
While his magnetic personality, toned physique and impeccable style could easily make him a natural star,
Quintin Hardy decided a long time ago that he would rather groom than be groomed. "My family still has pictures of me at five doing hair," says Hardy, now 26. "My mom had long, flowy hair and I'd style it into
Farrah Fawcett feathers. She was my first official muse." It would be a while, though, before he took styling seriously. After spending his early childhood in Germany, Hardy and his family moved to Virginia, where the preacher's son tried his hand at an array of different pursuits, from football to music marketing, the latter of which brought Hardy -- with no money and no connections -- to New York City.
Hardy managed to land an internship at
Universal Records, which led to a job at
Motown, where his duties included organizing photo shoots inspired him to start up with an old pastime: hair styling. He quit his job and took on an apprenticeship with seasoned stylist
Amoy Pitters. The risky move proved profitable. Soon
Victoria Gotti,
Queen Latifah,
Beyoncé and
Naomi Campbell came calling, and today his list of devotees includes
Iman,
Zoe Kravitz and
Kimora Lee Simmons, among others. Hardy's talent is crafting luxurious looks that transform his clients from good to gorgeous. But his true allure is his sink-side manner: patient listening, spot-on advice and colorful stories. Now, a larger audience may soon experience the eccentric and charming personality that has seduced his celeb clientele for years. "There might be a television show," Hardy shares reticently. When pumped for more details, he continues, "It's not confirmed, so I can't say any more." It looks as though the groomer may become one of the groomed after all.
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ZANDILE BLAYQuintin wears a suit by
Yohji Yamamoto, sunglasses by
Christian Dior, bracelet by
lia sophia and earrings by
Sol Rafael.
Editorial courtesy of
Papermag.com