An intimate look at hair with Stéphane Bodin, studio hairstylist
Celebrity hairstylist Stéphane Bodin opens the doors to his world and shares his secrets for enhancing hair with elegance and precision. From his unconventional career path to his vision of hair accessories, discover his advice.
Credits: Sylvie Castioni
Stéphane, can you tell us about your background and what made you want to become a hairstylist? Was there a defining moment in your career?
“My career path is rather unusual: I was a dancer, hairdressing wasn’t my first choice. It’s really a series of encounters that have led me to where I am today. At first, I worked on fashion and beauty shoots, and it was thanks to the press officers and the first actresses I met that I was gradually propelled into this world. It was a very natural snowball effect.”
But my attachment to hairdressing has always existed. My earliest childhood memories are linked to my mother, a very stylish woman, always passionate about beauty and hair care. And then, my great-grandmother was a hairdresser: I still remember her equipment stored in her house. Hairdressing was therefore a part of my childhood and, in a way, it has always been a part of me.
How would you define your approach to hair? Do you consider it more of a craft, an art, or a science?
“For me, hairstyling isn’t an exact science: every hair reacts differently. On the same person, the texture or behavior of hair can vary depending on its cycle, or during specific periods like pregnancy. Fine hair can be very easy to style… or, on the contrary, very temperamental. Today, with all the techniques available, the hair fiber is often transformed, and you have to know how to constantly adapt. I therefore consider hairstyling to be both a craft and an art. A craft, because it’s a manual profession, a precise skill that requires patience and technique. An art, especially in the context of a studio or celebrity hairstyling, where there’s always a notion of image and staging: the lighting, the overall look, the way the hair falls… everything counts. And as a Frenchman, I’m very attached to the ‘less is more’ philosophy: that chic, subtle, never excessive touch that many celebrities appreciate – that’s the true French Touch.”
When you style celebrities' hair, how do you find the balance between their public image, their personal desires, and what is technically possible?
“My approach is simple: I make suggestions, but I never impose anything. Celebrities come to us for our expertise and for the relationship of trust we have built over time. They know very well what they want and are acutely aware of their image. Listening is therefore essential.”
There's also the context: for a particular look, we discuss with the stylist which clothes will be worn and what atmosphere we want to create. The client always has the final say, but after years of collaboration, she knows us and trusts us. We've already explored many styles together, so the work is a true exchange between her and the stylist.
As for technique, anything is possible these days, so I never limit myself in that regard. My role is to translate her image and style into a hairstyle, with precision and creativity.
You work with high-profile clients: what role does hair play in self-confidence and identity construction?
“Hair is fascinating because it exists in three dimensions and is constantly in motion. It is an integral part of the image we project and can be used to reveal ourselves, transform ourselves, or, on the contrary, to hide ourselves. We can choose to remain natural or to create a more sophisticated look for a special occasion: each approach is personal and unique.”
Working with hair means entering my clients' private world, a bit like makeup artists touching skin. There's also a real question of rapport and connection.
Trust: the client needs to feel comfortable and understood. Hair can reveal a great deal about personality, whether through volume, cut, color, or the choice of accessories. For example, bangs can become a true veil of intimacy, a way to decide to reveal only what one wants, or to play with one's image.
In short, hairstyle is a true psychological tool: it tells us who we are, how we want to be perceived.
What role do you think hair accessories play in hairstyling today?
“A hair accessory can completely transform a hairstyle. Sometimes, a woman who doesn’t have much time but has beautiful hair: all it takes is a hair jewel to enhance her look, adding that little detail that changes everything.”
It's true that accessories remain quite specific and require careful consideration. A hair clip, for example, embodies a very French, very chic style in my eyes.
Abroad, this style is also very popular. What I particularly appreciate about Mauliébris is the minimalist yet strong feel of the pieces, with that subtle contemporary touch. It's exactly the kind of detail that makes a hairstyle elegant and unique.
Of the accessories in the Mauliébris collection, is there one that you prefer and why?
"For me, it's definitely the Piercing line, and more specifically the small barrettes with the gold brass rings. I love this piece for its clean look: at first glance, it's a simple barrette, but the rings bring a touch of modernity, almost rock, very rare in hair accessories.
And at the same time, it's never excessive: it's subtle, elegant, and it makes all the difference to the discerning eye. What I love is this sophisticated style that remains natural and chic. It's precisely this blend of simplicity and sophistication that makes this line so beautiful.
