John Frieda haircare’s International Creative Consultant, Harry Josh has a humble air about him that belies his notable success in an excruciatingly competitive industry.
Though he spent the first 10 years of his career in New York working as a casting director for Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton, his dexterity and ease when styling gives none of it away. It’s impossible to imagine Josh doing anything but hair, he’s a true natural.
After receiving his first big break with Vogue in 2002, Josh has climbed through the ranks, working closely with John Frieda, and launching his own award-winning line of hair tools this year.
Examiner chats with Josh about how he celebrates the season and all that he is thankful for this year.
EXAMINER: Please share your favorite holiday memory.
HARRY: Each year gets better and better. There is no better present than getting to spend the holidays with the people that you love and every year, there are more and more people in my life that I am thankful for. Never take anyone for granted!
EXAMINER: What is the best gift you ever received and why was it so special to you?
HARRY: The best gift I’ve ever received was the gift of my career, and I owe that too the friends and family that believed in me enough to let me start cutting and coloring their hair in my walk-up apartment, leaking their praise, and leading me to be discovered by Vogue many many years ago.
EXAMINER: What gifts are under your tree this year for your loved ones?
HARRY: I’ve gifted many friends and family my line of Harry Josh Pro Tools, specifically my debut product, the Harry Josh Pro Tools Pro Dryer 2000.
EXAMINER: You have 15 minutes to get ready for a holiday soriee, what do you do?
HARRY: Nothing really! I’ll have prepped by showering earlier in the day and then I’ll throw on a hat, it helps work the best kinks and texture into my hair. Then I’ll simply check myself for any excess shine (and powder if necessary) and I’m ready to go.
EXAMINER: If you were only able to have one beauty or personal care item in your pocket to get you through an evening of holiday parties, what would it be?
HARRY: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Expert Finish Polishing Serum—it’s great for all hair types and good on wet or dry hair. It will ensure your hair is frizz free and hydrated all season long.
EXAMINER: Did anything special happen this year that you learned a great deal from that you’d like to share with other people?
HARRY: I’ve always wanted to start my own line of pro tools and I really saw that come to life in 2014. I’d tell people to work hard and never give up on their dreams—anything is possible!
EXAMINER: Any final words of advice for how to look great and feel great all the way through this holiday season?
HARRY: Don’t overdrink alcohol and drink lots of water—it’s a lot harder to reverse the effects of bad behavior if you’ve taken off for a few weeks. Indulge responsibly. And never leave hair styling til the last second!
In the spirit of holiday giving, John Frieda and Harry Josh are partnering with Examiner Alice An to offer a giveaway. Swing by Made (Up) in NY to enter to win a Gift Package for fantastic hair from Harry Josh and Frizz-Ease by John Frieda, and stay tuned, a new giveaway will be posted every day leading up to December 25th
