Tastemakers and Trendsetters: Andrew Fitzsimons

Andrew Fitzsimons.

In Tastemakers and Trendsetters, we talk to inspirational leaders in the world of spa, beauty and wellness. This week we chatted with celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, who recently teamed up with global fashion retailer Primark to launch a limited-edition Primark X Andrew Fitzsimons Haircare Collection. The new collection features haircare, styling and accessories priced between $3 - $5 and is available globally at 200+ Primark locations. 

How long have you been working as a hairstylist and what inspired you to get into the industry?

I've been a hairstylist for almost 20 years, which is crazy to even think about. When I was 13, I begged my mother for a summer job so I could have my own spending money. She got me a job at the local salon and the rest was history! I fell in love with the work and the environment of the salon, and even left school early to pursue hair full time. In Ireland where I'm from, the process of becoming a hairstylist is an apprenticeship, so I went that route. 

Is there a signature technique you are known for?

I think lately I've become known for doing the big glamorous snatched ponytail. It's a take on the traditional ponytail that's amped up with lots of volume—perfect for a casual event or the red carpet.

You’ve worked with a lot of celebrities. Do you have a favorite celebrity look that you’ve created? 

I recently created a look for Adriana using a production sample of my new Luxe Oil that I'm still in love with. I waved her hair and parted it to create a very natural wave look, then saturated it with the oil to give it that sexy, red carpet wet style with THE MOST amount of shine possible! 

Primark X Andrew Fitzsimons Haircare Collection Luxe Hair Oil.

We’re so excited for your collection with Primark! Do you have any favorite products from the collection? 

Working with Primark has been such an honor and a blessing, and truly a dream come true. I'm from Dublin and am a lifelong Primark shopper, so it's especially meaningful to me to have this sort of homecoming with this collection. I think my favorite product would have to be my Luxe Hair Oil—it's a gorgeous lightweight oil that adds the perfect amount of moisture and shine without weighing the hair down. But I really do love the whole collection! I worked really hard with the Primark team to ensure we were delivering the best possible formulas at an accessible price point. 

Other than your own collection, what are some of your favorite products?

TIGI Copyright Maximum Hold Hair Spray: Hair spray is one of the most important tools for a hairstylist, so I always have a can of this one on hand. This one provides great hold for no matter what style I'm creating. I can't go with my clients down the red carpet, so this hair spray ensure that the look I create stays in place!

Daily Dose Miracle Moisture Leave In Conditioner: Maintaining my client's hair health is a critical part of my job, so I focus a lot on that area. Most people could benefit from a leave-in conditioner, particularly if you're chemically treating or styling your hair regularly. This one is vegan, cruelty-free, and contains no harsh ingredients, which my clients appreciate.

BeautyWorks Clip In Extensions: Extensions are another critical tool in my kit and I love that BeautyWorks makes so many different colors, lengths and textures. I have a full hairdrobe in my home studio. 

Can you tell us a little about your collaboration with the LA LGBT Center and Trans Wellness Center, the Trans Cosmetics Donation Program. How can people support it?

The Trans Cosmetic Donation Program is an ongoing donation initiative I started in collaboration with the LA LGBT Center and Trans Wellness Center. I initially came up with the concept for this program because my colleagues in the industry receive so many beauty products on a daily basis—which we're certainly very grateful for—but the amount of product that comes in is overwhelming. It got to the point where I wasn't even able to keep up with giving them away to my friends and family.

I teamed up with the Center because they always in need of personal care products for their clients they support. We've had amazing support from beauty brands, influencers, makeup artists and stylists. The great thing is that anyone can donate to the program—particularly personal care items like toothpaste, body wash and other essentials—by mailing or dropping off products to the Trans Wellness Center at 3055 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 360, Los Angeles, CA 90010. 

Who inspires you?

Anyone who is against all odds and out there doing their thing to be creative and follow their dreams. I'm a creative and I love being around creative energy, and to see people overcome huge life struggles—whatever they may be—to achieve their dreams is a constant inspiration for me. 

Secret to success?

When I left school at 13, I made my mom the promise that I would treat everyone with respect and kindness, never take a sick day (I can still count on one hand the number of sick days I've taken in the past two decades!) and to work to the top of my field. It's advice I'm still following today. 

Beauty Secrets? 

I try to take good care of my skin. I love Dr. Lancer's products, pretty much everything they make, but especially The Polish and the Omega Oil. I also try to see Celeste Rodrigues every month for facials. And I'm Irish, so I've got to be careful with the sun! 

Wellness tip?

Working out really helps me appreciate my body working for me. Every time I work out, it's almost like a meditation to thank my body, which ends up being great for my body and mind. 

What are some of your favorite ways to relax?

After work, I really love coming home to meditate. It helps me clear out all the energy from the day and come back into the present. Meditation really helps me recharge and detach from the stress of life. 

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