Hairstyling is in Patrick Kalle’s blood. As a third-generation stylist, Kalle began his career in hairdressing at the young age of 11. In 2004, he joined the Farouk Systems team, and 10 years later, he was named its Global Artistic Director—his current role.
A native Dutch, Kalle owns two salons in the Netherlands and tries to spend two days a week there, working on clients. When he isn’t in the salon, Kalle is traveling the world educating or presenting on stage as well as dreaming up and styling collections on behalf of CHI.
Born and Raised: Netherlands, near Amsterdam
Favorite hair and style era: 1950s and 1960s
Favorite CHI tool: CHI Lava Iron
I am a hairdresser because: I’m a third generation stylist, it’s in my blood. There is nothing else in my body that tells me to be something else.
Best advice you’ve received: Don’t talk too much
Best advice you’ve given: You have one mouth and two ears
First editorial experience: Around 1988 for Pivot Point. Leo Passage came to Holland and saw me working and told me, “the way you explain the system was how I was meant to make it.” This landed me the back cover of a magazine.
If I hadn’t become a hairdresser, I would be: A garden architect
Best part of your job: Changing people’s lives
Something that would surprise others about you: My humor
Favorite song: Folkloric Dutch music
Favorite item in wardrobe: Underwear
Favorite city: Chicago; I lived in Evanston for 10 years
Dream vacation: Bahamas
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