ELEVATING HAIR, SELF-LOVE, AND THE POWER OF CONSULTATION WITH EDDIE WUNDERLICH
BY EBBY MAGAZINE
Eddie Wunderlich hair stylist and beauty expert shares how consultation, self-love, transformation, and beauty that begins from within.
“IT’S ABOUT HELPING SOMEONE REMEMBER HOW GOOD THEY ALREADY ARE. HAIR CAN SHIFT ENERGY. IT CAN UNLOCK SOMETHING. SOMETIMES, IT GIVES SOMEONE BACK TO THEMSELVES.”
EDDIE WUNDERLICH, HAIR STYLISTS AND BEAUTY EXPERT
PHOTOGRAPH BY PRANTO PODDER
Sit in Eddie Wunderlich’s chair long enough, and something shifts. Maybe it’s the way he listens without rushing, or the way his hands move with quiet certainty, but somewhere between the consultation and the final reveal, you begin to see yourself differently. For more than twenty years, the New York native has built his career not just on skill, but on his ability to make people feel at home in their reflection. From the high-energy pulse of Fashion Week to the calm intimacy of the salon, Eddie’s work is as much about presence as it is about polish.
For Wunderlich, it always starts with a conversation. He sits with his clients, really sits and asks the kind of questions that open a door: What do you love about your hair? What have you grown tired of? How do you want to feel when you walk out of here? That level of care is what keeps people coming back. It’s rare. In an industry that can sometimes feel rushed or transactional, he creates space for trust. That’s what sets the tone, whether he’s working backstage at Fashion Week, prepping someone for a photo shoot, or crafting a color story that feels like home. His work resides at the intersection of vision and intuition, and his portfolio, which includes appearances at Cannes and collaborations with leading designers, reflects just how far that approach can take him.
At the core of Wunderlich’s practice lies a deep-seated belief in the power of connection. Through thorough consultations and heartfelt dialogues, he forges meaningful relationships with his clients, earning their trust and loyalty with every visit. This personalized touch sets him apart in an industry often characterized by superficiality. From the glitz and glamour of New York Fashion Week to the silver screen of the Cannes Film Festival, Wunderlich’s portfolio boasts an impressive array of projects and collaborations that showcase his unparalleled talent and vision. Whether he’s transforming celebrity clients for editorial shoots or crafting avant-garde hairstyles for the runway, Wunderlich’s artistry knows no bounds.
Wunderlich’s influence extends far beyond the confines of the salon. As the beauty director for Raul Penaranda at New York Fashion Week and the key hairstylist for esteemed designers like Cesar Galindo, he has left an indelible mark on the world of high fashion. Yet, it is his work with the Women’s Sports Foundation, where he curates glamorous looks for celebrity female Olympians, showcasing his commitment to celebrating beauty in all its forms and promoting diversity in the industry.
For Eddie Wunderlich, hairstyling is more than just a profession; it is a form of self-expression, a medium through which he channels his creativity and passion for fashion. Wunderlich continues to push the boundaries of beauty, one stunning makeover at a time.
But beyond the accolades lies Wunderlich’s true essence, an artist who believes in the transformative power of beauty. For him, each client sitting in his chair is not just a canvas but a soul waiting to be awakened, a story waiting to be told. This deeply personal approach to his craft sets Wunderlich apart, making every makeover a physical transformation and a journey of self-discovery and self-love. Join us as we delve into the world of Eddie Wunderlich, a world where beauty knows no bounds.
Eddie Wunderlich works his magic on jazz singer Lizzie Thomas, creating a timeless look that pairs soul and style. Wardrobe/Designer: Cesar Galindo, Crescala Collective; Artist: Lizzie Thomas; Photography: Black Pixel Productions; Makeup: Leanna Mcalpin; PA: Jacinto Onofre; Hair: Eddie Wunderlich.
You’ve emphasized the importance of building trust and connection with clients. How do you cultivate these relationships, and why do you believe they’re essential in your line of work?
Trust is something you earn. In the salon and at events on set, I always, and I mean always, ask the same questions to create a dialogue and establish a solid consultation. What do you like about your hair? What do you dislike about your hair? How often do you maintain your hair? What products are you using for your at-home maintenance? Based on probability, this approach has not only booked a client for a blowout but also created opportunities for on-the-spot makeovers by providing a sense of commitment to whoever I am serving that day.
Countless times, I have heard every complaint imaginable, yet no one has ever taken the time to truly sit and listen to the client, dig a little deeper, and consider the bigger picture.
For me, asking these questions creates a space where the client is more likely to share their dream hair with me without needing to show me a picture.
In my head, while they are speaking, I am actively listening, I tell myself. Likes, Dislikes.
What kind of color story can they maintain based on their availability to reschedule, and what will they use at home to ensure the hair is maintained with integrity?
Reflecting on your unique and diverse career, which moments stand out to you as particularly memorable or impactful, and how have they shaped your approach to hairstyling?
I would say it’s all the changes I have made along the way. I have filed each opportunity in my back pocket for when I have to make hard decisions or reflect on things.
I am grateful for all of the “experiences” I have had along the way. Both good and indifferent. I believe that when one door closes, another opens. At this point in my life, me, myself, and I will be the judge of where I am working, when I am working, and who I am working for. Because there is no better feeling than giving your profession the utmost dedication, this is when your work speaks for itself.
Could you delve into your philosophy of self-expression through art and beauty? How do you translate this belief into tangible transformations for your clients?
