The day I met Kelsy Osterman, when she gave me my first haircut, I knew something was special about her craft. When you go to the salon, you usually bring references and let them do the work. Not this time. Kelsy kept saying “let’s see where your hair wants to go…and where it wants to live.” I’m sorry, what? This sparked something inside. This person was literally “listening” to my hair’s movement, shape…and feelings.

And let me tell you, that hair had a lot to say. In the same spiritual breath, I thought it would be interesting to see how she would bring to life different energies through her medium with the help of my (very) hairy scalp. This whole project became very personal to us. On one side, Kelsy was researching how to translate the signs in hairstyles, and how to capture the images, as she would also shoot them (what a badass). On my side, I was orchestrating and documenting everything, on top of modeling /channeling the styles. How can we link hair & energy, style & astrology as a whole? Since we are both deep lovers and somewhat “knowers” of astrology, we dove into this majestic venture of representing the zodiac chart through, well…hair.

 

☾ ♀ ∞ ♂ ☼  

ARIES / BÉLIER

Astro keywords : FIRE, CONFIDENCE, ANGER, BOLD, SMOKE.

How does fire (element) is evoked in this hairstyle?

K.O: For Aries, the texture combination and the fullness of his gesture speaks to me as Fire. Smoke and flames emerge from this shape like a dancer in the wind filled with confidence in his identity.

M.M: When I think of Aries, I think of “take no prisoners” type of people. I feel the warrior-like energy in them and channeling it on set was almost like dancing a ritual before heading to war. Let it burn!

TAURUS / TAUREAU

Astro keywords : GROUNDED, WORK, TENSION, HUNGER, STRENGTH.

Why did you choose a braided hairdo for this sign?

K.O.: The braids created for Taurus represent the grounded feminine spirit of the Bull. Her sharpened senses are expressed through her gesture and stance. You can feel her steady and firm grasp on her hair and in life.

M.M.: Tauruses around me are very powerful and genuine spirits. They most of all always listen to their bodies - from cravings to needing to exercise, they know what the flesh wants. The braid was weaved, it was worked on, you can feel the different parts coming together as something solid you can hold on to. A whole that is now stronger than before. Earth sign at its best.

“These fibers are my medium. They are a lifelong study. I watch and feel how they move singularly and in groupings.” - Kelsy O.

GEMINI / GÉMEAU

Astro keywords : PLAY, FAST PACED, DICHOTOMY, VICIOUS, BLUNT.

What themes related to Geminis are you showing in this hairstyle?

K.O.: Gemini represents the intelligence and drive of balancing two sides of the coin... the lover and the fool. This dual nature lends to adaptability and a curious spirit. This hairstyle is simply that.

M.M.: I love how my hair makes me feel like I’m wearing an expensive mink. “Rags to riches” and that’s very Gemini to me - people who are self-made and fast thinkers with a little rascal attitude. The Gemini “contrasting” feel is shown through two textures - sleek and poofy hair. Well put together, and claiming its space at the same time.

 

☽ ♦ Tu trippes beauté et zodiac? Lis ton horoscope beauté ici!

 

CANCER

Astro keywords : INTROSPECTION, ATTACHMENT, FEELS, TEARS, WATER.

You’re a Cancer, how do you feel about this one?

K.O.: Cancer, to me, embodies a wave being swept up in a tide of emotion. You have a choice... either fight the waves (and burn out) or fully surrender to the Earth’s messages (and flourish). Mimo’s hair is a peaceful expression. She has surrendered.

M.M.: The twists in front of my face felt like an extension of myself, as if they represented my past tears, old wounds running down. Boo hoo, I know, but Cancer energy always gets me deep in my feelings.

 

LEO / LION

Astro keywords : CELEBRATION, FUN, CREATIVITY, LOUD, SHOW.

Volume is obviously important in this picture - why?

K.O.: The Leo spirit is large and bold... a spirit that fills the room with ease...volume that is confident and all encompassing. His hair wants to be noticed and dotted upon.

M.M.: My hair’s nature is to be big and is a statement on its own. At times though, I don’t emotionally match its confidence and loudness. It felt great to embody the lioness “maine” for this one. The Leo attitude made me feel more powerful, indeed.

VIRGO / VIERGE

Astro keywords : PREPARATION, DETAILS, ORGANIZE, PRECISION, PERFECTIONIST.

Tight Bantu knots - How is this hairdo representing Virgo?

K.O.: A Virgo finds expression in ALL the DETAILS. She is a perfectionist that feels alive within her logic. The knots I created for this look were a practice of thoughtfulness and patience.

M.M.: Precision! I particularly loved this look because I had to embrace the hard work of sitting still before the result. That is a challenge for the stage performer I am. That’s what Virgo energy teaches me everyday: pay attention to details and…wait for it.

“My continued works are focused on connecting hair and nature, people and self.” - Kelsy O.

LIBRA / BALANCE

Astro keywords : SEEKING, TEMPTATION, UNSEEN, DECISIONS, JUDGEMENT.

From angles to structure - what is spoken in this image?

K.O.: This image, for Libra, embodies the ideals of losing oneself on your quest of balancing the scales of life. Romance and artistry blend together in this melting sculpture of hair.

M.M.: There’s something very mystic about this hairdo and picture. I think Libra people can get stuck in between choosing what is right for them to do, walking on eggs trying not to disappoint others. I see them as professional jugglers. Decisions, decisions, and confusion at times, but don’t forget yourself, Libra!

