Beauty Boss: Marco Pelusi, Celebrity Colorist & Founder of Marco Haircare

Marco Pelusi.

Our latest Beauty Boss is Marco Pelusi, Founder of Marco Pelusi Hair Studio and Marco hair care. Pelusi is a celebrity colorist, globally-renowned haircare authority, and educator. He grew up with family roots in the salon industry, and fell in love with the art of hair color during his college years. These days, you can find him making television appearances as a hair color expert, teaching to standing-room only crowds at beauty shows, and working hair color magic at his salon, which is located in the heart of West Hollywood. We chatted with Pelusi to learn more his journey, secrets to success, and more.

How did you get into the industry?

I am blessed with a rich legacy in the hair industry, as I grew up literally within a family business of a chain of upscale hair salons in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My family opened their first salon in 1965 and they have grown to 12 locations. 

During my college years, I also studied hair. An Italian hair color company also based in the U.S. in Pennsylvania came in to train us to become hair color trainers—and I literally fell in love with the artistry behind hair color. I knew right then and there that I needed to become a hair color specialist and an educator and platform artist.

I worked first in-house with that company and then was graced with a position at a Los Angeles-based hair color company, which brought me to the West Coast.

What hair techniques are you most famous for? Do you have a signature technique?

My haircolor work is what I am known for globally. I worked in-house at hair color manufacturers and trained hairstylists on color all over the world. I now continue to teach under my name and with my own techniques at the major beauty shows. My Signature Highlight Strategy is an approach to almost anyone who wants dimension in their hair, for all hair types and textures, and it works with the way the hair grows.  

When did you launch Marco Pelusi Salon and Marco products?

Marco Pelusi Studio West Hollywood on Robertson will celebrate its 15th year in business in April and we will have a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce. We opened in 2005. I was already in the development stages of Marco Collagen Color Guard Hair Care when I opened.

I slowly launched a shampoo and a conditioner—and roughly a decade ago I launched my signature, award-winning product, Marco Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner. I have continued to add products but have kept the line simple, elegant and purposeful to help provide a therapeutic environment for color-treated hair.

What inspired you to create your own line of products?

After having grown up around stylists and entrepreneurs who created their own products, and after having worked in-house at manufacturers assisting the chemists and developing products, I knew I had to create my own system of products for color-treated hair. I went back to a trusted chemist friend, explained what I wanted in terms of products, and we worked together to develop the highest quality products with collagen.

Tell us more about your line. Is there a hero product that you are known for?

Marco Collagen Color Guard Hair Care is the first and only complete system with collagen to prevent premature color fade. The collagen in the product helps to ‘fill in the holes’ in the hair, to keep the outer layer of the hair closed, to reflect the best color and condition that the hair can provide. My hero product is Marco Anti-Frizz Leave-In-Conditioner, which can tame the frizziest hair. Even just one use of the leave-in will make a significant difference in how the hair feels. This product continues to win awards.

Marco Color Anti-Frizz Leave-in-Conditioner.

 Where are your products sold?

Check out Marco Pelusi Studio West Hollywood and marcopelusi.com. If you’re in another part of L.A., go to Beauty Collection in Sherman Oaks, or to Naimie’s in Studio City and also now in Burbank. We have salons in Northern California and in Texas who retail the product as well. And growing! 

What are your must-do haircare tips and are there any hair secrets you can share?

Condition, condition, and condition some more. A good leave-in conditioner can help seal and protect the hair from the heat from styling and protect it from the elements. Pay attention to the climate and weather patterns in your area. The most important fact about the hair is that it will take on the characteristics of whatever environment it in placed in. The hair may become too moist or too dry. For example, in the summer, it may be humid, weather wise. Therefore, you’ll need a good hairspray (that won’t fade color) to provide a barrier to keep out the humidity. The opposite may very well be true during winter time, and you’ll have to adjust accordingly with more conditioner instead.

You are an educator and lead educational workshops all over the country. What led you into education? What are some of the classes you have coming up?

I love mentoring and teaching—I also studied theater and I love presenting. When I fell in love with coloring hair, I was able to mesh my background in the theater to become a teacher, presenter and speaker. I also found that I loved sharing knowledge.

My family also always has done a ton of education at their salons, so it was really a natural fit for me to fall into this in my own way in the world of color. I recently taught at the International Salon + Spa Expo (ISSE) in Long Beach. I also teach master classes at my West Hollywood studio—the next one is my Signature Highlighting Strategy on Feb. 23. Then from March 8-9, I teach at The Beauty Experience New York. For more information, please email michelle@marcopelusi.com to see the full 2020 calendar and to register. 

You are also known as a celebrity colorist. What are some of your favorite celebrity experiences and looks that you’ve created?

My first big spread with a celebrity was when I saw my haircolor work on Stacy Keibler on the cover of Maxim magazine several years back. That was a real kick and definitely my favorite look thus far—blonding is fun. And it sure was fun to be invited by John Cougar Mellencamp to do his hair! He was a true legend in the music world, what a kick!

 Who inspires you?

 My dad. He’s amazing. My parents always encouraged me.  

Secret to success?

Never give up. I was told once that that’s the main difference for successful people—just never to give up. So, perseverance is key for me. Each and every day to continue to get out of bed and do my best!

Wellness tip?

Good diet. Eat for a longer, healthier life. Yoga and meditation is also extremely important for my well-being. Just taking a few deep breaths helps throughout the day! It can literally be that simple, to take a minute to breathe.  

Best advice?

Meet with and get to know good people who know more than you do about whatever it is that you want to do. Bring experts and mentors into your life as needed and ask them for help. Eventually you can become that same source of support or mentoring for someone else. You’ve gotta give back.

 Favorite ways to relax?

An excellent film. A lovely dinner out. One glass of red wine, preferably Merlot or Malbec.

Where can people find you on social media?

Twitter: @Marco_pelusi, Instagram: @Marcopelusi, Facebook: @Marcopelusistudio, Website: Marcopelusi.com

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy