Cindy Duplantis is more than your typical hairstylist — she’s also a hairstyle expert on The Marilyn Denis Show, a Redken Styling Ambassador, and the Lead Stylist for TOM*FW and TW (Toronto Men’s Fashion Week, Toronto Women’s Fashion Week). Though I only just met Cindy a month ago, I first heard about her incredible talent well over 10 years ago — we have a mutual friend in common and Cindy was her hairstylist; my friend’s hair always looked fabulous and enviable, and she raved about how great Cindy was. I was so happy when I finally got to meet Cindy while backstage during TW, where she was overseeing her team of stylists who were prepping models for the runway, and I’m so pleased to introduce you to her.
Cindy got her start in hairstyling at a very young age — she’s the only one of six siblings to have naturally curly hair (and the only redhead!), and her mom struggled to keep it under control, so Cindy learned early on how to tame it herself. She continued to hone her newfound talent by doing her younger sisters’ hair, and by the time she reached high school she became the go-to hairstylist for everyone who wanted their hair cut or coloured, or even just styled for a night out. Cindy turned her passion and naturally developed talent into a career, and eventually did formal training for her craft. She’s now worked with Redken for the last five years, and worked alongside Jorge Joao as his right-hand person during fashion week before having the opportunity to lead the styling for TOM*FW & TW.
Seeing Cindy in action backstage really gave me a sense of how much she loves doing what she does. She’s not just styling hair, she’s creating art. Her favourite part of working on fashion week is the collaboration with the designers, transforming their vision and what they present as inspiration into hairstyles for the runway. I couldn’t leave without getting some styling tips from Cindy, and her favourite of-the-moment hairstyle is the slicked-back ‘wet’ look — it’s flattering on all types of people, is easy for anyone of any skill level to style herself, and is a very street-friendly look even though inspired by the runway. I also couldn’t leave without getting my hair styled! I was treated to get “Redken ready” and had my hair styled on days 2 and 3 of TW by the fabulous team working with Cindy backstage. It can get a little hectic back there with several shows running back-to-back per night and a flurry of models needing their hair styled, and Cindy managed it all expertly.
Want more? Here’s what #WeWantToKnow about Cindy:
I can’t start my day without…a big mug of coffee, checking the weather and some good music!
I have a weakness for... great food, great conversation, friends, family and a nice glass of wine....... super weakness is chocolate cake for breakfast and midnight poutine.
Currently reading… The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin
Most people don’t know that I…love to be creative in all ways! Photography, draw, paint, sew!
An important lesson I learned from a challenge…is to stay calm and think clear, always have Grace and class, because no matter what there is always a way!
I want...my kids to understand that it doesn’t matter what obstacles stand in your way, those things just make you stronger and you can achieve and do anything you put your mind to. Always be respectful and kind to everyone around you! Of course I would love world peace, but if I can start with being kind to everyone I’m around I’m hoping it will pay it forward and start a ripple effect.
Thanks Cindy, for participating in #WeWantToKnow! Hope to see you again at fashion week next season.
