Friend of Graza: Frédéric Fekkai
Culture

Friend of Graza: Frédéric Fekkai

The legendary haircare icon and entrepreneur chats about the resurgence of 90s beauty trends, his favorite New York restaurants, and how to make your natural hair shine.

Q: How do you describe yourself?

FF: An entrepreneur, a creative, a husband and a father. 

Q: Finish this sentence, cooking for me is...

FF: A form of expression and a gesture of hospitality. 

Q: What's your favorite part of French cooking?

FF: Shopping at vegetable markets to prepare fresh Provençal and Mediterranean dishes.

Q: Favorite meal to cook or enjoy with your family?

FF: An oven-roasted branzino or sea bass with Ratatouille topped with a drizzle of EVOO, of course. 

Q: Any hair styling hacks more people should know?

FF: Given my French roots, I've always valued simplicity and natural beauty, which is why I love that we are bringing back the Brilliant Glossing Styling Créme in its original 90s formulation. My favorite hack is to simplify your routine by using this créme for various purposessmoothing frizz, adding shine, defining curls, and providing flexible holdall while keeping your hair nourished and radiant. It's the multipurpose product that acts a "no-makeup" makeup look, but for your hair. 

Q: Cooking hacks more people should know?

FF: Prep your ingredients. It might seem like extra work, but it makes cooking smoother and enjoyable, especially when you're cooking with family. 

Q: How do you see the culinary world combining with the hair and beauty world?

FF: Both share a therapeutic connection, offering sensory delight and creative expression for both clients and professionals. 

Q: Any 90s hair trends you hope to see again? Any that you hope to not?

FF: I'm thrilled to see the 90's bombshell blowout making a comeback, both in salons and on social media. Its signature volume, movement, and undeniable "je ne sais quoi" glamour really defined that era's beauty. And it's something we've stayed loyal to at FEKKAI. As for trends I'd prefer to leave behind, I'm not a fan of the overuse of the crunchy, stiff products that mask the natural beauty of the hair.

Q: Favorite NYC spots?

FF: Indochine Restaurant for dinner, Sant Ambroeus for breakfast and a stroll through Central Park always ending up at the Mark Hotel whether at the flagship FEKKAI salon or enjoying a meal at The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges.

Q: Do you gravitate towards more sizzling with EVOO or drizzling with EVOO?

FF: Drizzling is lighter but sizzling brings out richer flavors. 

Q: What's on the horizon for you?

FF: As we celebrate FEKKAI's 35th anniversary, I'm excited to dive back into our rootsreviving the classics our clients love while also bringing fresh, modern haircare solutions to life. We're focused on blending FEKKAI'S rich heritage with what clients need today. 

I'm also looking forward to spending more time at the salon, cutting hair, and really connecting with our customers. 

Tagged: