Born and raised in a small village near Thessaloniki, Greece, Dimitris Giannetos’s journey to becoming a top Hollywood hairstylist is a story of determination and a refusal to be defined by his circumstances. He has not only styled the hair of A-list celebrities but also overcome personal and professional hurdles to establish his place at the pinnacle of the American beauty industry.
“If you don’t work hard and if you’re not focused on what you do, you won’t stand out in America where you have to compete with thousands,” he tells Proto Thema, reflecting on the competitive nature of the U.S. market.
The early years and a dream born
Giannetos’s love for hairstyling began with a simple blow dryer in a household far removed from the world of fashion and celebrities. “My father was a truck driver and therefore in our house we had nothing to do with stars and fashion,” he recalls.
This early passion was not met with immediate support. In a village where the gay community lacked the acceptance it has today, Giannetos found himself having to lie to his father, telling him he wanted to open a barbershop, as the terms “hairdresser” and “hairdresser” seemed “a bit strange at the time.”
However, a supportive teacher saw his potential and offered a piece of advice that has stayed with him: “Those who don’t know what color a comb is become the best hairdressers.” This encouragement fueled his ambition, helping him overcome his early anxieties and doubts.
Dimitris Giannetos conquering Greece
The early years of his career were difficult, but Giannetos persevered. He became a successful and trusted hairstylist in Greece, with a clientele that included many famous Greek celebrities like Faye Skorda, Peggy Zina, and Despina Vandi.
Despite this success, he remained restless. “I left Greece at a time when I was thirsty for something bigger,” he explains. He had already achieved a great deal, including a contract with L’Oréal Paris and a resume filled with magazine covers for Vogue and Elle. Yet, he made the difficult decision to leave it all behind and move to America.
“I moved to America without knowing English, to a profession in which communication is the A and the B,” he said, highlighting the immense challenge. “But I wanted to succeed and I didn’t give up,” he told Proto Thema.
The American rise and a new creative frontier
His gamble paid off, and his journey led him to a career filled with collaborations with some of the world’s most famous people, including Brad Pitt, Gigi Hadid, Megan Fox, and Jennifer Lopez. He’s also been a long-time stylist for Camila Cabello, whom he has worked with since she was 15 years old, and Britney Spears, a client he refers to as an “absolute idol” and was “over the moon” to work with.
In America, he discovered a new creative freedom. “I like America because women, no matter how famous they are, dare to change their hair,” he explains, contrasting it with the more “conservative” hair trends in Greece. He thrives on this culture of experimentation, often using wigs to create different styles and looks.
Giannetos’s story is a powerful reminder that success is often born from hard work, resilience, and the courage to leave one’s comfort zone in pursuit of a greater purpose.
