French Hairstylist Benjamin Michaud: Elevating Hairstyling with Creativity, Expertise, and Innovation
In the modern world, hairstylists need more than just scissor skills to succeed. By blending a love for aesthetics, excellent interpersonal skills and technical know-how, hairstylists create customized looks that elevate each client’s unique style and help to shape the evolution of hairstyling. While mastery in cutting, styling and coloring is crucial, creativity is at the heart of their craft as they design hairstyles that reflect their clients’ desires, incorporating modern trends, personal style, and their own artistic touch– all remarkable qualities that French stylist Benjamin Michaud has become widely recognized for over the years.
Hailing from France, Michaud has spent nearly two decades collaborating with some of Europe’s most reputable names and salons. With unparalleled expertise and an innovative vision helping to cement his reputation, this hairstyling master has been tapped to by several high-profile Swiss salons, including Sofia Coiffure et Beauté, Dany & Co at the four-star Hilton Hotel, and Cazance, where he launched his prestigious Couture collection.
Early on in his career, Michaud’s vast technical skill and remarkable creativity led him to be a part of the hairdressing team for the acclaimed House of Murad Zuhair during 2010 Paris Fashion Week. He also styled 2023’s Miss Grand Switzerland Marine Sayard, and has worked with various well-known personalities including French model Alison Cossenet, entrepreneur Harmonie Keller Matthey, and Swiss influencer Era Dyla Hill, among numerous others.
His notable coloring skills, coupled with his trend-savvy understanding of colorimetry and expertise in balayage techniques, not only established Michaud as a highly sought-after hairstylist across the industry, but also landed him the winning title at La Bisothetique’s 2012 National Competition for Best Colorist.
“Finding the right color is very important to me as it enhances the cut and styling. You can have an extraordinary cut and perfect styling, but if the color is off, it’s a disaster,” Michaud shares. “The right color will enhance your complexion, eyes, eyebrows, clothes, and makeup. For me, finding the right color involves a lot of upfront dialogue during the consultation. It’s found through the person’s style, mood, way of being, but it’s also a state of mind.”
In fact, it was Michaud’s unwavering commitment to perfecting coloring techniques that caught the attention of Julie Clausi, a well-known stylist at Cazance salon in Geneva. Michaud’s ability to combine classic elements with contemporary and chic touches left Clausi highly impressed, which resulted in Michaud being named lead colorist at the luxurious Swiss salon. This essential position not only attracted a wealthy clientele, but enabled Michaud to design his exclusive featured Couture collection.
“Cazance was a new challenge for me in my career as a colorist; a new country and new city. It was the salon where everyone went, especially a very demanding clientele,” Michaud shares. “It was a way for me to confirm my expertise in the field. I took it as an opportunity, a challenge, a new adventure that I knew would help me grow further.”
Unveiled in late 2018, Michaud’s innovative Couture line is a conceptualized blend of retro and modern chic hairstyles. Fusing classic and timeless features with modern and trendy elements to perfect a desired aesthetic, the vision behind Couture was to convey a message of sophistication and creativity through hairstyles that embody both classic refinement and contemporary avant-garde. Inspired by the timeless elegance of Brigitte Bardot, the collection featured retro waves, finger waves, and Hollywood curls, combined with contemporary twists such as bold colors and accessories.
“It was essential to create a harmonious balance between the elegance of the past and the boldness of the present to achieve a unique and stylish look,” Michaud explains. “It was crucial to stay true to my creative vision while being open to necessary adjustments to perfect the overall look.”
Renowned for his mastery of techniques and product knowledge, Michaud expertly combined traditional hairstyling methods such as smoothing, curling, and texturing personalized for each style. He then incorporated high-quality styling products like fixing sprays, styling foam, heat protectants, and serums to elevate the shine of the hairstyles.
“The judicious use of these techniques and products allowed for creating unique and elegant looks for the collection,” Michaud describes. “I aimed to create a symbiosis between timeless elegance and modern audacity. Each hairstyle was carefully chosen to reflect this unique fusion of styles, creating a collection that embodies the essence of couture.”
