Alex's journey in the hairstyling industry reads like a saga of ambition and success. Starting in the heart of London, he honed his craft at the renowned Vidal Sassoon Salons, where he not only mastered the art of hairstyling, but also cultivated strong connections within the fashion and media circuits of the city. His move to Chicago in 1986 marked the beginning of a new chapter, as he swiftly rose through the ranks to become the Artistic Director at Sassoon's, leading a team that earned accolades and positioned Chicago as a hub of excellence within the global Sassoon network.
The year 1992 saw the inception of TRIO Salon, a venture that would become synonymous with innovation and style in the Windy City. From its vibrant beginnings, TRIO quickly became a hotspot, attracting a clientele so bustling that even rock royalty like Steven Tyler found himself turned away amidst the frenzy. Over nearly three decades, TRIO expanded its footprint, multiplying in both size and reputation, eventually branching out into its own line of professional products and solidifying its status as one of Chicago's premier destinations for hairstyling excellence.
In a bold move reflective of his entrepreneurial spirit, Alex orchestrated the merger of TRIO with another esteemed salon on Oak Street, a move that not only expanded the brand's reach but also marked a pivotal moment in Alex's own career trajectory. Shifting his focus towards education and coaching, he now channels his wealth of experience and expertise into nurturing the next generation of hairstyling talent, ensuring that his legacy continues to flourish long into the future. Alex's story serves as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence in shaping a truly remarkable career in the world of hairstyling.
Accomplishments
Award-winning stylist and salon owner.
Extensive celebrity clientele.
Featured in top fashion magazines.
Founder of successful salon chain.
Guest appearances on TV shows.
Lead stylist at renowned fashion events.
Mentor, educator, and curriculum creator in the industry.
Expert in cutting-edge hairstyling techniques.
Collaborations with major beauty brands.
Influencer with a large online following.
Work
Background
1990-92: Alex joined Heidi’s Salons as their National Director of Education. While maintaining a formidable client base, Ioannou travelled the country setting up training programs and identifying creative leadership for the 40-salon strong company.
1992-2020: TRIO Salon opened its doors. During a twenty-eight year growth, TRIO opened two more locations, quadrupled its size in staff and started its own professional product line! Participating in the world renowned International Alternative Hair Show two years in a row and boasting numerous NAHA nominees and winners!
2021-23: Ever self-reinventing, Ioannou took on the role of Managing Director at Ooh la la, Salon & Wellness located in Ocean Reef, Key Largo, Florida. Read more in the Success Story page.
Alex Ioannou's expertise extends beyond the confines of the salon floor, as he passionately shares his wealth of knowledge and skills with hairstylists nationwide. Whether addressing a crowd of hundreds or working intimately with a small group, Alex finds inspiration in the opportunity to impart valuable insights and foster growth among his peers.
His educational sessions cover a broad spectrum, ranging from technical mastery and creative technique to team dynamics, salon culture, social media utilization, and strategies for boosting service and retail sales. Alex emphasizes the importance of equipping stylists not only with the practical skills necessary to excel in their craft but also with the confidence and self-promotional savvy to thrive in a competitive industry.
Central to Alex's approach is the belief that true mastery encompasses not just technical proficiency but also a mindset of ownership and entrepreneurship. Drawing from his own experience as a salon owner, he paints a compelling vision of success for aspiring stylists, guiding them towards a path of personal and professional fulfillment.
Honored and humbled to be included in Mark Woolley’s ‘The Legends of American Hairdressing’ - Some of the country’s icons and giants that have paved the road for the American beauty industry.
Through tailored curriculums and hands-on demonstrations, Alex empowers stylists to realize their full potential, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth within salon teams. His dedication to individualized coaching and mentorship ensures that each stylist emerges not just as a skilled practitioner but as a confident, self-assured professional ready to make their mark on the industry. With Alex's guidance, the journey from stylist to master stylist becomes a transformative experience, marked by both personal development and professional achievement.