Meet Javier Arellano | Hairdresser/artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Javier Arellano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Javier, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Hmm I’ve always been a creative since childhood, from painting to sketching to cooking. I actually used to sketch fashion collections in high school as well, sometimes I still do, which makes me wonder if it’s another puzzle piece for me to add to the bigger picture. But I guess it’s second nature for me to express myself in different ways, since I’m a pretty shy and quiet, it’s like an extension of my inner world.

What got me into the beauty world though, aside from my mother, was all of the exciting stuff that was coming out in the early 2000s. Everything was sparkly and sleek and fun, it just seemed like a very exciting world to be in, you know? And it actually is.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It took a lot of mistakes and luck, honestly. It definitely was NOT easy haha but it was definitely worth it. 100%. It’s something that takes a lot of time to perfect, I came into it thinking I was the shit and quickly learned I was not the shit haha

But you keep going, despite any setbacks that may arise. You really have to be your own cheerleader sometimes, being an artist can make you second guess your work a lot so you have to learn to appreciate your efforts and not be so hard on yourself. We all want to be perfect and create something iconic, but you still have to back up and give yourself some grace.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmm I hang out in downtown a lot, the mashup of lifestyles and cultures is really great, lots of contrasts, but also lots of beauty and fun if you really look for it.

For an amazing breakfast I’d recommend Pitchoun bakery in Pershing Square for a beautiful meal to start the day and really set the tone for your day.

For lunch, head to Ike’s Love & Sandwiches to grab some lunch to go and enjoy at the historic park on spring st, it’s a beautiful park with a great view of the downtown skyline. It’s also next to Highland Park brewery for a post lunch beer.

Then for dinner, my favorite Italian spot in the city is cute little spot across from grand central market called Maccheroni Republic. It’s Al fresco dining and the pasta is made fresh every day, it’s a gem.

I love a cute rooftop moment, like broken shaker or cha cha cha, but I recommend a moody little spot called Garçons de Café on spring st. It’s beautiful and the food/wine is fabulous, if you’re going to get escargot from anywhere, get it here.

And to top the night off, a stop at Salt and Straw.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Don Hsiao, he took me under his wing, and really showed me how everything works in the backstage beauty world. He became a very close friend and aspire to be as great as he is and as quick!

Maxime Salvador was also a very, very, very talented hairdresser that I assisted with for a while. He became like a father figure to me and really showed me how to refine my technique and expand my toolbox. He is the epitome of a Beverly Hills hairdresser, without the pomp and pretense, but with a big heart.

Also Leah Journo was another amazing mentor of mine, she really shows you how to be efficient and precise. She may be tough, but she means well, and wants to see you do the best work you can do, she really believes in and encourages you to be better and do better.

I’m forever grateful to have the privilege of learning and working with these amazingly talented artists, they will forever inspire me to be as great as they are.

Instagram: Thatbeautyguy