David Babaii is a hairstylist to the stars and has recently launched David Babaii for WildAid with Kate Hudson – a range of hair products that are kind to the environment. 10% of all profit go to WildAid, David is making a real difference and this month took some time out to talk to us:
B&L: How did you get started as a hairstylist?
David: I owe my career choice to my mother, Hilda Zakarian. She was a fabulous hairdresser whom I admired and looked up to my entire life. My mum was an artist who loved her craft. Her passion and devotion to hairdressing made her successful and highly respected. She also had a passion and love for animals and taught my sister and I to respect life.
But, when it came time to decide what I would do with my life, I turned to mum for guidance. We were with the family in Paris for vacation. At the time, I had a degree in hotel management in which I specialized in both food and beverage. Since I worked for some of the top hotels in the world, my work life was highly stressful and overwhelming.
On our first full day in Paris, my dad and sister went shopping, while my mum and I decided to visit the Eiffel Tower. We had lived in Europe for many years, but never had the time to experience this amazing site. As we gazed over the city, my mum noticed I was just not myself. Being the amazing mum that she is, she wanted to know what was on my mind. With the city of Paris before us, I began to share how I wanted to change my life and career. Yet, at 24 years old, I felt it was too late for me to make this change. She quickly responded by saying, “It is never too late to change David. Life is too short to be so unhappy”.
As I had mentioned earlier, my mum was a legend in the hair industry during the 70’s so I grew up with this profession in my life. Her work was just so beautiful and I was always so proud of her. As we stood, at what seemed to be the top of the world, we began talking about my future. Here, she asked me the magic question that started everything, “Why don’t you do what I did? You always seemed to be so fascinated with my trade.” In fact, at the time of our trip, the real irony was a hair show going on at the same time we were in Paris! My mum and I immediately bought tickets to attend.
As soon as we walked in, I knew this was fate and that hairdressing was going to be my new career path. I immediately took my new passion seriously, attending Vidal Sassoon Academy in both London and Los Angeles.
B&L: What do you think it is that has made you such a success?
David:It’s loving what you do and having fun doing it. I also have this deep passion for my craft. When you see that smile on a client after you have finished their hair, “it’s priceless”!
B&L: What are the hottest hair looks in LA right now?
David:Natural is in. Not over-working your hair and utilizing your hairs’ best trait is the best and my most favourite. If it is curly, do not straighten it. Work with your curls by using the right products like my Bohemian Beach Spray.
B&L: Tell us about your brand David Babaii for WildAid
David:Kate Hudson and I joined together to launch David Babaii for WildAid, which is a range of hair styling products made from exotic, natural and renewable ingredients that sustain nature and are free from all animal testing.
Ten percent of all profits from the range are donated to WildAid (www.wildaid.org), the global wildlife conservation organization in the fight to reverse the devastation of the planet’s wildlife and further support the beauty in nature.
B&L: What makes these hair products different?
David:There are several things that make my products different. First, the ingredients which Kate Hudson and I tested for over 3 years. We didn’t use existing formulas to make this brand. Everything was created from scratch and tested on Kate, not animals. I am proud that we were able to eliminate sulphates, parabens and dangerous petrochemicals in the products. Instead, we use renewable natural resources from the earth.
Next, they are professional quality products that are affordable. Plus, we use recyclable packaging.
The most important difference is our mission and goal. We must stop the devastation of wildlife and testing on animals. They are part of life’s circle, if we allow them to become extinct than maybe we are next!
B&L: What was it about WildAid that made you get behind it?
David:My mother always surrounded my sister and I with animals. As babies, she would often place our pets in our cribs. She stressed the importance of respecting their lives and providing great care and love for animals.
This family passion soon transformed into my cause. Through research and my friendships with Angelina Jolie and Eric Steinhauser I learned about WildAid and their devotion to preserving wildlife and stopping their illegal trade. Eric is one of our original partners who introduced us to WildAid while Angelina was a vital force in the lines concept.
B&L: You work with lots of celebrity clients, who was your first and were you nervous?
David:Actually, Kate Hudson was my first celebrity client! Nervous? I was so nervous that I almost cancelled doing her hair. It is almost impossible for someone fresh out of beauty school to have the opportunity to do such an “A” list client like Kate. So I knew I had to do my best and go for it. The rest is history.
B&L: When styling someone like Kate Hudson or Angelina Jolie, is it a long process or can regular women achieve a similar look?
David:I know most people won’t believe this but when I do any clients hair, I don’t have a lot of time. Many times I only have 20 minutes to get them ready. In all honesty, this is more than enough time for any woman to do their hair. With the right hair cut, products and tools everyone should be able to create their style in less time than I take to do a celebrity.
B&L: What do you hope WildAid will be able to achieve?
David:The killing must stop! David Babaii for WildAid hopes to bring awareness to the plight of animals. Finally, people all over the world will have the opportunity to get involved and become educated on this issue just as I have become. For years, animals have been victims to testing just so we can have beauty products. Now, we can provide a way to stop this cruelty.
It’s beautiful to be good!
B&L: What’s next for David Babaii?
David:I have many goals and want to make a difference in this world. So there are a lot of plans and ideas in my head that I hope one day will come true. I want to show my industry that we can all do good for the earth and all who share it.
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