Today we’d like to introduce you to Gianluca Castaldo.
Gianluca, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My career began in Italy at the age of 15 with a move to London 4 years later. In London, I worked for Vidal Sassoon, Tony Guy and as part of the artistic team for rush. This laid the foundation of my salon career which has spanned over 25 years. I cut my teeth in production for various publications such as Vogue Italia, British GQ and Maxim over the span of 3 years.
In 2007, I accepted a position as hair stylist at Contesta Rock Hair where I specialized in haircut and color. The idea for Bleach Hair Addiction was an idea conceived by both myself and my brother Fabio. Tired of working for others; combining his business savviness and my artistic flair we opened Bleach Hair Addiction in 2012.
The salon has received numerous awards and industry accolades throughout our 5 years of business. Bleach Hair Addiction’s success lies in our complete devotion to our clients and the industry here in south Florida – specializing in color from color corrections, fantasy colors or a gorgeous sun kissed balayage. To top it all off, a signature asymmetrical haircut from yours truly – Luca Castaldo! It’s all in our name – bleach strips color pigments from one to ten, from black to white. A total change that sums up what we want our guests to experience.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Opening a new business there is always some hardships that come along with it. Having to work under a strict budget; the aesthetic of the salon had to come from within.
Relying on my carpentry skills, I had to create an atmosphere where everyone felt welcomed.
I built Bleach Hair Addiction from the ground up – everything from the shelves to house products to our salon mirrors were built my hands. Having established my reputation as a hair stylist and color expert, I was able to retain most of my clientele helping me especially during those first precarious months of opening our salon. I won’t say it hasn’t had its ups and downs – slow seasons, stylists coming and going – but we have managed to venture forward and overcome any obstacles along our way. Bleach Hair Addiction has the distinct advantage of our premium location; in the heart of Midtown Miami, and the reputation we have built along the way. We have always managed to remain in the public eye raking up awards in several magazines and publications.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Bleach Hair Addiction story. Tell us more about the business.
Bleach Hair Addiction was conceived with the notion of artistry – taking the average hair experience and elevating it into an art form. As evident from our hair collections and our color partner Goldwell ColorZoom competition submissions – we strive to perfect and love to play around with pigments. We count such colorful celebrities as die-hard Bleach addicts: Helen Lasichanh, Edgar Ramirez, Juanes, Adam Beach and his lovely wife Summer Tiger.
Gathering a diverse set of stylists who think outside of the box making us not your average “hair salon.” It’s more than a chore, we want love for the client to leave here with the dream hair.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe that you make our own luck – it’s how we decide to face the obstacles in our way. We can view them as a hindrance or leaning opportunities. Every mishap, every bump in the road to me is an opportunity for growth. I am learning everyday in this business but we have to be flexible and open to change especially in this industry.
Pricing:
- Hair Cut with Blow Dry $90.00
- Color Correction $350.00 and Up
- Balayage $220.00 and Up
- Fantasy Color $250.00 and Up
- Men’s Cut $45.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 3101 N Miami Ave., Ste 130
- Website: www.bleachhairaddiction.com
- Phone: 3053720206
- Email: info@bleachhairaddiction.com
- Instagram: bleachhairaddiction
- Facebook: bleachhairaddiction
- Yelp: Bleach Hair Addiction
Image Credit:
Hair by Bleach Hair Addiction Artistic Team for Rush
Make up by Maggievicious
Pictures taken by Ilena Monet
Models: @Maggievicious and @samanhlamah
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