An expert hairstylist regularly awarded for his achievements, Kobi Bokshish has certainly made a name for himself in the hair industry. With a unique and captivating background story, Bokshish maintains that he didn’t plan on becoming a hairstylist from the start.
“I didn’t choose hairdressing,” the Aussie-based stylist said. “It chose me.”
Bokshish discovered his love for hair while serving in the Israeli Army. During this time, Bokshish learned that his mother had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Soon after her death, the then-air force mechanic wanted to call a halt to the training.
“All I wanted was out,” Bokshish said.
To his good fortune, an Israeli officer offered him an opportunity that would lead to his finding a career in hair. Bokshish was soon named the hairstylist of the base, which allowed him to fulfill his service in the army and spend more time with his family.
“Working inland outside of the army base, I developed such an extreme passion for hair that I knew that’s what I was born to do,” Bokshish said.
Today, Bokshish is the owner and art and salon director at Intershape Salon in Sydney, Australia. Check out our interview with Bokshish to learn more about the industry professional.
BANGSTYLE: How would you describe your style?
KB: Very precise cutting with a strong element of style.
BANGSTYLE: How do you promote yourself?
KB: With my hands and my passion.
BANGSTYLE: What are some at-home tips for us regular folk?
KB: Keep it simple; don’t try to get what you don’t have. Always get professional products andnever color your hair at home.
BANGSTYLE: What’s next in hair?
KB: Whatever that was there before. In my mind, the future and the past are one with a little twist.
BANGSTYLE: What styles do you think have come and gone and shouldn’t be revisited?
KB: The mullet hair cut.
BANGSTYLE: Friendships with clients, do or don’t?
KB: Some of my best and most genuine relationships started in the salon.
BANGSTYLE: What inspires you?
KB: I feel lucky because I am truly able to find inspiration in just about anything.
BANGSTYLE: What is your favorite part of being a stylist?
KB: Touching people externally and affecting them internally. Also, being able to make a difference with my hands and skills.
BANGSTYLE: What is your least favorite part of being a stylist?
KB: Being grouped under the same banner as the other hairdressers out there who are not in it for the right reasons.
BANGSTYLE: What is your signature hairstyle?
KB: Precise, short cuts.
BANGSTYLE: What do you want to see happen in the hair industry in the next five years?
KB: EDUCATION , EDUCATION, EDUCATION. More young hairdressers getting their ideas out there because they are the future. Let’s give them a chance.
BANGSTYLE: Do you have any advice for new stylists starting out in the hair industry?
KB: Be ready to work hard, and I mean very hard. When you get to feel the way I feel every day about hair, it’s all worth it.
BANGSTYLE: Career highlights?
KB: I represented Australia as a finalist in last year’s Alternative Hair Show in London. I was also able to work on stage with Paul Mitchell, Stephanie Kocielski, and co-owner of Paul Mitchell, Angus Mitchell. I won the face of IHS two years in a row as well as 1st and 2nd place in the HBIA competition—this was all from 2011 to 2012. I got my last three collections published in more than 25 countries and made two international finals last year at AIPP in Paris and AHS in London. But, truly, everyday that I’m in my salon it’s a career highlight.
BANGSTYLE: What are the hottest trends in hair right now?
KB: Bleached blond hair with bleached eyebrows and a messed up side plait. Strong bangs and very loose, free hair is also in.
BANGSTYLE: How long have you been working in the industry?
KB: 19 years.
BANGSTYLE: What are your favorite color trends right now?
KB: Green, yellow, and red.
BANGSTYLE: How do you stay ahead of current trends?
KB: I don’t follow; I do what I think is right for my client. When I do new collections, the hair is all about the inspiration of the shoot.
BANGSTYLE: What are you doing to push the boundaries in the hair industry?
KB: I will do anything that comes to my head with no fear. When you love something so much, you should never fear it. I’ll try it first on a dolly head; but really, once you understand the fabric you’re working with, anything is possible. Normally, I’ll push the boundaries on stage and on photo shoots, not on the everyday client.
BANGSTYLE: Tell us about starting out as a hairstylist. We understand you were 19 and serving in the air force in the Israeli Army. Can you elaborate?
KB: I was born in 1974 in Israel. I moved to Australia in 1998. I started my career in hairdressing at the age of 19, while serving in the air force in the Israeli Army. Working in and outside of the army base, I developed such an extreme passion for hair that I knew it was something that I could not let go of.
I started working in some very up-market salons and then was introduced to the world of fashion styling and platform work. I went on to hone my skills in cutting by taking some Vidal Sassoon cutting courses. This allowed me to really understand the foundations and structure of hair. After I finished my national service, I decided to travel the world, and whilst doing this, I carried my scissors with me everywhere I went.
They traveled with me to India and Thailand, where I spent almost two years. I would cut hair everywhere I went which made me realize the extent to which I loved my craft.
BANGSTYLE: Tell us about your salon, Intershape.
KB: I was sponsored by my old boss who originally owned Intershape, and five years later I took over the shop. I decided to start fresh and reinvent Intershape completely. I started with one stylist and one apprentice. Through hard work and passion, I began to build my dream empire. In 2004, luck came my way, and I was approached by the wonderful Paul Mitchell family to work with them and the American Paul Mitchell team at Hair Expo.
Since then, I have been given the opportunity to be an ambassador for Paul Mitchell, which includes platform work, color and cutting classes, photo shoots, advertising campaigns, and runway shows. Through this, my salon has now become the Paul Mitchell flagship salon in Australia. I have also been given the opportunity to work with the best hairdressers from all over the world. Currently, the salon employs 12 people, and we are growing every day. The sky is the limit and the possibilities are endless when you really love and believe in what you do.
BANGSTYLE: After your travels, why did you decide to stay and work in Australia despite not knowing the language?
KB: After I reached the Australian shores, I couldn’t speak the language, but my ability to communicate through my art allowed me to work and gain sponsorship.
BANGSTYLE: Who is your ideal client?
KB: Lady Gaga.
BANGSTYLE: What do you specialize in?
KB: Cutting.
BANGSTYLE: Words to live by—hair motto?
KB: We are not JUST hairdressers!
You can learn more about Kobi Bokshish on the Intershape Salon website or on his BANGSTYLE Stylist Profile.
