Written by Rakelle Maurici in Grooming on the 30th December 2014

Mr Carmelo Guastella is a renowned men’s hair and grooming expert with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Carmelo has gone from the cobbled streets of Sicily to the likes of working with fashion royalty Dolce and Gabbana. A very humble man with a passion for his work from the age of just nine, it’s no wonder he’s so good at what he does. MWS had a chat with him on his career, where he’s heading next and his predictions in male grooming trends for 2015.

Where did you learn your techniques in grooming? 

"I have to give thanks to my dad who wanted me to learn a Mestiere – an art, so at the age of 9 I was introduced to the Sicilian barbershops, I changed 5 barbershops in my town alone. I then was in the Italian army for 2 years and apart from driving Tanks I would also cut most of the regiments hair. For three years I worked with the best in Turin combining the summers in Sardinia Emerald coast. In 1999 I joined the Refinery in Mayfair and here learned various cutting techniques."

What is the best part of your job? 

"I have a good customer base, but I get a buzz when I get a new customer, I have now achieved confidence on how to make a man look his best. I don’t want to be arrogant but I am the master of men’s makeovers, I can see it in the customers eyes and the appreciation for my work is honest."  

What are your thoughts on long beards, is it still a trend? 

"In mid 2014, beards and especially the big beards almost all disappeared, at one stage there where too many guys who looked like young fishermen around - so I'm glad they're starting to come off. I recently removed the Chief Editor of Bild, the most famous beard in Germany, for charity which raised 100,000 Euros. I don’t understand why men would want to look 10-15 years older."

Is there anything you suggest men shouldn't do when it comes to styling their hair?

"Styling is an area which needs extra education, I have noticed over-usage of the wrong products are making hair look greasy, hair gels can make hair look thinner and some men use nothing at all."

You've had some great success with the likes of D&G and Dove, what's personally been a highlight for you? 

"With both brands I had amazing experiences. In August 2014, Dove sent me to Sao Paulo, Brazil to launch the Dove Men+Care Expert Shave range. It was a week of shaving, sorting out beards and I met some fantastic and interesting people whilst being interviewed. The Dolce and Gabbana experience was grand, Domenico Dolce called me on my mobile and asked me to be head stylist for LCM 2013, cutting hair and styling 40 Select models and I was also sent to Milan in the designers headquarters for 3 days to do their 2015 Lookbook."

What do you predict in men's hair trends for 2015? 

"It’s going to get longer, forget the Mad Men short back and sides, its dishevelled less precise, and a few more top knots."  

With people's lives so busy these days, what's the best piece of advice you can give for the best results while keeping hair in good condition?

"It’s down to the UK barber/Hairdresser to educate, shampoo and condition and apply the correct styling product and learn how to apply. Busy lives is no excuse, it only takes 5 minutes extra to make a big difference. My advice is to change hairstyles, don’t stick to the same all your life, its boring, it's the same as eating spaghetti every day." 

Have you ever thought about working in ladies hair styling? 

"I work freelance at Rossano Ferretti in Mayfair, so I am lucky to be working with the best hairdressers in the world. It has crossed my mind to work in ladies hair but my mission right now is to make men look their best - I like to keep focused."

We take a look at 2015 male hair and grooming trends and interview renowned barber Carmelo Guastella on the Male Hair and Grooming industry.