Sebastian's Daniel DiTomasso lets us pick his brain about hair!

For those of you keeping track of my promises, during one of my NY Fashion Week hair posts - here - I did promise you an interview with Sebastian's (and Toronto's) very own Daniel DiTomasso and because I don't like to see you cry when I lie to you, here it is.  Daniel was gracious enough to exchange some e-mails and answer my burning hair questions -  I love interviews with Canadians - they always spell "favourite" and "colour" correctly! ;-)

1) Can you give our readers a little bit of your background?

I've been in the industry for almost 20 yrs.  In that time I have had the pleasure of working and training under some great people.  I have competed in numerous hair competitions locally and internationally, which lead me to education and platform work. I've been working for Sebastian for over 10 yrs now and have earned the spot of Lead Sebastian Core Team member for Canada.  I own two Mane Society Salon and Spa locations and on the horizon of much more growth to come.

2) What are your favourite and least favourite things about working with hair?

Some of my most favourite things about working with hair are being able to cut, shape and mold hair to where it becomes an extension of my creative ability and to go beyond the expectations of "the norm".  Least favourite thing...I can't cut while I'm sleeping:)

3) What celebrity hair styles or cuts do you get asked for the most often?

Jennifer Aniston still takes the lead for length and colour, but Rhianna is the leader of bold and confident.

4) What are your thoughts on this grey hair trend - tell me you think it's going to go away soon?!

Here to stay.  The look, when done properly at a professional salon level, looks beautiful on women, and especially handsome on gentlemen.  The key priority is to give the grey support through shine enhancement and maintenance of proper lengths.  It can look very polished and smart, it just has to be done right.

5) What piece of advice could everyone with hair take from you that would benefit them - is there something that everyone should be doing and isn't?

Brush your hair! This is so important on so many levels - stimulation, strength, body and shine; people need to understand this and commit to this first step in hair health and maintenance, then pick the proper shampoo for the texture of hair that they have, and yes, it makes a huge difference.

6) I have fine hair and have been told that I should wash it everyday/shouldn't wash it everyday - which one is it?

Overwashing the hair can leave the hair flat and lifeless which is counter productive to the brushing benefits.  For example, brushing fine hair helps to build strength; it promotes more blood flow from the scalp so it restores breakage, gives the hair natural body and shine.

7) What's the next best thing in hair that you see coming up over the horizon? 

Volume. Everything we do and see in fashion magazines and runway is amplified with movement and texture. It's the fastest trend to hit the streets because of it's versatility, flare and ability to intrigue. In my opinion, with this look, the motto is "if you can, you should".  Sebastian Professional’s new Volupt line, a shampoo, conditioner and spray gel, is great for achieving voluminous, soft hair. 

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Passionate about hair?  You betcha our Daniel is - he makes me realize what a disservice I am doing to myself by going to a hairdresser that is obviously so lackluster about her job that she ignores everything I say and butchers my hair on a regular basis.  He has inspired me to start looking for a stylist who loves their work as much as he does!

Hair questions and queries?  Let us know - I'm sure we could talk Daniel into a follow up interview!

- Lisamarie -