Unlocking the Power of Holistic Haircare: Adrien Coelho's Visionary Journey
credit: Adrien Coelho
ADRIEN COELHO *
COELHO BEAUTY *
ADRIEN COELHO * COELHO BEAUTY *
In the fast-paced world of beauty and wellness, Adrien Coelho stands out as a true visionary, redefining the boundaries of holistic haircare and setting new trends from his vibrant salon, Très Confidentiel, nestled in the heart of Paris. With a magnetic personality and a boundless passion for creativity, this celebrated hairstylist turned entrepreneur has become a global influencer, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and captivating the hearts of A-list celebrities and fashion houses alike.
Adrien's journey is a tapestry woven with experiences from around the globe, each thread contributing to his unique perspective on beauty and self-expression. The foundation of his groundbreaking brand, COELHO Beauty, lies in his unwavering belief in holistic haircare as a gateway to self-acceptance and overall well-being. Embracing individuality, Adrien's products transcend conventional norms, offering inclusive solutions that empower individuals to freely express their true selves, while championing the use of sustainable and clean ingredients.
Within the elegant walls of Très Confidentiel, Adrien's salon, a world of personalized haircare unfolds. Each client is met with meticulous attention to detail, as Adrien crafts bespoke routines tailored to their specific needs, unlocking the true potential of their hair. It is an experience that goes beyond mere aesthetics, delving deep into the emotional and physical dimensions of one's mane, and nurturing an innate sense of confidence and beauty.
In this interview with Future of Skincare, Adrien Coelho reveals his transformative insights into the ever-evolving landscape of haircare and beauty trends. From the future of sustainable ingredients to the art of self-expression through hair, Adrien's wisdom and expertise offer a captivating glimpse into the visionary mind of a true industry luminary.
Adrien, can you share with us the story of your personal journey and how you became a globetrotter in the beauty and wellness industry?
As a natural-born entrepreneur and hairdresser, I made a name for myself internationally through my creativity and audacity in the editorial and celebrity world, known for its avant-garde beauty. There's a coherence, consistency, and commitment in my work. These principles form the foundation of a lifelong journey and a creative freedom without boundaries.
Can you elaborate on the inspiration behind creating a holistic and inclusive beauty brand like COELHO beauty?
In 2014, I opened a holistic concept in the capital of Europe. The idea was to offer various services with recognized and specialized practitioners to help people accept themselves and improve their well-being. It's not about trying to look younger but simply living well in one's own age, body, and soul.
My dream was to create a brand with a holistic approach to redefine beauty as a whole, breaking away from all the clichés associated with it. A caring, multi-dimensional, multicultural, and multifunctional brand that is not gendered.
Beauty is a way to learn to accept differences, to love ourselves, and create our own sanctuary. It should be universal and without borders. That's why I created a gender-stereotype-free line so that everyone can freely express themselves. My formulations are designed for everyone, catering to all skin and hair types.
Holistically functioning is the only way I know. While the term holistic is popular today, which I am delighted about, it's a deep-rooted nature for me.
Living in the United States allowed me to sharpen my vision and refine my approach. The diversity and open-mindedness here are incredibly interesting and inspiring.
This project started 10 years ago. It took three years of research and development to release my first range of hair and scalp care for the soul products.
HAIRECARE*
HAIRECARE*
COELHO beauty places a strong emphasis on clean and sustainable ingredients. Can you tell us more about your philosophy on clean beauty and how it influences your product formulations?
Purity alone is not enough today; we also demand results.
My belief is that beauty is a balance between physical and emotional well-being, and the products we use daily must have a real impact on our well-being and support our health.
That's why it took three years of research and development with experts, pharmacists, and dermatologists to create a line of holistic skincare where each product is designed to work synergistically with cohesive ingredients. We combine vegan, cruelty-free formulas made from healthy and effective natural ingredients, all while respecting the environment and humanity. It's an inspiration of scientific, urban, and modern well-being.
We have worked on hairecare formulations around four main elements: Aromatherapy, Phytotherapy, Aromachology, and Dermocosmetics, allowing you to be the best version of yourself in an ever-evolving world.
It was important to establish a strong and personal standpoint that distinguishes my universe and background, while also challenging the pursuit of perfection and standardization that the industry has imposed on us for years.
