My journey from a passion for fashion to creating the Malù Academy
Italian hair stylist to the fashion industry and private clients, and juror to the Monte Carlo Film Festival, Cristina Marzo eyes a move to the French Riviera to launch her popular hair, fashion, and beauty academy, Malù.
Cristina Marzo is a talented and ambitious hair stylist and entrepreneur, and in the next stage of her career is eyeing up a move to open her popular academy on the French Riviera. We caught up with Cristina recently over a coffee in Monte Carlo.
In the pursuit of fashion and style, I discovered my deep love for hairstyling, which ultimately led me to embark on a path that culminated in the creation of the renowned “Malù Hair Fashion” salon in June 2007. Rooted in an unmistakable style characterized by passion, technical expertise, and a commitment to using reliable and top-quality hair products, our salon stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to our craft.
At Malù Hair Fashion, we believe that continuous learning and innovation are the keys to serving our valued customers with excellence. Through ongoing refresher courses and a relentless pursuit of new techniques and trends, we ensure that our team is always at the forefront of the industry, equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver the desired results while caring for the health and vitality of our clients’ hair.
In our salon, we go beyond hairstyling alone – we embrace a holistic approach to beauty. We understand that true beauty is a multidimensional concept that encompasses more than just hair. To provide our customers with a comprehensive experience, we have incorporated high-level aesthetic services into our repertoire. From skincare treatments to makeup application, we strive to enhance and nurture beauty in every aspect.
The journey of honing my hairstyling expertise took me across Italy, from the north to the south, as I sought advanced training from Farmaca International, an esteemed Italian company specialising in hair products for professionals. The invaluable experience and knowledge gained from my travels fuelled my ambition to establish an academy in the province of Bologna. This academy serves as a hub of learning and creativity, specialising in colour, cutting, hairstyling techniques, and the art of hair lightening.
At Malù Hair Fashion, we are driven by the belief that each customer deserves personalised attention and care. We take the time to listen to our clients, understand their desires, and tailor our services accordingly. Whether it’s a stunning transformation or a subtle refinement, our goal is to create hairstyles that not only exude style and sophistication but also enhance the natural beauty of every individual.
As we continue our journey, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity, staying abreast of industry advancements, and providing an exceptional salon experience. Our passion for fashion and hairstyling fuels our pursuit of excellence, ensuring that our clients receive nothing but the best.
To experience the Malù Hair Fashion difference and indulge in a 360-degree approach to beauty, we invite you to visit our salon. Step into a world where style meets passion and let us create a hairstyle that reflects your unique personality and elevates your confidence to new heights.
We caught up with Cristina recently and asked her about her goals.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, Cristina?
Certainly! My name is Cristina Marzo, and I live and work in the province of Bologna. My passion for the world of hair has been with me since I was a child. I always dreamt of becoming a hairdresser and beautician. Even as a child, I would enjoy combing and styling dolls, as well as practicing on my mother and friends. My journey in this field truly began when I received extensive training in Sicily, where I lived for five years. It was there that my boss introduced me to Farmaca International, a company in Turin that produces products for hairdressers. From that point on, my career took off.
What were some significant milestones in your career?
In 2007, I finally fulfilled my dream of opening my own shop in Altedo, Bologna. The following year, Farmaca International honoured me by inviting me to join their stylists’ circle. This gave me the opportunity to receive training from experts across Italy, both in the north and south. Additionally, I attended prestigious academies such as Tony & Guy in New York, Vidal Sassoon in London, and Alexandre de Paris in Paris. Alongside my passion for hair, I also ventured into the beauty industry. In 2016, I opened a beauty centre equipped with state-of-the-art technology. I became a trainer for Gamma Piu, a renowned hair dryer, straightener, and hair cutter company in 2018, and for Oxystation, an oxygen therapy machine, in 2019. Finally, on February 19th of this year, I realized another dream by establishing an academy for comprehensive hair and body care training.
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to never stop and always strive for more. We are all perpetual apprentices in our trades; mastery is elusive. As Ernest Hemingway said, “We are all apprentices in a trade where we never become masters”- and that trade is life.
You mentioned being invited as a juror at the Monte Carlo Film Festival. Could you tell us more about that?
Yes, this year, I had the honour of being invited as a juror at the film festival in Monte Carlo. I had been to Monte Carlo three times before for hair fashion events, and during my visits, I realised that I could bring my expertise as a trainer to this glamorous setting. I offered training in colour techniques, the world of lightening, hairstyles, styling, and innovative cuts.
What do you believe is the biggest mistake women make when styling their hair nowadays?
One of the most common mistakes I observe is using unsuitable products and relying on non-professionals to style their hair. This can lead to damage and unsatisfactory results. It’s crucial to use appropriate products and seek the advice of trained professionals to ensure the health and beauty of one’s hair. The biggest mistake women make nowadays when styling their hair is using unsuitable products, hair dryers, straighteners, and irons without a heat protector, and relying on non-professionals.
Who are your style icons when it comes to hair?
I draw inspiration from timeless icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Lady Diana, and Coco Chanel. They symbolise elegance and femininity par excellence. In contemporary times, I find Jennifer Lopez, Monica Bellucci, Nicole Kidman, and Chiara Ferragni to be influential figures. They represent the evolution of style and continue to inspire me.
Lastly, could you tell us about your hometown and how it has influenced your career?
My hometown is Flaville, Switzerland. I am the daughter of two Italians who emigrated to Switzerland in the 1960s. We returned to Italy when I was still a child. My passion has been in me from the start; my greatest inspiration came from the world of show business and the fashion of the 80s and 90s.
For more information or to book an appointment, please visit our website at maluhairfashion.com or contact us at info@maluhairfashion.com
