Iles Formula Hair Talk with Clint Mattoni from Lost Hairdressers

We are pleased this week to introduce Clint Mattoni of Benjamin salon and creator of  Lost Hairdressers. We admire his creative skill and touch of perfection he offers all heads that get to grace his chair in Los Angeles and Texas.

Follow his instagram @clintmattoni and his very inspiring platform of @losthairdressers

IF: Tell us what you think is the biggest challenge in hairdressing today?

Fighting complacency. I speak from the experience. You cannot settle just because you are making money. Getting too comfortable will make you irrelevant.

IF: What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?

I love the opportunity to make these long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships that can last for decades. It's pretty rare.

IF: Why did you choose the path of hairdressing and was it easy to fall into this work?

I stumbled into this through a mediocre job I had at a graphic company. We ended up doing a job for Toni & Guy. It was the first time I had seen hairdressing as a craft, and I decided to go to cosmetology school.

IF: If you had not made the decision to be a hairdresser what would you have been?

I would enjoy playing music for a living.

IF: What is your greatest strength?

I find it easy to connect with people because I really love humans. When someone sits in my chair, they are like wrapped up gifts to me. I get to open them up and find out what makes them tick.

 

IF: Your favorite hairdressing tools?

My hands and a blow-dryer.

IF: Tell us about your relationship with Iles Formula. How you discovered us and which formula is your favorite?

I discovered them through working with Salon Benjamin in LA. Nothing really hit home until I met Wendy. Seeing her passion made me want to play with the product. I love the styling serum. It seems to do everything.

IF: What was the most challenging job you ever made?

Behind the chair, there have been many. Working with James Pecis team multiple seasons for NYFW really stands out. I got schooled hard. It gave me perspective and showed me that I needed to step my skill set up.

IF: What was your worst hair moment and why…. privately or on set/stage or in the salon?

I had just moved to LA. My then boss put me on a small job with Kate Bosworth. She wanted braids. I really did not know how to braid at the time. I was so so nervous. I talked my way out of it. She was so nice. I think she knew.

IF: If you could style anyone’s hair, who would it be and why?

Jesus. Seemed like he had some good hair. If he isn't available, Bjork.

 

 

IF: Where do you pull hair inspiration from?

Magazines, IG, Lost Hairdressers, of course. I think the best way for me is music, especially eras of music.

 

 

IF: Your advice to young hairdressers starting out?

Learn everything. If something scares you, dive in head first. It's better to learn it while the expectations of you are lower. Do not settle for a salon with mediocre, unorganized education. There is no bigger waste of time.

Get yourself on set, and get on a team for fashion week. It will keep you pushing forward and your clients will love hearing your experiences. Find a local modeling agency and offer to do their models' hair for free. Take pictures of them. Take lots of pictures!

Know your worth. Don't be handing out discounts like candy.

IF: Great advise Matt, thank you for sharing with us.