As a third-generation hairstylist, Rossano Ferretti knew the magic of a shear and a comb in his infancy. “The art of hair runs naturally in my family, starting with my grandfather who worked as a local barber and my grandmother who was exceptional at wigs and updos; she was a very precise person,” recalls Ferretti. At age 14, the young Ferretti lived and breathed hair, already honing his craft in his native Campegine, Italy. He looks back on his early years as his “incubation period”—a time where he experimented and let his young mind run wild. But of course, with youth came a hunger to travel and expand his knowledge, and Ferretti left Italy by way of London to study hair design at age 15. “I was the first in my village to go international!” he exclaims. From there he traveled the world, soaking up various cultures and their divergent views on hair, but he never forgot his roots—not even as a free-flying youth. Ferretti always made sure to touch back down to where it all started: “My mother and grandmother had a quaint two-chair salon that gave me the opportunity to practice my teachings when I got back from my travels,” Ferretti remembers.
As a third-generation hairstylist, Rossano Ferretti knew the magic of a shear and a comb in his infancy. “The art of hair runs naturally in my family, starting with my grandfather who worked as a local barber and my grandmother who was exceptional at wigs and updos; she was a very precise person,” recalls Ferretti. At age 14, the young Ferretti lived and breathed hair, already honing his craft in his native Campegine, Italy. He looks back on his early years as his “incubation period”—a time where he experimented and let his young mind run wild. But of course, with youth came a hunger to travel and expand his knowledge, and Ferretti left Italy by way of London to study hair design at age 15. “I was the first in my village to go international!” he exclaims. From there he traveled the world, soaking up various cultures and their divergent views on hair, but he never forgot his roots—not even as a free-flying youth. Ferretti always made sure to touch back down to where it all started: “My mother and grandmother had a quaint two-chair salon that gave me the opportunity to practice my teachings when I got back from my travels,” Ferretti remembers.
Ferretti feels he owes much of his success to his family. “They taught me to chase my dreams, no matter how outrageous they seemed. Talent is nothing without consistency—and it’s this mindset that has helped me throughout my career,” he shares.
With this mentality, Ferretti opened his flagship Rossano Ferretti Hairspa at Park Hyatt New York in November 2021, his third Hairspa concept with the Hyatt Hotel Group. (Ferretti is a busy man: He currently manages more than 20 Hairspas globally, from Vienna to Shanghai.) Situated in Midtown Manhattan, the 1,450-square-foot salon resides atop Spa Nalai on the 25th floor and includes sweeping views of New York City’s bustling streets while retaining a quiet, calming environment. “It has been a life dream to have a space in Manhattan,” he says. “Manhattan is the main place for every global player, and I’m thrilled for our flagship Hairspa to be housed in one of the most iconic hotels.”
Nature-inspired finishes, like hazy stone print walls and taupe wood panels, provide a subdued background for four workstations on the main floor. Two private rooms offer a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle for discerning clients. “The concept of having a private room available for those who request it has been key since inception of our Hairspas,” Ferretti explains. “In today’s world, we’re seeing this is increasingly being requested due to current global issues. Privacy is essential for those who request it.”
No matter if the client is a dignitary seeking an incognito experience or a tourist on the main salon floor, Ferretti hopes to introduce all patrons to his Italian sensibilities and cruelty-free vegan hair care line, Rossano Ferretti Parma. “The Italian way for me is all about passion, love and caring deeply about the client and their desires. It is this Italian sensibility that is woven throughout the whole Hairspa experience,” he says. Part of that experience centers on what Ferretti calls a “relaxed consultation moment”—taking the client away from the workstation and chatting one-on-one to reveal the client’s true wishes. “I believe that to really understand a client’s hair needs we need to understand their lifestyle, personality and hair desires. This is not a rushed moment where the client just tells us the latest color or style they would like,” he explains. This consultation might lead to the client receiving the cut that made Ferretti famous: “Il Metodo,” or “The Method.”
“It was and still is a completely innovative concept of haircutting; it’s all about the natural fall of hair,” Ferretti says. The Method involves creating “invisible layers” that “allow the designer to enhance the individual beauty of every client, customizing the haircut according to the hair type and the characteristics of the individual person, rejecting standardization and conformity,” Ferretti says. All staff must go through a vigorous training academy to learn The Method—among other Ferretti musts. “We must be very particular when it comes to recruitment,” he says. “Our clients deserve the very best.”
Number of Chairs: 7
WHAT’S UNIQUE
Privacy, Please: Two private rooms offer an escape from the world—one even boasts a terrace with views of iconic Central Park.
Local Culture First: With more than 20 Hairspas worldwide, Ferretti ensures that each pays respect to the local culture as well as the property design. “This is why our Hairspas are all unique, but maintain a personalized ‘RF touch’ throughout that neatly embeds our Italian heritage and family legacy,” Ferretti says.
RETAIL HAIR LINE:
Rossano Ferretti Parma
COLOR LINE:
Wella Professionals
POPULAR SERVICE:
“‘The Method’ haircut; it’s our signature service and perfectly complements our special color service offering,” Ferretti says. “Clients love The Method, as the cut is unique to them and helps empower their own sense of personal beauty.”
