Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Cammisa.
Hi Maria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My career began in a small town near Naples, where I discovered a genuine passion for hair at a young age. After completing professional training and obtaining my qualifications, I quickly realized that my dreams extended far beyond the boundaries of my hometown. Driven by a desire for growth, I sought out the best mentors and academies with the goal of perfecting my skills and mastering the most advanced European techniques. My educational path led me to the Accademia Nazionale del Cinema di Bologna, one of Italy’s most prestigious institutions, where I had the privilege of studying with internationally renowned professionals.
The turning point in my career came when, at 21, I decided to move to Barcelona. I started working at a renowned salon in Catalonia and, within a few months, was promoted to Technical Manager—a rare position for a young stylist in that environment. In Barcelona, I absorbed new styles and techniques that enriched my approach, pushing me beyond traditional Italian methods. It was here that I honed a unique combination of technical precision and creativity, a hallmark that still characterizes my work on the international stage.
Upon returning to Naples, I had the opportunity to refine my cutting and coloring skills under the guidance of “the Maestro,” a Vidal Sassoon Academy student, learning to treat hair as a true form of art and personal expression. I also embraced bio-organic hair care early on, experimenting with natural products to promote holistic well-being. My journey then took flight in Milan at Aldo Coppola’s salons, where, at 26, I experienced the pinnacle of styling and worked with numerous high-profile clients in the Italian fashion scene.
In Milan, I achieved a major dream by opening my first salon, “M2 Hair & Beauty,” at 27, followed by my second, “Maria Cammisa Hair Studio,” at 33. As director and manager, I was directly involved with clients, staff training, creating look books, and introducing new services, bringing my personal vision to the team every day.
My professional path then expanded into the world of film and entertainment: at 34, I began collaborating on major projects in cinema, fashion, and corporate campaigns. My skills have thus extended well beyond the traditional salon environment.
Over the years, I have worked in Naples, Barcelona, and Milan, both in fashion and on film sets, dedicating myself to historical hairstyling and innovative treatments such as oxygen therapy.
In 2023, my journey took me to Fort Lauderdale, where, as manager of Ka’ton Salon, I bring with me Italian training, experience gained in cinema, and a strong focus on environmental sustainability, adapting all of this to the American context.
My professional story demonstrates that hairstyling is an art that combines creativity and technique, tradition and innovation—a passion that continues to guide every choice and achievement in my career.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Balancing my career while becoming a mother of two daughters has been my greatest challenge. I have honed my technical skills, developed leadership abilities, learned to manage teams and run salons, and gained experience dealing with the dynamics of film and theater sets. Today, I feel strong and motivated to create art, knowing that personal expression comes naturally after so much experience and sacrifice. I am proud of my journey and eager to keep growing with humility.
Supporting my family while advancing my professional calling has required tremendous determination and flexibility. My days are often marked by fast-paced rhythms and the constant intersection of personal and professional commitments. Over the years, I have learned to value every opportunity for training and exchange, finding new sources of inspiration in the colleagues and clients I meet daily. Every experience, whether positive or negative, has helped strengthen my resilience and my ability to adapt to the ever-changing challenges of this industry.
Becoming a mother has given me a deeper perspective on the priorities and values that guide my growth as both an artist and a person. I have gained a greater awareness of the importance of emotional well-being and collaboration within a team. Now I understand that finding balance between private life and work is not just a practical matter, but also a heartfelt choice: preserving authenticity and nurturing relationships are the elements that give true meaning to every creative project I undertake.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I describe myself as “an Italian tailor, but for hair”. Like a true couturier, my approach is meticulous, entirely personalised, and marked by an unwavering commitment to excellence. Over twenty-four years of experience, I have become not only a stylist but also an innovator, educator, and environmental advocate, positioning myself among the elite in my field.
I sought out the best mentors and most renowned academies, determined to perfect my craft and explore the most advanced techniques in Europe. My studies led me to the Accademia Nazionale del Cinema di Bologna, one of Italy’s most prestigious institutions, where I trained with world-class professionals such as Francesco Pegoretti, known for “Tale of Tales” (2015), “Beirut” (2018), and “Napoleon” (2023), and Alberta Giuliani, recognised for her work on films like “Ben-Hur” (2016), “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015), and “Vincere” (2009). In my studies I aimed my creativity to created historically accurate hairstyles for projects requiring looks from the 1400s to the 1950s.
As salon director, I managed clients, staff training, look books, and new services. My creativity and organisational skills enabled me to establish myself as a respected stylist and leader.
My career quickly expanded into the world of film and entertainment. I have worked in the make-up and hair departments on various sets, including “Querido Fidel”, which won first prize for Best Film at the Festival del Cinema Italiano in November 2022.
I have served as Head of Hair Department in several productions, including “Celebrity Hunted” for Jackal Productions.
My expertise extends to acclaimed projects in cinema, fashion, and corporate campaigns. As Head Hair Stylist for Plastic Free Diving ONLUS, I oversaw the styling for the short film “Gli Angeli del Mare”, which won Best Documentary Short at the Madoine Film Festival (2023). I have also brought my creativity to high-profile commercial work, serving as Head Hair Stylist for the Ducati Diavel Shooting Calendar and for the EGO Airways commercial.
Beyond my professional achievements, I have contributed to training the next generation of stylists as a lecturer at the Professional Hair Style and Make Up School, sharing technical skills and industry knowledge with those aspiring to enter this world.
My work as a hair stylist is complemented by advertising campaigns for luxury Italian brands such as Arturo Gorlini Shoes Designer, a women’s footwear label. I styled models for campaigns that celebrate Italian craftsmanship in both fashion and beauty.
My artistry also extends into the music industry: I collaborated on Italian rapper GionnyScandal’s cover of Justin Bieber’s “Stay”, a music video that has surpassed 268,000 views on YouTube. I also contributed to “The Jackal”, a viral video with Luis Sal and Fedez that collected more than 2.3 million views. These projects demonstrate my ability to create looks that resonate with digital audiences and contemporary culture.
My work has also been featured in the media. In an interview with Radio Lombardia, I explained that the key to styling is being green—building respect and trust with clients through the exclusive use of clean and sustainable products. Another interview with the renowned Italian newspaper Donna Moderna described me as “the artist who bends aesthetics to serve ethics”.
In addition to my individual projects, I have collaborated with visionary designers, including Andrés Romo, a Mexican artist trained at the University of Design Mexico, Casa Blanco. The fusion of his cultural heritage and my Italian creativity has led to unique projects, where inspiration and modern design meet. These collaborations showcase my ability to engage with various artistic disciplines and integrate into broader creative ecosystems.
I use innovative technologies that stimulate hair follicles and regenerate the scalp, a practice found in only a few salons in the United States, which places me among an elite circle of professionals. I also enjoy educating my audience directly, publishing YouTube tutorials such as “Oxygen therapy instead of injections? Hyaluronic Acid Facial Treatment”, where I explain how oxygen therapy can be a valid natural and non-invasive alternative to cosmetic injections.
The principle that guides my work is simple yet profound: “Beauty reigns in each of us.” My mission is not to impose a style, but to reveal the unique beauty of each person through tailor-made cuts, colours, and treatments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mariacammisa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariacammisa_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MariaCammisaHair/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-cammisa/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeocIahNPu4
- Other: https://m.imdb.com/it/name/nm8240571/
Image Credits
Maria Cammisa
