Marco Santini co-founder

Born in 1970 in Florence, Italy, Marco Santini has been in the beauty industry since 1986.

At the age of 16, after intensively studying computer science, Marco attended styling school in Florence to satisfy a creative urge. It was there he met future business partner Leonardo Manetti. Realizing his true passion, Marco quickly traded software for styling tools.

“There is magic behind a good haircut,” says Marco of the switch. “Very few things can make a person feel as beautiful and confident, and I have yet to find something more rewarding than styling.”

After a year of training in Italy, Marco studied at London’s Alan International. With a fresh energy, he returned to Florence to teach cutting techniques at the renowned Paolo Chirivi Salon. Soon after, Marco traveled to Spain to gain experience under Luis Llongueras.

In 1994, Marco arrived in New York. Building a loyal clientele at The Spot hair salon, he began an editorial career by assisting the industry legends: Eugene Souleiman, Orlando Pita, Sam McKnight, Neil Moodie and Ward. Marco’s work soon caught the eye of Bumble and bumble founder Michael Gordon, and by 1997 Marco was one of Bb.’s most successful editorial stylists. He remained with the salon until 2008.

Over the last ten years, Marco’s work has appeared in Vogue (Italy), Vogue (Russia), Vogue (Germany), Glamour, Marie Claire, V Magazine and Dazed and Confused. He recently styled Diane Kruger for the cover of Mixte.

Leading shows at Fashion Week around the world, Marco has collaborated with such prominent designers as Custo Barcelona, Nicole Miller, Vivienne Tam, Carlos Miele, Jeremy Laing, Diego Binetti and Geova.

In 2008, Marco opened ION Studio in New York City with business partners Leonardo Manetti and Pasquale Ferrante. ION Studio is Manhattan’s first green salon, built using recycled and eco-friendly materials and powered by wind.

While ION Studio is his primary focus, Marco intends to continue editorial styling; working on photo shoots and partnering with designers provides constant inspiration.

“It is important to have multiple creative outlets and to continue growing in your craft,” Marco explains. “Every day I come into the salon with a new perspective and an excitement to work with each client. At ION, we really want to make every person feel special – and I think that’s easy when you love what you do.”