 

“Hair, to me, is a gateway to self love.” - Kelsy O.

SCORPIO / SCORPION

Astro keywords : PASSION, SENSUALITY, DANGEROUS, PROTECTION, DEPTH.

What qualities of Scorpio are tied to this hairstyle?

K.O.: Scorpio was created to fix your attention with passionate intensity emoting her inner being. She is willing to face the unpleasant truths for the sake of intimacy. This hairstyle challenges you to come dive within the depths of transformation.

M.M.: This was a fun one to do! I pictured myself waking up from bed, 60’s era vibes, looking for my cheating husband. Nina Simone - I put a spell on you was playing in the background and I could feel the passionate/scary love a distressed Scorpio could give you. The hairstyle itself feels like several deadly scorpion tails coming out of my faux-bob. Woo, watch out!

SAGITTARIUS / SAGITTAIRE

Astro keywords : DIRECTION, PHYSICAL, CHASE, FOCUS, OUTSPOKEN.

Does the body follow the hair or the opposite - and why?

K.O.: For Sagittarius, it is all about perception. What do you see? Is the hair directing the movement or is the movement influencing the hair? In this look, I created the strength of a bow and arrow and the stance of truth in the form a braid.

M.M.: This sign is often linked to the Centaur. Half-human and half-horse creatures, they are pretty majestic! The idea of a braided pony-tail makes perfect sense. I love the focus this sign has on self-care. From working out to dancing and showing off their assets - yep, Sags we see you.

 

“I am forever drawn to, and yes completely intoxicated by hair and how it MOVES.” - Kelsy O.

CAPRICORN / CAPRICORNE

Astro keywords : LONER, DISCIPLINE, STUDY, ATTENTION, COVE.

What is the reflection behind this sign?

K.O.: The intent of this look, for Capricorn, was to evoke thoughts of steadiness and discipline. Her strong gaze to the side touches on her need to mask her true feelings, but there is an undercurrent of movement and perseverance in the gesture of her hair.

M.M.: The fact that the hair seems to go down in one rigid way but “dissipates” in many directions towards the ends is the epitome of Capricorn energy for me. Very cerebral at first (the hair is close to the head/scalp) but loose and “flowy” when they get comfortable. The key is to let yourself have some fun, Capricorn!

☽ ♦ Tu veux toi aussi créer avec tes cheveux? Lis ça!

AQUARIUS / VERSEAU

Astro keywords : REBEL, FREEDOM, AIR, DETACHMENT, OBSERVATION.

How is air & movement shown in this hairstyle?

K.O.: The emotions evoked through the Aquarius spirit are steeped in the airy movement. Like the unexpected nature you find in bold acts of freedom. This roped hair can dance in the chaos of the wind without losing track of what is known - there’s a confidence that fuels his internal vibrations.

M.M.: This is my sun sign! The hair was tighten in some lose knots in the back and on top, giving a very sailor/marine effect (with the hair texture). It shows the “aqua” in Aquarius. Even the hair on the shoulder feels like boat ropes. The sight is on the docks while we are sailing away. I was jumping and letting the hair go where it wanted to go, just like my fellow Aquarian people do.

 

“Hair in my opinion, is a collection of movable fibers that interact with all the elements; creating its own unique expression.” - Kelsy O.

PISCES / POISSONS

Astro keywords : MOTHERLY, LOVING, VENUS, SENSITIVITY, ABYSS.

Wet, wet, wet! Why involve water for this photo?

K.O.: Pisces represents the DEEP WATERS of spirituality and being human. Creating this look I needed to literally dissolve and wash away the walls of perception of the material and invisible realms to immerse Mimo in the unconditional love that she shares with the world, just like Pisces do.

M.M.: Feel the looooove. We actually had to wash my hair from all the products the other looks had and that is part of Pisces vibes: cleansing! My hair became a veil and I got into all sorts of Virgin Mary archetypes while modeling this one ( hi, I’m an actor). The coldness felt on my skin from the water added to the “mother love” feel of forgetting yourself for a greater purpose.

 

“How they inflate then deflate with the presence of water. What sculptures they make within the presence of the wind… constantly interacting with Nature.” - Kelsy O.

☽ ♦ HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019 LADIES & GENTS ♦☽

Voilà! May this get you inspired to try new things and discover where your own hair wants to live. Above all, I hope this year brings you magic and love. Have fun, play with the zodiac energies and channel who you want to become, while attracting your blessings all year.

If you’re curious to know how we puzzled it out on set, here’s a little video we made.

This is pretty much what happened.

A whole team of beautiful beings made this project possible and we want to say thank you.

Hairstylist & photographer : Kelsy Osterman - @kelsyosterman / kelsyosterman.com

Model & author : Mimo Magri - @mimomagri / mimomagri.com

Assistant hairstylist : Karen Miller - @hairbykmiller

Make up : Charmaine Elcock - @charmaine_e / madeupbymaine.com

Assistant production, backstage photos & stylist : Gina Schiappacasse - @gschiappacasse / ginaschiappacasse.com

Videographer : Valery Lessard - @valoutskii

Photo editing : Marcus Lewis - vsmarcuslewis.com

Hair salon / Studio : Spoke & Weal (Soho, NY.)