Derek Smart
Hairstylist Derek Smart’s distinct work reflects his belief in each and every person’s potential for transformation. Creating hair that is otherwise described as “pure beauty,” Smart is known for bringing forth each client’s individual sense of style. When his older sister battled with alopecia, Smart who spent his younger years styling her wigs, found his inspiration. Pursuing his dream of becoming a hair stylist, Smart began his professional training under the teaching of notable British stylist, Stephen Wake.
The early eighties were a time of great inspiration for Derek as he saw hair as the perfect expression of the conflation of music and fashion. After seven years of apprenticing in England and working as a stylist at various high-end salons, Derek moved to California to expand his knowledge of his craft. He spent the next 17 years at salons like the Bungalow on Melrose, developing a diverse clientele from the worlds of entertainment, business, fitness and fashion.
Derek Smart has styled several celebrities and stars of film and television most notably Elizabeth Banks, T.R. Knight, Elizabeth Perkins, Neil Patrick Harris, Melissa Rosenberg (screen writer of Twilight films), Sarah Clarke, Gil Bellows, Hugh Fitzgerald, Paul Sarkis and several of the stars from the hit television show “Bachelors.” Derek’s fascination with music and fashion fused with his deep love of people continues to influence his creative work. Derek’s goal is to connect each person to his or her innate beauty by creating hair that is sexy, playful, fun, moveable and drop-dead gorgeous.