A Conversation with Dean Banowetz

A Conversation with Dean Banowetz

December 22, 2020

by prosperu

American Idol, Dancing With the Stars, Dean Banowetz, eric fisher hair, eric fisher hairstylist, Hollywood Hair Guy, prosper u, Prosper U Pro

We met Dean Banowetz (@dbano) a few years ago at a Beauty Bus Foundation pop-up prior to The North American Styling Awards. He had a huge, joyful personality that filled the room. If you didn’t know – you would never guess that he is pretty famous. He is The Hollywood Hair Guy. Author of “The Dean’s List of DaddyDo’s” and stylist to the stars. Dean graciously took time to chat with us and we can’t wait to share with you!

You grew up in a large family, 15 kids – on a farm? in Iowa….. joined the Army; how did you get started in this industry – how did you get to Hollywood?

I am the 13th of 15 children born and raised on a farm in Iowa. After high school, I went into the U.S. Army. After the U.S. Army, I had my associates degree in Art Education in Art History. Once I finished my associates degree, I decided I did not want to teach art or work in a museum so my brother, Leon, number 12, told me I should do hair. He owns an advertising agency in Dallas,Texas and he said, “listen, you’ve got a good personality. You have a great concept of art balanced design and silhouette. You would be a great hairdresser! Two weeks later, I was enrolled at Bill Hills College of Cosmetology in Davenport, Iowa.

What were some of the biggest hurdles you had to overcome?

Moving to Los Angeles, I had two big hurdles. One was traffic! The other was the cost of housing. Los Angeles is very different than Iowa. Another one of the biggest hurdles to overcome was how to handle myself when meeting a major celebrity. Inside I was going crazy but on the outside I had to have a calm appearance.

What is the best business advice you ever got?

The best advice that I have received was to start saving money early. Everyone needs to be mindful of retirement and thankfully, I started early. Another piece of advice that I received was never immediately respond to anything that triggers your emotions. Don’t send an email, do not have a phone conversation, until you process the situation. Take a couple minutes to respond or even a full day to think about it.

What advice would you give a new professional just entering the beauty industry?

The best advice I can give anyone in the beauty industry is to work hard and be mindful of others. I would also tell them to save as much money as possible, live as frugally as possible. Explore, and practice, practice, practice!

What inspires you?

Things that inspire me are very different. I love to people watch. I love to watch TV – see what’s fresh and new. I like to look at the younger generation to see what they’re exploring with their look and clothing. A big inspiration for me comes from the world of dance. Dancers are expressive and they are trendsetters.

5 things you cannot live without?

Family
Friends
I need creative space where I can explore and play.
Nature! I have to get outside and see, breathe and take in energy from outside.
Travel. To open my mind and see how others live.

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