Jackie Bieber is the hairstylist turning buzzcuts into an art form

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Like many people, Jackie Bieber was introduced to buzzcut art during the pandemic, when her friend called her panicked having just shaved her head. “I offered some options to calm her down, and we went with the best choice possible – a buzzcut art design like Dennis Rodman,” she says. Again, like many people, she thought the trend would be a fad. But while some pandemic practices faded as quickly as whipped coffee and TikTok dances, Bieber’s designs sprouted a fruitful career.

Today the Hawaii-born Bieber uses buzzcuts as a canvas for her kaleidoscopic creations, everything from the Mona Lisa to Moo Deng. Though she describes her own personal style as “dark, clean, and simple”, her art is anything but understated. With her designs coming in about every variation imaginable, think: stars, stripes, patchworks, and plaid. The aim, ultimately, is to show people that being different is fun: “Expressing yourself is not only a way to gain confidence but also a way to make everyone around you absolutely enamoured by your hair,” she says.

We talk to the artist below about her career highlights, her take on self-expression, and the future of beauty.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and where you grew up?

Jackie Bieber:  On the small island of Kauai, there wasn’t much else to do but art. I grew such a passion for all types of art and never thought that would lead me to where I am today.

What is it you do and why do you do it?

Jackie Bieber: I’m a hair colourist that creates art on buzzcuts! The bleach buzzcut is my canvas. I thought at the beginning of my career that this trend would be a fad, but it turns out I’m even busier than ever! I love my job. I make people feel pretty and confident. They’re able to express themselves in a very creative way.

How did you get into it?

Jackie Bieber: I’ve been doing art for years and had a background in hair from my mum, who is a licensed cosmetologist, so I combined both. My friend called me during the Covid lockdown on FaceTime, and she had shockingly shaved her head bald – she had a full Britney moment. I offered some options to calm her down, and we went with the best choice possible, a buzzcut art design like Dennis Rodman!

What’s your earliest beauty-related memory? 

Jackie Bieber: I had a junk drawer when I was four or five years old that was at the bottom drawer of this huge, towering dresser. I would sit there for hours playing with all this cheap kids’ make-up, yummy-smelling chapstick, and nail polish. I’ve always been into beauty and creativity.

What’s been your career highlight so far?

Jackie Bieber: I have had many amazing opportunities through the beginning of my career, but my number one mind-blowing experience was working with three models for the Dior x ERL men’s runway on the Venice boardwalk. I got full control over their hair designs, which complemented their stunning outfits very well.

Describe your beauty aesthetic in three words

Jackie Bieber: Personally, my beauty aesthetic is much different from my art! I’d say it’s dark, clean, and simple.  

Who is your beauty icon or favourite look of all time?

Jackie Bieber: I’m really obsessed with all of Isamaya Ffrench’s work. 

What is your current obsession?

Jackie Bieber: Guinea pigs.

What does beauty mean to you?

Jackie Bieber: Feeling confident.

When do you feel most beautiful?

Jackie Bieber: When I wake up in the morning or after a workout!

Are you optimistic about the future?  

Jackie Bieber: Yes, I am. Life is really testy sometimes, but I think with any yin there must be yang.

What is the future of beauty?

Jackie Bieber: Hopefully, some alien influence.

You have to replace part of your body with that of an animal or a mythological creature. What do you go for and why?

Jackie Bieber: I would probably grow some huge wings.

You have the ability to live in a video game. Which would it be and why?

Jackie Bieber: Wii Sports – I love the Wii.