Behind the Image is an ongoing MODELS.com series taking a more personal look at both established and emerging creative talent.
Panos Papandrianos by | Image courtesy of Home Agency
Panos Papandrianos, Hairstylist
Hometown: Athens, Greece
Based: New York City, USA
Representation: Home Agency
How would you describe your work? What’s your trademark?
I love the raw beauty of natural hair just as much as the sharp lines of something more structured. What really excites me is transformation, using wigs, and turning someone into a whole new character. My process is instinctive and in the moment. I might start with an idea in the chair, but once they step on set, everything can change—whatever the energy calls for.
How did you first discover your passion for hair? Was there a specific moment that made you realize this was your career path?
I was always obsessed with hair. I used to do my mom’s and cousins’ hair; they were my first and most important supporters. They trusted me, even though, as a kid, I had no technical knowledge. I was just figuring it out in my way. My dream was to work in fashion. I’d flip through fashion magazines for hours, figuring out how those looks were created. The turning point came much later. At that time, I worked as a hairstylist on TV commercials and in theatre, trying to find a way into fashion. Then, one day, I was offered my first photoshoot job. I lied and said I knew how to do extensions. It was my first time using them, so I had zero experience, but somehow, I pulled it off. When the magazine came out, there was a rumor that I was some kind of new expert in extensions. Then, an agency reached out, and that’s how I started working in the industry. It was a total fake-it-till-you-make-it moment.
What’s your process for conceptualizing a look? Do you start with references, emotions, or something else entirely?
Sometimes, it starts with references; most of the time, it’s just a feeling. I look at the model, the energy of the shoot, and the story we collectively try to tell, and I build from there.
How did you get started customizing wigs, and what do you love about using them?
When I first started, I couldn’t access the best wigs, forcing me to be experimental. I would cut them in half, change the color, mess with the texture, and destroy them until something worked. What I love about wigs is their superpower to transform and unlock different sides of people. It’s a bit like acting; you become a new version of yourself.
What other jobs have you had?
Right after school, I had to join the army. After that, I went to a hairstyling school and worked in salons. Later, I moved into doing hair for theatre and TV commercials. It was a completely different world, with long hours and a very specific aesthetic, but it taught me a lot.
What have you watched/heard/read lately that has inspired you?
I recently saw an elderly woman on the train with a huge bleach-blonde beehive, flower hairpins, and red lips, and it reminded me of how inspiring New York is. It’s like a constant fashion show out here. I’ve also been exploring Gaia lately, an online platform that talks about health, spirituality, the universe, and how we’re all connected. It’s such an eye-opener; I like seeing things from a different perspective.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced professionally?
I started over twice: leaving Greece for London and then London for New York. Each time, I had to rebuild everything from scratch and prove myself all over again, which was quite challenging.
What’s one thing outside of your work that you’d like people to know about you?
I love doing things that help me disconnect, like riding my bike around Prospect Park. It clears my head. I’m also trying to keep a better balance between work and life. Spending time with family and friends is really important to me, and I make sure to go back to Greece as often as I can, especially every summer for a proper reset.
What advice would you give to aspiring hairstylists looking to break into the industry?
Do it because you love it, not because it looks shiny or glamorous. Be on time, be kind, work hard, and stay curious. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them.
Who do you think is one to watch?
The Greek director, Yorgos Lanthimos, is one to watch. I love his aesthetic and how he brings fashion into the surreal worlds he creates.
Selected Work
Gigi Hadid by Alana O’Herlihy | Image courtesy of Home Agency
Vogue Netherlands March 2023 Covers
For this shoot, we decided to use only wigs, so I packed dozens of them. Alana (O’Herlihy) and Gigi (Hadid’s) chemistry on set really made me feel like we were playing dress-up. It was such a fun day.
Luyi by Alessandro Furchino Capria | Image courtesy of Webber Represents
Shape Up
I love this kind of surrealism. It blurs the lines between hair and sculpture in a way that excites me.
Raquel Zimmerman by Andrew Jacobs | Image courtesy of Home Agency
Studio Session
I love the simplicity of natural textures. There’s something timeless and elegant about embracing hair in its proper form, and Raquel (Zimmerman) looks amazing with her effortless vibe and laid-back coolness.
Image courtesy of Home Agency
“Hair Stories” Personal Project
This look came together spontaneously while I was prepping for a job and came across an old black wig that reminded me of the punk singers from the late 70s. I started bleaching and cutting it, and I was completely caught up in it before I knew it.
Gisele Bundchen by Blair Getz Mezibov | Image courtesy of Home Agency
V Magazine #136 Summer 2022 Covers
I was so excited to work with Gisele. Her energy on set is contagious, and there’s something about this image that feels like a real superhero moment. Among many amazing things, she’s also known for her iconic hair, and this shot captures it in full force.
