Hairstylist Rossano Ferretti on the secret to great locks
Jun 30, 2025
In town to check in on his eponymous hair spa at Rosewood’s Asaya, Italian hairstylist and A-list favourite Rossano Ferretti sits down with Zaneta Cheng to give his tips and tricks on how to maintain silky, shiny, bouncy locks for both men and women
Originally a staple of Japanese beauty and grooming culture, hair spas have exploded in popularity since the pandemic and thanks to the world’s increasing focus on health and wellness. The holistic health practices offered at such spas have developed beyond massage to incorporate technologies to treat scalps and follicles, whether the issue is oil, dryness, or thinning and hair loss. While these services abound across Asia, hair spas of exceptional quality, prescribing bespoke treatments customised to each client’s concerns, are difficult to come by.
Enter Rossano Ferretti, Italian hairstylist to the stars, who has handled the tresses of Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lawrence and the Princess of Wales with his deft hands. One year after he opened the Rossano Ferretti HairSpa at Rosewood’s Asaya wellness centre, his second spa in Asia, Ferretti sits down with us to answer our most pressing questions.
What are your main recommendations for good hair care at home?
Ah! This is where the true love affair with your hair begins – at home. I always tell clients, your hair is like your skin; it reflects how you treat it. Use products that respect the natural character of your hair and avoid harsh ingredients. Think of your shampoo as a gentle cleanser, not a detergent, and never skip the conditioner, even if your hair is fine. Remember to gently massage your scalp when washing. It’s not just relaxing, it stimulates circulation. And once a week, take time for a nourishing mask. Think of it like a little spa retreat for your hair.
How does one protect hair from humidity in a city like Hong Kong?
Hong Kong – one of the most beautiful cities, but the humidity? Mamma mia! The trick is not to fight nature but to work with it. Frizz comes when the hair is dry and open to moisture from the air. So, hydration is your best friend. Use leave-in conditioners, serums with natural oils, and products that seal the cuticle. Avoid alcohol- heavy sprays because they can make things worse by drying out the hair even more, which opens the cuticle and invites in even more humidity. And finish your look with a cool blast from the hair dryer to help close the hair shaft for a smooth finish with moisture locked in.
How does thick frizzy Chinese hair maintain smoothness and shine?
This hair type has so much strength and character – I admire it deeply. But yes, it can be wild sometimes. The secret is to nourish it deeply and consistently. Rich masks, oils with avocado or camellia, and smoothing serums and anti-frizz sprays are essentials. Also, be sparing with heat tools because too much usage without proper heat protection will cause the hair to rebel! A professional smoothing treatment that uses natural ingredients, every few months, can also work wonders.
What are some common mistakes that you see people making when it comes to hair care?
Ahh, where to begin? Overwashing – too often, too harshly. Using the wrong products. What works for your friend may be a disaster for you. Also, attacking wet hair with a brush like it’s a war zone. No! Be gentle. And perhaps my biggest heartbreak: people ignore the scalp. Healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp. Would you plant roses in dry, cracked soil? No! Love your scalp too.
How do you recommend men take care of their hair?
Let me tell you, most men keep their hair routine far too basic. A quick wash, maybe some gel, and they’re out the door. So many think one shampoo fits all and that conditioner is only for their partner. This is not the case. Good hair care is for everyone and it starts with knowing your scalp. Is it oily? Dry? Sensitive? Choose shampoos that apply to your scalp and your hair rather than using whatever’s in the shower.
Remember conditioner is essential too, even if your hair is short. It keeps hair strong, soft and manageable. And please, no body wash on your head. Your scalp is not your chest.
I also recommend a weekly scalp treatment, like a gentle exfoliation or hair-growth serum. It removes buildup, stimulates circulation for healthy growth and makes your hair feel alive again. When it comes to styling, go easy. Avoid heavy gels full of alcohol that suffocate the scalp. Look for light, nourishing and natural formulas instead.
What are the most pressing concerns men face when it comes to their hair and how would you recommend they treat these issues?
Let’s start with the obvious: I’m completely bald so when men ask me about hair concerns, I always smile and say, “I may not have hair, but I know everything about keeping yours!”
Thinning, receding hairlines, oily or dry scalp, and dandruff are the most common issues that men face. Statistically, about two-thirds of men see hair loss by 35 but most wait too long to do anything about it. That’s a big mistake. Trust me.
If you’re starting to notice more hair in the shower than on your head, act fast. Use a shampoo that gently stimulates the scalp without stripping it, like our Vita Rejuvenating Shampoo, which is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that support stronger, fuller-looking hair. Pair it with the Vita Conditioner or Mask to hydrate and reinforce fragile strands.
For an extra boost, try the daily scalp and hair serum (also from the Vita line). Massaged into the scalp, it helps energise the roots. Ours has green tea and hyaluronic acid, which work like a calm but powerful wake-up call for your follicles. Like an espresso!
If you have dandruff, that’s your scalp calling for balance. A gentle exfoliating scalp scrub treatment once a week and the right shampoo can reset everything so no more snowflakes on your shoulders, thank you very much!
And don’t underestimate lifestyle. When you’re run down, stressed or not eating well, your hair feels it too. It loses its vitality, its strength... even its mood, if I may say so! So eat well, breathe deep and treat your scalp like you would your favourite Italian shoes, with regular care and no shortcuts.
Hair care for men doesn’t have to be complicated. But it does have to be consistent. And if you do end up bald like me? Just own it with style!
Also see: New lifestyle launches: Lululemon, Clé de Peau Beauté, Island Shangri-La and more
