The art of doing hair isn’t lost on Sergio Estrada who has a long list of big name clients from rapper Saweetie to one of the most notable Housewives Lisa Rinna to our Horsegirl cover story. While hairstyling wasn’t an initial dream, his love of the art form led him to the right place.
How’d you get into hairstyling?
By chance. My first career choice was baking. Once I finished baking school and worked in the field, I realized that it wasn’t my true passion, so I quit. A few years later, I knew I needed a new career, so I started to tap back into education. I landed on cosmetology school because my mother had attended as a young woman, and I thought maybe it was in my blood, and the rest is history.
What’s your earliest connection to hair as an art form?
Growing up, I didn't have the benefit of styling my own hair or having the instinct to play with dolls or girl’s hair (and now I do all the dolls’ hair. #protectthedolls), whenever I’m styling hair now I always picture my mom working on my sister and her friend’s hair for quinceanera’s and school dances. I was always so amazed watching her create such sculptural looks with only her hands and a few tools.
I was, however, a very crafty kid, creating things with recycled materials and at times making bracelets out of twine. I think that really helped me understand how to braid later in life.
When you’re heading to set and packing up all the products and tools you need, what Eastpak bag makes the most sense to be on set?
The Resist'r Case M. The hard outer shell and roomy interior make for the best bag for my everyday work use. I can fit everything I need for a normal work day, and it's easy for me to carry up and down my four-floor walk-up.
Who’s one of your favorite hairstylists currently?
My good hair, sis Sean Bennet. His work constantly inspires and never ceases to amaze me. It's very Dr. Seuss; he brings those sorts of fantastical worlds to life. He’s a true hair wizard and just a great person overall. We need more hairstylists who are creating art with hair that can be seen in galleries as art pieces - he's one of those.
How does NYC influence your artistry?
Living here, I feel like we have the pressure of creating and influencing trends that the rest of the world will look up to. I get inspired by people walking the streets of New York, all having their own unique style; it's a constant fashion show on a daily. My friends in the nightlife scene also influence my art heavily. I’m lucky I get to collaborate with them by either cutting their hair or styling them up for a night out, their dj sets, or performances.
Who would you say is your top inspiration?
90’s/early 00’s style, movies, and musicians. Celebs like Selena, Lil’ Kim, and dirty Xtina. Movies like Players Club, BAPS, and Bring It On. I grew up in the 90s, the era of chunky highlights, brown lip liner, and hoop earrings. My hair bag, which I’ve branded Bodega Barbie, is heavily inspired by that era. It's nice to see that style makes a comeback in fashion and, in this city, depending on the person, seeing that it has never gone away.
What’s your usual on-set outfit and bag combo?
Jeans or Carhartt cargo pants, a graphic tee, a baseball cap, and Nike sneakers. Bag-wise would be either my Willie Norris Carry bag, Luar Brooke bag, or Outlier Nexhigh suspension bag.