Creating a sophisticated and innovative collection such as Couture doesn’t just happen overnight. It requires meticulous dedication, extensive research, and steadfast commitment to transform an initial concept into a successful end product, all of which Michaud displayed with remarkable efficiency.
Developing mood boards, refining concepts, selecting models, carrying out trials, and organizing photo shoots were all integral to the elite outcome of the Couture line, which was showcased at the Swiss salon for more than a year, offering their upscale customers the chance to revive classic styles with contemporary twists and fashionable hues.
Highly praised by the global hairdressing community, Michaud was recognized for his innovative and creative work on the Couture collection, which was considered a source of inspiration for new trends and techniques. Beyond inspiring fellow leaders in hairdressing, Michaud’s collection and work also gained widespread attention from clients who praised his outstanding and brilliant craftsmanship with glowing 5-star reviews. One such review explained, “Superb experience.. I was apprehensive as I had never changed the color of my hair. Benjamin suggested a super natural copper highlight to cover my slightly white roots. The work is magnificent, I am delighted, the service is very professional and very friendly.”
Alongwith his technical expertise and outstanding creative vision, what truly distinguishes Michaud’s talent as a hairstylist is his humble approach to engaging with and appreciating his clients. Staying current with trends and possessing a deep grasp of color are essential, but being an exceptional listener with excellent communication skills, goes above and beyond in meeting and surpassing client expectations, fostering the mutual respect and trust necessary to achieve excellence.
Esteemed industry stylist Chérif Messaoudi, who collaborated with Michaud on an exclusive 300-guest wedding in Zermatt, Switzerland, commended Michaud’s ability to adapt to clients’ preferences; and also praised his visionary techniques.
“ I think Benjamin approaches the techniques of lightening and extensions in a very enlightened way. His vision meets the current desires of many clients, that is what made me want to collaborate with him,” explains Messaoudi. “ He knows his craft inside out. Such accurate expertise, both in diagnosis and final realization is rare to come across, which makes him a unique talent.”
In 2023, Michaud was introduced to Swiss model Marine Sayard to create a brand new look and hair color palette, which led to an award-winning style for her entry into the Miss Grand Switzerland beauty pageant. This jaw dropping look, which Michaud helped bring to life ultimately earned Sayard the crown, propelling her to global fame and had prominent watch brands such Vacheron Constantin and Zenith approach her for collaborations.
When speaking of the intricate design process behind Sayard’s honorary appearance, Michaud explains, “I proceeded in the same way as for the Couture collection: researching inspiration, creating a mood board, then we consulted together to combine our ideas and merge my vision with her ideas.”
The success from the pageant not only nurtured a bond of trust and friendship between the two, resulting in Michaud styling for several high profile fashion shoots for Sayard, including for the billion dollar luxury fashion house Chanel, but also provided Michaud a platform to showcase his remarkable creativity and talent.
“Collaborating with Marine Sayard gave me the opportunity to create different styles for her photo sessions and public appearances,” Michaud reflects. “It allowed me to explore my creativity and talent while helping to highlight Marine’s beauty and elegance.”
Michaud, an esteemed hairstylist with a proven track record of success across Europe, is eager to expand his influence globally. His current focus is now on the United States, aiming to showcase his exceptional skills to a wider audience, with a goal of enriching the hair styling experience and incorporating his distinctive personal style and precise expertise.
“My aim is not only to introduce a French touch of elegance to American hairstyling, but also to contribute to the evolution of the beauty industry in the United States,” he explains. “My commitment is to share my love for this art and to create unique moments of beauty together. I aim to leave a legacy of innovation and creativity in the hairdressing industry by pushing boundaries and inspiring other hairdressers with my work.”
Whether Benjamin Michaud is developing a sophisticated and creative range of hairstyles for a top salon in Switzerland, or designing fresh styles for the Miss Switzerland pageant crown, he is undeniably a highly distinguished and incredibly talented hairstylist. As he now sets his sights on making waves in the United States, one can only anticipate nothing short of excellence from the phenomenal artist, adding a touch of French elegance to the future of hairstyling.
