Behind the Chair: Meet Jacob Rozenberg, Editorial, Celebrity and Salon Hairstylist
Jacob Rozenberg found his calling when he first picked up a pair of scissors. His dyslexia diagnosis at the age of six didn’t stop him from achieving his dreams. Based in New York, the Vancouver-bred was working in a salon by age 17. Two years later, he’d entered hair competitions, grabbing national titles
Rozenberg, who specializes in both long and short hair, spent four years assisting celebrity hairstyling Harry Josh and worked with celebrities like Irina Shayk, Karlie Kloss, and Candice Swanepoel. His work has appeared in editorials, advertising, and red-carpet events.
Meet the editorial, celebrity and salon hairstylist:
Hi Jacob, can you share with our readers when you first discovered your passion for hair and knew that it was the path for you? Walk us through the beginning of your journey.
When I started styling my sister Talya’s hair when I was 7. I had to bribe her to sit still by giving her 25 cents for every hairstyle!
When I was in 4th grade, 101 Dalmatians came out, starring Glenn Close. I fell in love her character’s costumes, affect, and–most importantly–her hair. It was super punk, an incredible black and white sculpture. I was completely intrigued. I said to myself: “I’m going to learn how to do that.”
Do you remember the first time you cut and styled someone’s hair? How did you felt at the time and how do you think you’ve developed as a stylist since then? And what did it mean for you on a personal and professional level?
I picked up my first pair of scissors at age 13 and I never looked back. There have been so many meaningful cuts and styles since then, and I’ve never stopped loving how my work can transform my clients’ sense of self. As a hair stylist, your job is to take care of people–through both joyous and difficult times–to make them feel like their best selves.
What does being a hairdresser mean to you?
It’s a superpower, really. It’s about recognizing and excavating a beauty within people that they don’t always see for themselves. It’s about breathing life into their best self and bringing it to the surface.
Why did you decide to sign under Statement Artists? How have they pushed you creatively?
I was thrilled to sign with Statement because I already had a relationship with Danielle after being Harry’s assistant. They’re a really tight team and I love working with them.
Can you tell us more about how you go about creating a new look? How much research and planning do you put into it? Do you leave room for improvisation?
When I’m working with new private or celebrity clients, I like to look at photos together of their hair when they’ve loved it and when they’ve hated it. That way I know how they feel best and can craft new looks for them based on that knowledge. For ad and editorial shoots, I do a lot of moodboarding and online research in advance, on top of what’s been provided by others in the creative team, to develop the hair looks that will sell the product. When possible, I also communicate with the whole creative team about proposed hair looks in advance to ensure we’re in sync.
You’ve worked with Harry Josh for 4 years before your career took off. How was he helping factor in furthering your soul career? What did you learn from Josh while working with him all these years?
I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor than Harry. Working with him for so many years, I learned the ins-and-outs of the industry in New York and L.A–including what it’s like to run a brand like Harry Josh Pro Tools. Harry helped me hone my eye to understand how hair looks would translate to viewers differently if they were photographed on a red carpet versus a photoshoot. He also taught me how to master effortless surfer girl hair, from color to styling to cut.
Harry Josh #TeamHarryJoshProTools
What memorable moments from your career so far would you say has been the most pivotal for you?
There have been so many big moments, but one that stands out was cutting Karlie Kloss’s hair during Paris Week. At the time, I was still Harry Josh’s assistant. He sent me to her hotel to give her a blowout, but we had some extra time and, on the fly,, she asked me to give her a chic, blunt bob. She posted a pic on Instagram and a few hours later my phone and email started blowing up!
And it was awesome to have publications like Bazaar and Vogue and US Weekly writing about how l achieved the look.
Last summer, I got to shoot my first Vogue Russia cover with Irina Shayk. It was especially memorable because we were just having so much fun being back on set for the first time since the start of the pandemic. I was so grateful and humbled to be back at work, doing what I love best and creating something really special.
Irina Shayk
You’ve worked with well-known and talented hair artists and celebrities, and filmed images . Can you name some of the names you’ve worked with and left an impression on you?
I’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing hair stylists (on top of the one and only Harry Josh, of course!) To name just a few: Guido Palau, Orlando Pita, James Pescis, Shay Ashual, and Brian Buenaventura.
How do you keep challenging yourself amid the longer-than-expected pandemic?
I’m such a hair nerd. I’ve spent the pandemic testing new products and working on wigs, playing around with different adhesives, and trying out new cutting and color techniques. I’m constantly experimenting.
Favourite hair products?
The tools you use make all the difference. The Harry Josh Dryer and heat tools are great. Keeping your hair healthy will always make your hair look better — Olaplex step 3 and K18 are an absolute must for that. And I can’t live without Serge Normant Hairspray.
Image Credits; Jacob
Interview: Romy
Instagram : @jacobrozenberg