastern suburbs. He was dry haircutting as well, so professionally we got on, as our styles were similar. John moved to Paris and then New York where he became famous for his haircutting skills. I then moved to Melbourne and worked for Edward Beale where I exposed to Vidal Sassoon precision style haircutting.
When did you open your first salon?
I opened my first salon Ecru Cuts in South Yarra Melbourne 1974 which is where my fame grew. I worked with the music industry, artists, models, magazine shoots and featured in too many media releases to mention. I did the Rolling Stones, Santana, just to name a few.
Share with us some of the challenges you’ve faced along the journey and how you overcame these. What’s the most challenging aspect?
I’ve really had little challenges along the way. I’d say the financial pressures of running my own business at times was hard especially recently with Covid. Creatively I’ve always felt totally in control... I’ve never been pressured to follow trends or be something I’m not .. I believe I’m unique in my profession.
What do you feel is so unique about the dry cutting concept and why do you prefer it?
Dry cutting is unique in that it is a visual art… not like precision cutting where A has to join with B. When the dry cut is finished it falls into its natural state and is not in need of utensils or products to give it a look. My belief is that wet cutting and blow waving looks good whilst the client is in the salon, but when they have to do it themselves, it’s very hard to replicate, meaning they have to maintain the constant blow waving. Whereas with a dry cut, how you leave the salon is how your hair will look after you wash it, and that is a huge benefit to the client.
Who introduced you to this method?
It goes back to how I started, individuality.
Are all hair types suitable for this method?
Yes, especially curly or wavy hair.
How do you feel the Industry has changed and what would you like to see in the future of our Industry?
It hasn’t really changed... the styles may have changed but the technique is much the same. More individuality is needed.
Clients travel near and far for your niched skills and even some well-known famous people! Who have you had in your chair that we all may know of?
Rolling Stones, Santana, Martha Marlow, Joe Camilleri etc etc just to name a few as there have been hundreds. In the 90s I was flown to Hong Kong to do a Japanese TV commercial for Vidal Sassoon because of my cutting skills.
Do you have any future plans of passing on your legacy and teaching others your amazing skills?
I’ve been an ambassador for many scissor companies which has allowed me to pass on my skills during cutting seminars. I have held many workshops over the years and demonstrated at Hair Expos. I would love to teach dry cutting through Tafe hairdressing courses, but they can’t seem to get their head around what I do!
Who is Dario outside of the Salon? Would love to know more about you, how do you like to spend your spare time?
I must confess that my life does really revolve around the Salon. If I could cut hair every day I would but when I’m not at the Salon I try and keep fit by cycling and walking. Sydney is such a great city to do on foot. I love fashion, clothes, art, music and spending time with my two beautiful grandchildren.. Oh and of course cruising through life with my partner of 50 years, De.
