JAMES CALABRIA
INTERNATIONAL STYLIST & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

James Calabria is a seasoned hairdresser with over 35 years of invaluable experience as co-owner and Creative Director of Franco Of Canberra Hairdressing. Throughout his illustrious career, James has not only established himself as a salon owner but also emerged as an influential industry participant at both a national and international level. He is deeply involved in Intercoiffure Mondial International and various other national organizations, where he actively contributes to the growth and recognition of the hairdressing profession.

Over recent years and during challenging times brought on by the pandemic, James has researched and developed his understanding of salon successful commercial hair styles . . . moving away from displaying avant guard and high fashion hair styles . . . truly understanding what impresses a prospective new customer . . .  what they truly want to see in our professional work. James has recognised the importance for his salon to showcase in their marketing, examples of the before and after presentation of our style work  . . . to make coming to his salon relatable to our current and future clients  . . . and growing our reputation and business.

James's passion lies in modern, commercial, and wearable hairstyles and colours that are not only fashion-forward but also highly sought after by clients. His ability to bridge the gap between runway trends and real-life styles has earned him a reputation for delivering exceptional results that resonate with his clients.

"James' intuitive sense of trends and attention to detail have made him one of the most in-demand hair stylists"

James is driven by a philosophy of continuous improvement, constantly seeking to enhance his skills, knowledge, and innovation within the field. His dedication to professional development is evident through increased on-stage confidence, high-quality performances, and active participation in various competitions and training sessions.

A notable achievement in James' career has been his expertise in hair repair and corrections, broadening his market for clients with damaged hair, colour corrections, deep colour changes, and natural hair extensions. His dedication to understanding different hair types and providing tailored solutions showcases his commitment to client satisfaction and professional growth.

James' career highlights include being a State Finalist in prestigious competitions such as the L’Oreal Colour Trophy Awards , Australian Hair Industry Awards and the Australian Hair Fashion Awards. Additionally, his role as the Intercoiffure Artistic Director for the ACT and Oceana regions further underscores his leadership and influence in the hairdressing community. He has graced international stages and has been recognized globally with his collections published in numerous countries, elevating the perception of the Canberra hairdressing industry.

As a long-standing member of Intercoiffure and the Artistic Pool, James embodies a dedication to artistic expression and continuous involvement in professional events worldwide. James has recently been selected as one of the stylists for the Intercoiffure Mondial International Collection Shooting 2024, to be conducted at Frankfurt Germany in February 2024.

James Calabria's unwavering dedication, artistic vision, and commitment to professional development have not only elevated his salon but have also contributed to the advancement and recognition of the hairdressing industry both nationally and internationally.