From digital artists to photographers, body sculptors and hair stylists to make-up and nail artists, in our Highlight series, we profile the creatives tearing up the rulebook of their respective industries.

“Acceptance of imperfection” is how Fitch Lunar describes his hair philosophy. The hairstylist, who has worked his magic for names like Yves Tumour, Sophie, Caroline Polachek and Becky G, isn’t afraid of a bit messiness – “hair is sexier that way.”  

Mainly a family occupation, Lunar says he was born into hair: each his father and aunt owned salons, and growing up he picked up enough of the fundamentals to work a cut and color side-hustle throughout his teens. When it got here time to graduate highschool, he knew he wouldn’t have the option to afford college – so hair gave the impression of the safest approach to have an income. “Luckily I used to be at all times tied to artists and the larger fashion and music community,” he says, “which gave me space to create. I became a celeb hairdresser by staying close with artists and growing with them. They encourage me to take my work to recent heights.”

Sometimes these heights are quite literal. For musician Shenyeng’s single art, Lunar created a sculptural braided look that reaches up into the heavens, while Gabbriette got a madwoman’s beehive that appears prefer it was dragged through a bush backwards, in an attractive way, in fact. Bella Poarch’s school girl ponytails defy gravity and Alexa Demie’s sky-high updo wouldn’t be misplaced in B.A.P.S.

Here, Fitch shares his creative process, what drew him to celebrity hair, and advice for young hairstylists. 

Where did you hone your craft? Is it something you learned or is it more instinctual? 

Fitch Lunar: I’d say each. Doing hair has definitely at all times been natural to me but I actually have also been so privileged to work with a few of the greats who’ve taught me rather a lot even beyond hair.

What drew you to editorial and celebrity work? Why did that interest you over other areas of beauty? 

Fitch Lunar: [Laughs] You would like the honest answer? Except for paying the bills, which is significant, celebrity work opens you as much as some once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I actually have at all times had a soft spot for fashion and art because magazines were considered one of my key resources for creativity and culture growing up, so editorial is a terrific outlet to have the option to precise a few of those more creative moments. Especially because celebrity clients don’t at all times want something as out-there and expressive as what I create for editorials. 

What was your “big break”?  

Fitch Lunar: It was a gradual progression, needless to say. I believe the longer you do something, you naturally improve at it. I’ve had some pretty major moments in my life, but recent experiences are at all times happening. The journey is what’s most significant.

What’s your creative process? How do you translate someone’s initial creative vision right into a final look? 

Fitch Lunar: All of it starts with inspiration, then interpretation, then execution. I actually adapt my process based alone experiences. I like backpacking, especially throughout California. So if I’m out with friends backpacking for the weekend, I would see some sap on tree bark and use it for a wig idea. Or I’ll catch a terrific look on a movie character or pop star, like someone I saw at Coachella last weekend or in a random old film, and use that to spiral me off right into a sea of latest takes of it. 

Music also gets the creative juices flowing for me. Without delay I’m listening to a number of Lil’ Kim, MethMath, Torus United in Flames mix, and Bjork to call a number of. 

Is “beauty” something you are trying to capture in your work, or is it an idea that you simply reject?

Fitch Lunar: I try to search out beauty in all the pieces.  

What are the projects that you simply’re most happy with?

Fitch Lunar: I’m most proud once I reflect on all of them as a complete. Collecting so many hair moments over time with a lot of amazing people. My portfolio feels so personal, and I like that. 

What should a hairstyle bring to a glance or fashion image? 

Fitch Lunar: If there’s a bigger idea or concept behind the photo, it ought to be in total support of that. Whatever it’s, it should at all times bring confidence. 

What’s essentially the most significant thing you’ve learnt over the course of your profession? 

Fitch Lunar: Accept mistakes and grow from them. 

What’s your dream project to work on? 

Fitch Lunar: A handful of things come to mind: leading hair on a movie, developing a terrific product and exhibiting the wigs I make in a gallery space. 

What advice would you give to young artists hoping to get into the industry? 

Fitch Lunar: Make friends, practice your craft ALWAYS, and never stop assisting. Mental health can also be crucial, so take excellent care and save your money! WORK! WORK! WORK!

Who would you wish to shine a highlight on next? 

Fitch Lunar: Shirley Raines is an icon. She does beauty2thestreets in LA, offering hair, make-up and hygiene services for unhoused people within the Skidrow section of downtown. I respect these sorts of efforts and get more involved myself.