Bordeaux, France—1991, a city known for its elegant architecture and famous vineyards, was the beautiful and artistic world where young Benjamin Michaud grew up.
His parents were photographers, and he was introduced to visual aesthetics early. It ignited something within him—an innate understanding of art and a profound appreciation for visual beauty— when his passion for capturing moments on film was first sparked.
Little did they know these early experiences would lay the foundation for Benjamin’s journey into hair artistry.
As a child, Benjamin was not just content with admiring the artistry around him. He spent hours painting, drawing, and styling his sisters’ dolls, meticulously creating intricate hairstyles and adding vibrant colors to their hair with ink cartridges.
Every Sunday, he would style his sisters’ hair before church, ensuring they looked elegant and presentable.
So, by the time he was 15, the seeds of creativity were being planted, and his response, when asked what profession he planned to pursue, was simple,
“Hairstylist was an obvious choice for me.”
For Benjamin, hairdressing wasn’t just cutting hair—it was something creative, a way to transform a blank canvas into a masterpiece. At only 16, he was passionate about making his dream of becoming a hairstylist a reality!
He fearlessly enrolled in a training center, fully confident in turning his early passion into a successful career. But his journey had started even before that, through internships and hands-on experience.
A passion for beauty industry innovation shines through in his determined and adaptable career.
Benjamin currently works as a colorist at Sofia Coiffure et Beauté in Geneva. He caters to demanding clients who expect perfection. He thrives under pressure and has built a loyal clientele with his upscale hairstyling services.
His stunning transformations for influencers and Swiss beauty icons like Era Dyla Hill and Harmonie Keller Matthey solidify his status in elite hairdressing, reflecting his commitment to originality and quality in the beauty industry.
Back in 2009, Benjamin got his Certificat d’Aptitude Professionnelle (CAP), after completing his studies at the Campus des Métiers et de l’Artisanat in Joué-lès-Tours. His official background brought the technical abilities he needed, but his actual brilliance was his ability to look beyond ordinary things. He constantly sought creative ways to combine colors, styles, and techniques, distinguishing himself from others in the field.
His first major break came in 2010 when he was invited to style models for the prestigious House of Murad Zuhair during Paris Fashion Week.
For Benjamin, it was a dream come true.
The backstage energy, the stunning models, and the excitement of the runway confirmed what he had been thinking all along: he was destined for this world. Styling for such a prestigious event was more than simply an accomplishment; it validated his talent and inspired him to push his boundaries further.
Paris became his playground.
From 2009 to 2017, Benjamin worked in some of the city’s most renowned salons and the neighboring Versailles. Every day was a learning experience, and Benjamin relentlessly refined his skills. His hunger for knowledge led him to pursue continuous training, particularly in hair coloring, where he found his true calling.
His distinct ability to combine artistic originality and technical perfection was not unnoticed. In 2012, at age of 21, Benjamin was awarded the title of Best Colorist in France. This incredible achievement gave his career a big push!
Despite his success in Paris, it still left him hungry for more.
After eight years of success and awards in the capital city of France, he thought he was good enough to take his talents outside France and put his skills to the test abroad.
So, in 2017, Benjamin chose adventure and moved to Geneva, Switzerland— a city known for its elegance and luxury. Here, he joined Cazance, a high-end salon with a reputation for catering to an exclusive clientele. This new chapter of his life would be as transformative as his years in Paris.
During his time at Cazance, Benjamin also took on a personal project that showcased his creativity and innovation: the “Couture Collection”. This photo series highlighted retro-chic hairstyles, blending modern techniques with a vintage flair. It was a personal achievement, a testament to his ability to evolve and continually push his art’s boundaries.
Then, one of Benjamin’s most notable collaborations was with Marine Sayard, who would win the Miss Grand Switzerland 2023 title. Introduced to Marine through a photographer he met during a shoot for Cazance, Benjamin was brought on board to style her hair for the competition. Working closely with her throughout her journey, Benjamin crafted looks that accentuated her natural beauty, ensuring she stood out at every event.
His work didn’t just style a beauty queen—it played a pivotal role in helping her secure the title.
As he continued to build his reputation in Geneva, Benjamin made another pivotal decision in his career. In 2022, Cazance relocated to Marrakech, Morocco. While the allure of a new country was tempting, Benjamin felt his journey in Switzerland was far from over.
He decided to stay, joining Sofia Coiffure et Beauté, a prestigious salon in the heart of Geneva. He kept working with big clients, like Miss Grand Switzerland, which made everyone think even better of him as one of the top colorists in the area.
Benjamin recognizes his success results from his artistic abilities, adaptability, keen observation, and attention to detail. These traits have shaped him into the artist he is today since he was young. He sees each client as a canvas, creating unique styles with color and design.
His adaptability keeps him current with trends, and his eye for detail ensures that every cut, color, and style is perfect!
As Benjamin looks toward the future, he remains committed to growth.
He understands that hairdressing constantly evolves, so he pursues professional training and values collaboration with other experts. Client feedback is important for him to refine techniques and achieve exceptional results.
In the next ten years, he sees himself expanding connections, working with leading hair brands, opening his salon, consulting luxury product firms, and sharing his expertise through workshops and training sessions.
Benjamin Michaud undoubtedly has a fiery passion and innovative flair for every challenge, always aiming for the best.
Benjamin’s journey from a young boy in Bordeaux arranging dolls’ hair to a globally recognized colorist exemplifies the power of passion. A true artist, his dedication and pursuit of excellence are clear, and his future in hairstyling looks brighter than ever as he continues to push boundaries.
About the Author
Olivia Cole is a New York beauty writer passionate about hair and fashion. She covers topics ranging from haircare techniques to stylist journeys. Jessica enjoys exploring the latest salon trends or practicing yoga by the beach when not writing.