Your salon, Tres Confidentiel (44 - 45 Galerie Montpensier, Jardin du Palais-Royal 75001 Paris), offers personalized haircare services. Can you give us insights into how you work with clients to create a customized haircare plan, and what results have you seen from this approach?
During the initial consultation, I practice "Hair Transition."
The repairing action that is sold in conventional haircare is illusory. The shiny and smooth effect that silicones give to your hair is just an illusion.
Acting as a film-forming agent, this shine is not natural. Underneath this plastic film, the hair suffocates! The hair fiber can no longer breathe and deteriorates. However, you won't see it because the silicones act as "cover-ups." It's similar to wearing foundation or nail polish. It gives you a nice complexion or beautiful nails, but underneath, your skin and nails suffocate.
Silicones prevent the essential nutrients and actives from reaching and benefiting the hair and its fibers. The hair fiber becomes saturated, unable to receive and benefit from the care it needs.
Our hair reflects our emotions and lifestyle, often being exposed to pollution, stress, and negative energies.
The idea is to embrace and accept your hair, finding a sustainable look instead of chasing an Instagram-filtered hair dream.
Can you share any advice for individuals who may be struggling to find the right haircare routine or products for their specific needs?
My tagline for COELHO Beauty is: "Treat your scalp and hair like you treat your skin."
The mistake often made is considering haircare as mere hygiene products. One of the biggest mistakes is not moisturizing the scalp and hair. It's essential to treat them just like your skin.
Seasons and chemical treatments also determine the ritual.
COELHO Beauty's oil serum is a good starting point for those with dry hair, oily roots, and dry ends.
The role of the oil or serum is to create a protective film on the surface. By initially applying this product, it helps regulate sebum production and rebalance the entire hair. A small amount is enough for the actives to penetrate where they are most needed. The excess will be absorbed by the shampoo.
You can apply the oil or serum to the ends the night before for enhanced action if you plan to wash your hair in the morning. Alternatively, you can apply it 20, 10, or even a few minutes before (to avoid weighing down fine hair). The drier the hair, the longer the application time to allow the product to absorb the actives.
Then comes the washing. The shampoo is distributed in the palm of your hand, emulsified, and applied (in order) at the nape, temples, crown, and scalp, and then on the lengths and ends (if you applied oil). Start with the areas with the most hair and finish with the most sensitized parts.
Lastly, focus on the treatment. It's always important to finish with a treatment to close the cuticles. Opting for a ceramide-based treatment like COELHO Beauty's Cream Treatment acts as a cement with reparative and moisturizing effects. The added castor oil, olive oil, and hazelnut oil deeply nourish the hair. By closing the cuticles, the actives are sealed in. All that's left is to dry the hair, either with a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt (softer than a regular cotton towel).
Can you tell us more about your experience working with fashion editorials and shows, and how it has influenced your vision of contemporary beauty?
I am deeply connected to the couture and fashion spirit. It's at the heart of everything I create. You can see it strongly in my visuals, campaigns, and communication. My passion for music and photography also influences my work on a daily basis.
Collaborating on fashion editorials and shows has influenced the multifunctional aspect of my products. I have always repurposed products on set because sometimes, during a working day, there may be a specific request to achieve the best look that works with a particular outfit or accessory. But you may not have the right product to create that stunning effect. This is a problem I have solved.
You've worked with numerous celebrities and high-profile clients throughout your career. Can you share any particularly memorable experiences or moments that stand out to you?
What I love more than anything is celebrating all the different beauties.
With your experience as a globetrotter in the beauty and wellness industry, what haircare and beauty trends do you predict for the future?
Multifunctionality and collaboration are the future. Collaborate, don't compete. In addition to haircare, are there any other areas in the beauty or wellness industry that you're particularly interested in exploring? Anything related to beauty, directly or indirectly. Let your imagination wander.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into the beauty, haircare, and wellness industry?
I have no advice to give. Simply believe in your dreams, think big, be curious, and most importantly, create what doesn't exist. If these fields are where you truly want to venture, then go for it.
Lastly, can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or collaborations that you have in store with COELHO beauty?
Everything moves quickly, and the mistake today is to reveal everything. So, I prefer not to dwell on the answer. What I can tell you is that there will be collaborations focusing on multifunctionality and holism. Above all, I always have plenty of ideas.