From my perch in the fifth row of Las Vegas’s Dolby Theater this June, I was ecstatic to be so close to my all-time favorite pop diva, Lady Gaga. As a lifelong fan, witnessing her live for the first time on the opening night of her Jazz & Piano show was a dream come true. Gaga performed jazz renditions of her hits and paid homage to classics, all while showcasing her signature feathery outfits and platinum-blonde hair streaked with black.
Behind each of Gaga’s transformative looks is her glam team, including her longtime hairstylist, Frederic Aspiras. Aspiras, who also holds the title of Sebastian Professional’s Global Creative & Culture Director, has been integral to Gaga’s ever-evolving aesthetic. His work earned him an Oscar nomination for transforming Gaga into Patrizia Reggiani for “House of Gucci.”
After the opening night of Gaga’s residency, Aspiras sat down with Cosmo to share his insights on styling the star, his creative process, and his go-to products for long-lasting styles.
Creating Different Worlds with Gaga
Aspiras describes the experience of working with Gaga as one of constant evolution and creativity. “It’s a challenge because as an artist, you have to be able to shape-shift and pick up on the different roles and nuances of every single genre,” he explains. His dedication to studying historical styles and foundational techniques has enabled him to present unique ideas, contributing to Gaga’s dynamic looks over the years.
Conceptualizing the Jazz & Piano Look
For Gaga’s Jazz & Piano shows, Aspiras revisited a black-and-white aesthetic reminiscent of her “Born This Way” era. He loved the clash of the two tones and wanted to reinterpret it for a jazz setting. “You don’t have to constantly challenge yourself to a point where you’re stuck. Take something you love and reinterpret it into another message,” he advises.
The Creative Process
Aspiras views wigs as a canvas for experimentation, allowing for bold expressions without damaging natural hair. He often creates multiple variations of a concept before finalizing a look. “In terms of genres, I don’t think about it like that. I’m given an assignment, and I show up,” he says.
Collaboration and Inspiration
Wardrobe, makeup, and accessories are crucial to the creative process. Aspiras collaborates closely with these departments, drawing inspiration from their work to inform his hairstyling choices. “Years of experience in this industry allow you to start this process where you create and meet with the team,” he explains.
Maintaining Styles for Live Shows
For live performances, Aspiras relies on products like Sebastian’s Craft Clay and Shaper hairspray to ensure styles hold up under stage conditions. “Craft Clay is good for lifting, molding, creating, and sculpting. The Shaper is one of the best hairsprays ever, especially for stage. It’s not crispy and allows for a strong hold and humidity resistance,” he notes.
Essential Hair Tips
Aspiras emphasizes the importance of a foundational product. “Potion 9 is a wearable conditioning treatment that provides moisture and acts as a thermal protection cream,” he says. For softer styles, he recommends Mousse Forte Whipped Creme, which enhances natural textures without weighing hair down.
Personal Inspiration
Growing up, Aspiras found solace in expressing himself through artistry, inspired by his mother, a refugee from Vietnam and a hairdresser. She taught him resilience and the importance of self-expression. “She was more than just a teacher of hair—she was a teacher of life and strength,” he reflects.
Through his work with Gaga and his own personal journey, Aspiras continues to honor his mother’s legacy and passion for life.