The charismatic New York Celebrity Hairstylist from John Sahag Workshop, Karmela Lozina has dedicated over 20 years of her career into the hair industry. Lozina joined the John Sahag Workshop in 1995 and is one of the youngest hair stylists to accomplish the senior title at the John Sahag Workshop. Lozina is committed to her craft and expressing her working through her clients.
Lozina has worked on a variety of high profiling celebs like: Athena, Justin Bieber, Nina Sky, Bebe Rexha, My Chemical Romance, Charice, Fall Out Boy, Panic at the Disco, Queen of Jordan, Kaci Battaglia the list goes on and on!
In 2007, readers of Allure Magazine voted Lozina on their “A-List” as a top rated hairstylist in New York City. In addition, Lozina has been interviewed on her hair cutting techniques, hairstyling tips and trends in fashion with various magazines like: Nylon, People, Vogue and WWD.
Recently, I was given the opportunity to interview Lozina and gain more insight of who she is as a hairstylist and as person. As soon as we chatted, I could tell that Lozina is has a bold personality yet is so easy-going to talk with. Honestly, after my one-on-one with Lozina, I felt empowered and wanted to chop off my hair, go get a pixie cut and ignite the fierceness within myself.
What’s the most coolest and creative haircut that you’ve done so far?
Lozina: “The most coolest and creative haircut that I’ve done would be the Justin Bieber cut.”
What’s the toughest part about your job?
Lozina: “The toughest part about my job is being present all day with clients. I can’t just send an email, I need to physically be there and be healthy. You don’t want a hairstylist who’s sick cutting your hair.”
What’s the best part about your job?
Lozina: “It’s a different energy with each client and it’s something new every time.”
What’s the one look that all women should try at least once in their life?
Lozina: “ A bob or short hair, I think women should learn how to style short hair and if it’s cut right it will grow out nicely. Short hair can be feminine.”
What age is when women are more willing to try something new?
Lozina: “Women in their 30s are more willing to experiment, they take the plunge and let me do whatever. But older women know what they want and how they want their haircut and styled, they’ve had time to know what works best on them.”
What’s the difference with European and American hairstyling?
Lozina: “ In Europe, I see a lot of use of red and short hair. Over there, people respect hairstylist, if you say you’re a hairstylist here in America people assume you work at Supercuts. I have Doctor’s degree in reading people; I listen and speak with my clients. In NYC, lobs have been trendy and the Princess Diana cut is seen a lot on the Upper Eastside. She’s iconic.”
If you weren’t a hairstylist what would you be?
Lozina: “A famous fashion designer, one who creates clothing for all shapes and sizes from petite to plus. Why aren’t there more stylish clothing for plus? I want to make clothes for every size.”
Fashion Illustrations by Clifford Faust
What’s your favorite hair and beauty era?
Lozina: “The 80s, it was about full, big hair and wild colors.”
What trend should die and go away?
Lozina: “Straight hair, I think people should embrace texture and work with what you got. The granny hair movement is great though, seeing older women doing fashion colors is good, they should be able to do whatever they want.”
If you were given the opportunity to change any celebrity look who and why?
Lozina: “I see my client as the star, most of the time celebrities are wearing a wig, who am I to judge them? They’re probably growing out their hair for a photo shoot or wearing a wig for a scene.”
What trend do you think is making a comeback?
Lozina: “Shaggy, layered hair, I saw the YSL Black Opium Perfume ad, we [as in the John Sahag Workshop] created that the shaggy, 80s haircut.”
If you were stranded on an island what would you bring with you?
Lozina: “Conditioner, my hair gets so knotty, I’m serious.”
What’s your favorite vacation/ destination spot?
Lozina: “Split and Hvar, Croatia. It’s beautiful, nice weather and I love seeing my family.”
After a long day of work, how do you unwind yourself?
Lozina: “By taking a nap or eating good food, yesterday was my birthday and I had a vegan cake that has no dairy. If I’m going to eat something it has to be worth my calories.”
And lastly, what advice would you give your clients or people in general?
Lozina: “ Not to care so much, don’t take things so seriously and chillax am I right?”
New York Girl Style: “Hahaha people in NYC are always known for being on the go.”
Lozina: “ Like relax, get your hair blown out, take a nap and let me do my work.”
If you’re ever in the New York area you can visit Karmela Lozina at John Sahag Workshop at 425 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor in New York. Don’t forget check out Lozina on Twitter and Instagram.
Aren’t you feeling inspired by Karmela Lozina to try something new, like go extra short and try a bold bob? Tweet us your thoughts @NYGirlStyle.