ZUCCI HAIRDRESSING - Celebrating 40 Years

By Louise May

Zucci Hairdressing was founded by Rocco Petrucci 40 years ago, with a vision to create a welcoming space where clients could experience exceptional hair by creative hairdressers. Over the years, they’ve done it all. They have won awards, created shows and seminars, created stunning imagery, and expanded to three salons.

Thanks to their commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and a passion for innovation. Their growth can be attributed to their loyal clientele, a dedicated team and a strong focus on continuous improvement in all aspects of the business. Zucci’s commitment to consistent evolution and change has enabled a nimble approach to the challenges that arise.

We chat with the founder of Zucci Hairdressing, Rocco Petrucci.

As a family-run business, what are the positives and challenges you face in running the business and working with family?

As a family-run business, we enjoy unique advantages, such as a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and a shared vision for our future. I never expected Shakira to come into the business, but it has been brilliant working with her. We have our moments of course, but at the end of the day we both have the same goals. We truly complement each other, and I know the success of the salon would not be what it has been without Shakira’s input.

How do you recruit and retain great staff?

We prioritise a supportive and collaborative work environment to attract and retain great staff. Our recruitment process focuses on not just skills but also cultural fit. We invest in ongoing training and development, ensuring our team feels valued and empowered to grow within the company.

What’s special about the client experience at Zucci?

What sets the client experience at Zucci apart is our personalised approach. We take the time to listen to our guests' needs and desires. We then collaborate with them to come up with ‘a look’ which we believe will ensure that at the end of their time in the space, they leave feeling like the best version of themselves. Our spaces are designed with our guest’s comfort in mind whilst also enabling our team to work in a comfortable and creative way. The right sensory experience incorporating quality lighting, pleasant aroma and calming sound music are important elements working together to create a calming reassuring ambience.

Who inspires you in the industry?

I draw inspiration from many different people in our industry. Creatively, Trevor Sorbie is my favourite along with Vidal Sassoon and Anthony Mascolo to name a few, and within the Aveda network, there are so many exciting creatives that inspire me.

What’s the best piece of advice you have been given during your time in business?

Don’t sell yourself short. As hairdressers, we provide a valuable service which should be priced accordingly.

Zucci was recognised as the first Aveda Lifestyle Salon in 2001. What do you value most in your partnership with Aveda? What do you love about the brand?

Being the first Aveda Lifestyle Salon in 2001 was a tremendous achievement. We value Aveda’s commitment to sustainability and the use of natural ingredients. We chose to partner with them as their core values and our core values align. The products are high-performance and high-tech. There are not many other companies out there in the beauty world that create their own naturally derived technology completely in-house. The range keeps evolving and improving and that supports us and the team to keep what we do fresh.

Can you share your favourite Aveda products and why?

There are so many Aveda products that I love. Starting with Shampure, the aroma is still one of my favourites, the high-performance ranges including Nuriplenish, Botanical Repair, Invati, Be Curly Advanced are incredible. But using Aveda for 29 years I love Anti-Humectant and Retexturising Gel, these 2 are favourites for curly textured hair. I cocktail them together in different ratios depending on the curl texture and hair thickness to achieve weightlessness, bounce and hold for my guests.

How do you stay ahead of hair trends?

We are not a trend-driven salon. For us creating a completely personalised and custom look for our guests is what we do. We are aware of the “trending” looks and if the trending style is suited to the guests' direction, we create the look for the guest not put a trend on everyone because it is trending.

What’s next for you and Zucci?

Looking ahead, we plan to continue expanding our services and enhancing our client experience. We are also exploring new sustainable practices to further align with our values and those of our clients, ensuring that Zucci remains a leader in the industry for the next 40 years and beyond.

@zuccihairdressing