This Is How to Buzz Your Head, According to Justin Bieber’s Hairstylist

Earlier last month, Justin Bieber stunned fans with an Instagram story where he appeared sporting a buzzcut after months of near-shoulder-length, Joe Dirt hair. Although fans were mostly impressed, this fresh look seemed like an impulsive move that came months after the newly wedded singer boldly declared on Instagram that he would be growing his hair “down to my toes … long hair don’t care and my stache is gorgeous.”

Bieber is no stranger to experimentation. Unbeknownst to most, however, is the man behind his evolving style and beauty choices. From his frail mustache to his dyed blonde hair, LA-based Florido Basallo is the high-powered hair stylist and makeup artist carefully crafting Bieber’s iconic looks. The star groomer is also responsible for a number of celebrities including Hailey Baldwin, Zac Efron and Liv Tyler.

After training at some of the top salons in Beverly Hills and Hollywood, Basallo went on to work on a number of fashion shows and photo shoots as well as music videos, print campaigns and commercials. Over the years, the superstar stylist has picked up some valuable tricks of the trade.

Here he talks his favorite products, styling dos and don'ts and what goes behind Bieber’s ever-changing hair.

What products did you use to create Justin Bieber’s new look?

Florido Basallo: I really just used Wahl clippers to create the look.

Can you suggest a few styling dos and don't's when planning to shave your head?

Basallo: I feel like shaving your head is one of those spur-of-the-moment things that people do to start fresh - new energy.  I know a lot of guys that don’t mind doing it themselves. But I personally like getting my head buzzed down and tapered tighter on the sides by a barber because who doesn’t like to get their hair done so that it grows in nicely.

What are some of the products you use regularly on Justin Bieber?

Basallo: For a little gritty texture in the hair, I like using Baxter of California Clay pomade. Messy or coifed, it's versatile for styling and it's matte!

R&CO Chiffon Styling Mousse is quite nice. I love the scent of this product, and it's great for getting volume into the hair. Also, it’s good for scrunching hair for a natural air-dry wave. Oribe Superfine Hairspray is my ultimate go-to hairspray. I like this combined with their Dry Texture Spray.

For skin, my favorite moisturizer for skin prep is IS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion. It's universal for any type of skin, and really helps calm the skin down from breakouts. Tom Ford for Men Intensive Purifying Mud Mask is my favorite detox for the face. It pulls out all the dirt and oil from the skin, and literally makes your skin feel so tight. I encourage everyone to use this, men and women.

What are some of your all-time favorite hair products?

Basallo: Ooh!! There are so many, such as the L’Oréal Ellenette hair spray, and Oribe Dry Texture Spray. R&CO also makes this really cool dry shampoo paste, which helps add grit to the hair. Leonor Greyl styling cream is great to have in your kit and then there’s L'Oreal Professional Expert Serie Sealing Repair Lipidium Double Serum.

What're some of your travel essentials?

Basallo: So many things, but I absolutely need all my IS Clinical Skincare with me. I swear by this line! My favorite products are EO lavender hand sanitizer and aquaphor.  Jen Atkin collaborated with CalPak and made this awesome trunk that’s been great for a salon on wheels.

What brands and products can be always found in your kit?

Basallo: I like the Oribe Dry Texture Spray, and Lenore Greyl Eclat Naturel. I also love the tools from T3, Dyson and GHD.

Can you tell us about a little about your journey into hair styling?

Basallo: As a kid I played with Barbies. So it kind of just made sense for me to pursue a career in beauty. I was obsessed with helping my mom get ready with both her hair and makeup; she was my muse. After I got my hair license, I started assisting top hairdressers, and makeup artists in the industry. On set and in the salon. I later started working at Nine Zero One Salon in West Hollywood. It seems like yesterday that I started on my journey into hair.

The biggest lessons you've learnt as a hair stylist?

Basallo: That you are there to make your client look and feel amazing!