We are proud to introduce, Julie Serrano, one of Denmark’s most skilled hairdressers and the owner of the niche salon Lab12, located in the heart of Vesterbro, Copenhagen. With 30 years of experience in the hair industry, Julie has specialized in cutting and coloring techniques, continuously refining her skills to offer the very best to her clients. Her philosophy revolves around enhancing each individual’s natural beauty by creating balance between proportions, skin tone, and personality. Lab12 is renowned for its authentic approach and dedication to craftsmanship, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a personal and professional haircare experience.
In this interview, Julie shares her best haircare tips, gives insights into upcoming spring trends, and discusses how to prepare your hair for the changing seasons.
What does beauty mean to you?
In my opinion, beauty comes from within and is not something you can buy. If you are not in balance, you can make the surface "perfect," but the radiance will never follow. After nearly 30 years in the hairdressing industry, I have practically earned a master's degree in observing people, and what they all have in common is that they feel most beautiful when they feel seen and understood for who they are. Beauty, to me, is working with what is already there, as all people are beautiful individuals and do not need to be changed – maybe just given a little help.
Spring is on its way – how can we prepare our hair for the seasonal change?
I always work with my clients' natural color and strongly advocate for sun protection when the sun starts appearing more in the spring. Hair tends to become more reddish when exposed to the sun because the first nuance to leave the hair in a lightening process (either from the sun or chemicals) is the blue shade, leaving the reddish tones more dominant. This shade does not flatter many people in Scandinavia. I also prep my clients by focusing more on maintaining a bit more length in bangs, etc., as it is nice to be able to pull the hair up and away from the face and neck in warmer weather.
Do you see any particular hair trends for spring?
I see a strong trend where there is much more focus on 'statement' hair after a long period where everything had to be long and heavily styled. Many are opting for shorter lengths like bob cuts, short pixie cuts, and bangs in many variations. It is refreshing and great to see people daring to embrace more defined and individual styles.
What does your own hair care routine look like?
My own hair care routine is super simple. I style my hair very little and rely 100% on a good haircut, as I am fundamentally quite lazy and not particularly interested in styling hair. My focus is entirely on cuts and colors that require minimal maintenance, and the clients who seek me out are often the same way, wanting hair that requires neither time nor effort – it just has to look good.
If you could share your best tip for healthy and shiny hair, what would it be?
The best way to achieve shiny hair is to use the right products suited to your hair type. It is also extremely important to balance your use of chemicals with the amount of time you are willing to spend on styling and caring for your hair. The more chemical treatments, the more styling and care are required. If you move your hair far away from its natural state, it will require a lot of maintenance, both in terms of preserving the color and maintaining healthy hair at home. Always use heat protection and UV filters on your hair and get regular trims.
What is your favorite Meishai product – and why?
I find it hard to choose a favorite Meishai product because I think the entire range is truly special. I have honestly never experienced a haircare series that brings out the absolute best in my hair while making it feel like it is naturally good! I don't know if this makes sense, but in a time when we've all been told we're not good enough and need to be something different, it's wonderful that something so simple and pure can make me feel like I am perfect just the way I am. It's amazing that something can be so clean and simple yet so incredibly effective! It is simply perfect. Danish design and aesthetics at their best.
What/who is your biggest inspiration when it comes to beauty and hair?
I think my biggest inspiration is the people sitting in my chair. They are constantly evolving and require us to see them and help them express themselves through their appearance. We have very interesting conversations that shape the development of the salon. We put a lot of effort into being curious and frequently travel to London for training, primarily in cutting techniques, but also to observe emerging trends in the underground scene. I rely heavily on fashion magazines and, of course, digital platforms. Additionally, I have fantastic sparring sessions with my two talented colleagues, who are significantly younger than me, and we truly learn from each other.
It is so important to always stay humble and open to learning. You are never the best, and everyone has their own strengths.
If you could give your younger self one piece of hair care advice, what would it be?
It is difficult to give my younger self advice on hair care, as I cut my hair off when I was seven years old and worked as a hair model from the age of twelve, so I have had colored hair for most of my life until now, when I no longer use chemicals. My advice to young girls would be: Cut back on cheap hair products, invest in high-quality hair care, use heat protection, and buy a good straightener or heated styling tool.