Ilias Karahalios is one of Greece’s leading and most sought-after hair experts.

With over 30 years of experience, he has opened three salons across Athens and works closely with some of the country’s top fashion designers, makeup artists, models, and celebrities- creating eye-catching and chic looks that are seen on the runway, in magazines, television and red-carpet appearances.  

Having a visionary flair and natural talent for styling, cutting and colouring tresses, it’s hard to believe that Ilias was, in fact, working as a mechanical engineer in his 20s, before deciding to follow his true passion (and in his mother’s footsteps) of becoming a hairstylist.    

We recently had a chat with Ilias at his salon in Kifissia, and asked him about the latest hair trends, how to keep hair healthy, and his incredible work in fashion. 

What do you love most about your work? 

The greatest reward for me is seeing our clients’ faces light up when they view the final result. I love seeing my clients happy, smiling, and leaving the salon with confidence as they bounce their hair around.  

Tell us about your work within the fashion industry. 

From when I started hairdressing, I liked everything to do with fashion. It started with beauty contests, which were very popular at the time. It was actually in 1997 and I was a member of the team that was working on hair for Miss Greece. Then when I opened my salon, I started collaborating with Greek modelling agencies and doing hair for both Greek and international models.

What are a few stand-out events you’ve worked on? 

There have been so many, including a big fashion show at Zappeion for leading Greek fashion designer Vassilis Zoulias, and two months ago we were part of an amazing fashion event that was held at the swimming pool of the Olympic stadium, that was for MI-RŌ.  

Tell us more about your hair salon Ilias & Staff, which is conveniently located around 3 spots in Athens.

We have salons in Kifissia, Glyfada and Nea Filothei and are very well known for our colour techniques. But in saying that, we are also able to provide the whole package – including haircuts, blow-dry, styling, manicures, pedicures, tanning, and makeup. We try to offer our clients all they need for both hair and beauty.  

What is your favorite haircut right now? 

Fashion changes so quickly, and I like to experiment. At the moment I have a lot of young girls coming in and asking for a butterfly haircut.

What are the top colour trends? 

Ginger is something that is coming more and more into fashion, and there is also a trend for blonde that has intensity at the front – to emphasize the frame of the face.

What’s trending for men? 

I think we’re going to see more of the French haircut for guys-  a grown-out natural/untailored look. 

When it comes to blow-dries are ladies going for waves or a straight look? 

Hair with volume, giving it a real red carpet/Hollywood feel is very much the look right now. 

What are your top 3 tips for maintaining healthy hair? 

Trim to get rid of the dead ends. After a good haircut, conditioning and moisturising the hair with a mask once a week is great. And remember to be very gentle when combing your hair.

Finally, when you aren’t at the salon, where will we find you relaxing? 

Every week or at least every couple, I like trying a different restaurant. It might be a good Italian place where the chef is well-known, or a new place that has just opened.