MR. ALTERNATIVE
TONY RIZZO Despite over four decades of experience and enviable success at the top of his game, no one could have been more surprised when the honour of International Hairdressing Awards Legend in 2021 was bestowed than Tony Rizzo himself. Remarkably modest about his achievements and his phenomenal contribution to the industry, Tony is recognised globally as one of the most renowned British hairdressers, building his name from consistently promoting Sanrizz to the professional hairdresser and of course his role as ‘Mr Alternative’. PRIMARY JOB
Recognised the world over as one of the British hairdressings’ best, Tony’s primary job is Managing Director of Sanrizz. After 40 years in the hairdressing industry Tony retains a relentless passion for artistic progression with a huge creative drive to put the name Sanrizz throughout the hairdressing industry. This means his time is splintered to accommodate show and seminar work, international exhibition appearances, photographic shoots, the Sanrizz Academy, and education development as well as running the business.
PASSION OVERTAKES PROFESSION
Sometimes however, Tony’s other passion overtakes his full time profession. For the past 40 years Tony has dedicated his time, energy, and love to Alternative Hair – revered for its awesome creativity and mammoth fund raising now in excess of nearly £13million for Leukaemia Research.
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Hair Biz Year 15 Issue 5
In 1983 Tony and his wife Maggie lost their first-born child, Valentino to leukaemia at the tender age of 2 years and 7 months. Deciding to hit back at this vicious disease in the best way they knew, they engaged their many friends in hairdressing and created a new charity fund raising event. The Alternative Hair Show, staged at London’s Camden Theatre in October 1983 was a huge success, raising a then enormous £7,500 for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, the UK’s leading blood cancer research charity. The shows have grown into one of the most exciting and sought-after events in the international hairdressing calendar. The flagship London show now in its 38th year, went on to be hosted by the Royal Albert Hall before going ‘virtual’ due to covid restrictions these past two years. There have been shows in Chicago, Bologna, Vienna, Moscow, Seoul, proceeds of which have been donated to leukaemia and lymphoma research in their host countries.