One of the wonderful aspects of doing hair, especially color, is having creative freedom for a makeover. Of course, there are guidelines, but this is what most excites me. I’m an artist at heart, so when I’m mixing at the color bar, I’m sharing my formula, the color theory, and the science behind it all, which is the catalyst that gets me to the desired result. When I am physically working on the client, even during time-consuming, all-hands-on-deck color jobs, I remain calm because I already have my plan. I believe in the mindset “If you fail to plan, plan to fail.” Consultation is KEY.
Seeing someone in the mirror, speechless about what I just said and how I made them feel, is priceless.
With bases at two salons, including Allure 13 Salon in the West Village and Salon On Park in Long Beach, how do you manage your time between your clients and large-scale projects, such as fashion events and editorial work?
Time Management. Period. It is so important to have balance in your life. I have been fully committed to a fitness transition in my life for the last eight months. I have not had a drink in over a year, changed my entire workout routine, and prioritized myself.
Wake up, go to the gym, then head to the salon. I indulge when I can, but if I do not check that box or take care of my mental and physical health first thing bright and early, then how can I pour from my cup for others? I do my best business planning, strategizing, and networking at the gym. It’s my second home.
When it comes to managing one chair in NYC and one in Long Island, I must admit it is a significant commitment; however, I am thrilled with both locations. You need to love where you work and who you work with; otherwise, my work will reflect that.
I make the most of my time when I’m in the salon, and once again, my consultation generates new revenue that was not previously booked. Of course, there are slow days, but I am not someone who can sit around. I will eat everything in the salon. I allocate time to request that my clients leave me some kind words via Google to generate new business for me. When building a company behind the chair, there is this concept that I created.
“Street beating” involves going out to get the client yourself, such as at your local coffee shop, restaurant, boutique, or ice cream store. You name it, I’ve made it happen. It’s actually quite entertaining because you literally never know when that person is going to come in.
When it happens, it always makes me chuckle. There is nothing worse than sitting in a salon and waiting for a walk-in, waiting for the phone to ring. This is NY; get the client yourself!
Regarding my absence from the salon for editorial work, NYFW, private glam appointments, etc., it has to be the right fit and financially worthwhile. It has taken me a really long time to stand up for my worth and remind myself that time is extremely valuable. If you respect your time, everyone else will follow.
One of Eddie Wunderlich’s most sculptural creations where imagination meets precision and hair becomes high art.
Your work often goes beyond hairstyling to create deeply transformative experiences. Can you share a moment or story that reflects the emotional impact your artistry has had on a client’s life?
The first thing that comes to mind is when I was volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House.
I did it consecutively once a week for a while. This was not easy. It was post-COVID, something I did not have experience with, but I was referred there and knew I was meant to provide some sunshine to the patients and family members. I kept the haircuts simple and the energy light. Working with a mask on, no mirror, and working with children who had it much more difficult than you will stop you dead in your tracks and remind you to be grateful.
Your passion for fashion is evident in your work. How does your expertise in hairstyling intersect with your love for fashion, and how does this multidisciplinary approach inform your creative process?
There’s something about working at NYFW or on an editorial shoot that is an adrenaline rush. Most of the time, you’re actually winging it, and it goes by so quickly. Leading a hair team, being a beauty director, or raising sponsorship for me is a great way to feel part of a team with a big outcome and a one-two-pow! Feeling. There’s something very exciting about working backstage or on set, especially when the vibe is right. I feel like when it’s showtime, the team creates these life-sized, confident Barbie dolls. You have to love what you’re doing and be able to handle the pressure, because most of the time, the space is tight, we’re blowing fuses, and someone is always late.
Something I take pride in is raising sponsorship to be backstage. I am extremely creative when it comes to generating funds to support a “pay to play” approach. Some say I am crazy for doing it, but nothing can compare to having gratitude for clients, friends, family members, and brands that sponsor my team to be backstage. During New York Fashion Week, I worked as a lead hair stylist. A portion of my sponsorship funding will be allocated as a charitable donation to the American Heart Association. Pitching this VIP or brand collaboration experience holds a profound meaning, as it’s about giving back. People want to feel like they are part of something; they want to get dressed up and socialize. This experience provides all of that and more.
Your involvement with events like the Women’s Sports Foundation annual gala showcases your commitment to empowering women. How do you incorporate this ethos of empowerment into your work, especially when collaborating with female clientele?
Who doesn’t want to style an Olympian? I mean, come on, it’s so cool. Styling 70 Olympians in under four hours, with a huge team, dynamic energy, and house music in a beauty suite, doing glam is truly unique. The glam team was part of a bigger picture, raising 50 million dollars for the WSF’s 50th anniversary.
Pretty amazing, if you ask me!
For aspiring hairstylists and beauty enthusiasts, what practical advice would you offer to help them navigate their journey in the industry?
Do not be scared to fail; it creates an opportunity for growth. Always early, and when in doubt, wear all black. Greet every person in the room. You never know when their regular stylist is on vacation and needs you to fill in for them. So, being kind to someone who doesn’t necessarily put money in your pocket doesn’t rule out that one day you might be an option.
Looking ahead, what upcoming projects or ventures are you excited about, and how do you see the future of beauty evolving?
Building my book, both at Allure 13 and SOP, is the foundation of my work.
Fashion Week with Cesar Galindo—it’s always a fabulous time working with him and always a kiki. There’s a certain energy that he attracts, and it’s simply magnetic. And styling hair for Runway for Recovery and excited to give back by donating my time and celebrating one of my VIP clients walking the runway.
I think the future of technology is indefinite. If you are not ahead of the times, you will be left behind. It’s time to get creative, partner up with your makeup artist friends, collaborate with your videographer peers, and celebrate each other’s skills, because it takes the right team to get to the top.
