Anakin Chan

I’ve been a hairstylist for 20 years. I am passionate about art, hair, and fashion. I’m currently working as an artistic stylist at a chain company on the East Coast called Bubbles Salon.

What country are you from and where do you reside?

I’m originally from Hong Kong but now I live in Maryland, US.

Education background (school, salons, self-taught)?

I started in Hong Kong when I was 17 as an apprentice in a hair salon. After moving to the US, I went to college and continued my apprenticeship program at a private salon. I then got my license and started my journey.

What is the first creative project that you remember? What is your signature style/artistic expression of your work?

Fourteen years ago, I joined my first annual hair competition and started my first creative project. I remember the theme was recycling. I was making the dress and the hair out of hair colour boxes. and I won for the first time. Since then, I have fallen in love with doing avant-garde hair because it is one of a kind and I am able to express myself without any boundaries, with hair, with clothes, with makeup etc.

What is the most fulfilling job you’ve worked on or a person you have worked with?

The most fulfilling job that I have ever worked on was my first photo shoot with Damien Carney, Nikko Kefalas, Joanne Gair and Nicola French. Because I could express my own concept, my first photo shoot the team really helped me bring my vision to life and the photos will always be my first legacy of my career. With that photo shoot, I have gotten so much recognition, like an Alternative Hair Award in the UK, One Shot Hair Award, multiple trade magazines, fashion magazines and media.

Do you have a career turning point, big break, or person who has helped your career? 

I think my career’s biggest turning point is after having all the recognition, my circle definitely expanded. I got to meet and learn from so many amazing hair stylists from all over the world who give me excellent advice from talented people like Nicola, French, Damien Carney, Rodney Cutler, and Peter Grey.

What was the scariest and proudest moment in your career?

My scariest moment was the first time I worked on a photo shoot by myself without anyone helping. All I could do was prepare myself before the photo shoot, and of course, everything’s always so last minute but luckily my team had great experience and focus. In the end, everything came through. The proudest moment in my career was when I first got recognized on an international platform at the One Shot Hair Awards and Alternative Hair Awards in the UK. This was my first time on stage getting recognition in front of hundreds of people.

What is next for your career goals?

My next career goals are expanding my portfolio, continuing my education, judging hair competitions and establishing my own business.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your business? 

And some advice and inspiration for those who might be following in my footsteps is that hair styling is not just a career, but a journey of self-discovery, passion and creativity. Dream big, work hard, surround yourself with people who believe in you, and never give up on your passion!

Instagram : @anakinchan_hairpro 

Facebook : Anakin Chan Chi