Over the past fifteen years, Rita Hazan has established herself as one of the most sought-after colorists in the world, recognized for setting beauty trends and helping to reinvent celebrities with fresh new looks. Hazan has created signature styles for such A-list talent as Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez, Michelle Williams, Renee Zellweger, and Britney Spears, just to name a few. Loren’s World interviews the queen of color and Jennifer Lopez’s hair-confidant.
LW: Did you always know you were going to be a colorist? Why or why not?
RH: Yes, I did, I knew there was only one job for me color.I was always obsessed with hair – my hair, my sisters, my grandma’s, my friends.I had no choice, we had such unruly, curly frizzy hair.I love every part of the process, it was all very exciting to me.
LW: Can you remember the moment when you realized your career was turning that corner from good to amazing?
RH: Yes. It was when Mariah Carey called me to color her hair.I was just starting out on my own and I couldn’t believe I was standing in Mariah Carey’s townhouse!
LW: What advice would you give to women looking to break into your business?
RH: Make sure you have passion for it.It’s not an easy job, but if you love it, like I do, you never feel like you’re working.
LW: What is the relationship like between you and your clients?
RH: In one word – Respect.They respect my talent and time and know they will get the perfect color every time, and I respect their time and opinion of what they want to look like.
LW: Who was your first celebrity client? How did you start working with them?
RH: Mariah Carey. It was my first year of doing color on my own.I had a different approach to color and a stylist names Rogue, that worked with me noticed and said “Mariah Carey would love you”, and so he introduced us.
LW: How are you able to switch hats between businesswoman and creative colorist?
RH: Lol – That’s the tough part!I follow my instincts with both.My true love is color, but I also love the risk of the business end.
LW: You’re known as a trendsetter when it comes to hair. Are you ever scared of setting the wrong trend?
RH: No. Fear, is never in my mind when I’m working.I do get nervous – I’m hard on myself when it comes to color, but I never second guess my first choice.
LW: What’s the secret to creating a power team?
RH: I only surround myself with super talented people.I believe when you are around talent and greatness, it only makes you better.
LW: What do you feel is the secret to creating a brand?
RH: Consistency in your business.No matter how big or small your business, you have to stay true to yourself, no matter what people say.
LW: What trend are you loving this fall?
RH: Warm natural colors – chocolate… auburn… chestnut…praline …
LW: What trend are you most looking forward to going away?
RH: Chunky stripy highlights.
LW: How would you define success?
RH: Living your dream and when your passion is your work.
Want to learn more about Rita? Follow her on Twitter @ritahazan or visit her website www.ritahazan.com
