In July of this year, One Shot Hair Awards International and Behind the Chair crowned Jeet A Savani, professionally known as JJ Savani as one of ‘Top 100 influential Stylists in Men’s Hair in the world’, with the finals for crowning the number one stylist this August 2022 in a prestigious awards ceremony taking place in Orlando, USA.
JJ Savani has gained an international reputation in his industry and beyond, as one of the most innovative and creative stylists around.
I was able to have a no filter chat with JJ Savani, where I found out everything from his journey to his current and future aspirations. He told me “ I was always interested in Hair and fashion from a young age, I’m sure there’s an image of me online somewhere holding a hairdryer and comb at around 2-3 years old haha. I began my formal journey prior to the 2000s at the age of around 15. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when at school so I took on a Saturday job at the Local Afro barbershop where I swept the floors and learnt basic barbering on the job and that’s the basic start to my career!”
JJ’s time wasn’t just in the shop as a Saturday boy, soon he progressed in learning formal Hairdressing and Barbering techniques whilst taking a Summer break in India working from Bigg Boss Academy Mumbai, shortly followed by a placement with Loreal India as one of their youngest Colour Technicians.
For over a decade JJ Savani mentioned “From around 2010 until 2016 I focussed on more the Business side of the Industry, going to the University of Northampton, completing my MBA, Masters in Business Administration. This really allowed me to learn the branding and marketing side of the world which allowed me to begin expanding my Ikon Man UK brand working alongside various brands and A List Celebrities within the Bollywood Film industry as well as featuring on BBC’s Celebrity scissor hands.”
From looking at the vast portfolio and collections readily available online it is clear to see that JJ Savani keeps himself occupied and is always adapting to the latest trends within the fashion industry, with his main focus and strength being in Editorial work as well as education within this creative Industry. JJ explained that “As a stylist is is essential to keep training ourself and ups killing ourselves, a perfect example is although I am qualified Hairdresser and Barber from the London School of Barbering, I also thought it was essential to go to London School of Make Up and train myself in Male corrective Make Up aswell as SFX and Editorial Make Up. Adding this to my arsenal of skills and teaching qualifications gained in 2018 I was able to deliver an all in one solution to all whether it be my clients in the studio, on set of an editorial shoot or even to when teaching my students”.
Focussing on always upskilling and improving his game, almost 2 decades later the breakthrough for JJ Savani came about in 2019 where his branded name JJ Savani began making its rounds within the International Industry. 2019 till present has been achievement after achievement for JJ. He has been titles with many awards, Sponsorships from brands such as Salons Direct and Dart Clippers. Whilst also travelling the world from events such as Dubai Fashion week, travelling to Prague to Judge the EU Barber Finals of 2022 and most recently working with the Forbes featured USA brand “Get Squire” travelling to the USA for CT Barber Expo 2022. Now his latest achievement being titled as one of the Top 100 Male Stylists in the world within the mens hair and fade categories as chosen by One Shot Hair Awards and Behind the Chair International 2022, with the finals taking place in August at a prestigious ceremony in Orlando, USA.
Concluding my interview with JJ Savani I asked him what advice would you give anybody wanting to progress their career within the industry? To which he concluded “whether is be barbering, fashion, accountancy, pretty much no matter what industry you are in, I believe Its important to one, be passionate about what you are doing and two, be honest with your work. When you combine passion with an honest work ethic the only way you will go is up!”
