Mark Van Westerop

What country are you from, and where do you reside?

I live in Alkmaar, a medium-sized city about 40 minutes from Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Title of what you do and if you are aligned with a brand or company.

I am the owner and creative director of Pro-Solo Hair Artist, the Global Ambassador of Keune Cosmetics, and a session stylist.

What is your educational background (school, salons, self-taught)?

After school, I immediately started my own business. I had interned at two salons, but very soon, I had my own idea of ​​what I stood for. From the beginning, I have always had a great passion for education and followed everything there was to do. I still have that curiosity. You can never stop learning this profession.

What is the first creative project that you remember?

From the beginning, I assisted many session stylists because the backstage work was magical for me as I worked with concepts and considered the bigger picture.

What is your signature style/artistic expression of your work?

As a session stylist, I always look for the edges, the story, and the total concept. I want it to stimulate the viewer and occasionally mislead him. It may chafe and rub.

While I work in my salon, I really like organic hair, and with minimal adjustments, I ensure that the hair strengthens the person in question.

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

Working on my shows as hairdresser of the year is one of the highlights that gives me a lot of satisfaction. Working from a blank page and ultimately bringing it to life is magical. From the choice of models to the looks backdrops, styling on all fronts in detail, working everything out, wow, wow, wow.

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

After years of participation and many nominations, I finally won the title of hairdresser of the year for the first time in 2014. Regarding my career, things were already going fantastic and I worked for the top magazines, but this title opened many extra doors, and the explosion was great.

What were the scariest moments?

Working with people I admire and hold in high esteem, you don’t want to fail, but this also means that you are completely on edge and rise above yourself.

What was the proudest moment in your career?

After winning the title Hairdresser of the Year three times, I joined the Hall of Fame. I am super proud of the continuity of my work and vision as an artist and that it can be rewarding.

What is next for your career goals?

Being free to create and, above all, continuing to challenge myself and a nice balance between private and career.

What advice would you give to someone starting in the beauty business?

Dare to dream big and stay critical. Invest in free work and take time to discover things. Dare to make a lot of mistakes and convert those mistakes into the next new thing.

IG:  @markvanwesterop