Exclusive Interview: Giacomo Forbes Talks About “Shear Genius” With CurlStylist

by Gretchen Heber on Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Giacomo Forbes has departed “Shear Genius.”

Fans of Bravo’s hit reality series “Shear Genius” were probably surprised when celebrity stylist Giacomo Forbes announced last week, with the season barely underway, that he was leaving the show.

The A-list stylist did well in the first episode, earning compliments and respect from the judges. But just minutes into episode 2, Forbes interrupted the proceedings to announce to host Camila Alves and the other contestants that the series was over for him.

“I really love the competition but the living together part made me miss my kids,” he said today in an exclusive interview with CurlStylist. “I mean, the showers … there was no privacy! It was crazy.”

Part of the show’s drama is the ups and downs of the contestants—all strangers—living together in tight quarters. “It was like a dorm,” Forbes says, “and I’m not into that.” In fact, the curly-haired stylist said he wouldn’t be surprised if, going forward, the show’s producers focused less on the drama of the living arrangement—given the dysfunctional atmosphere— and more on the competition.

He said the whole thing made him think about what was more important, the chance to win $5,000 (as well as some seed money from Nexxus), or being with his kids. The choice was an easy one, he said.

Forbes also hinted that as a well-established industry stylist, with plenty of published work to his name already, being on the show to gain recognition or money wasn’t really necessary for him.

Forbes, who grew up in Rome, is well-known in the industry and has an impressive celebrity clientele, including model Claudia Schiffer and actress Marissa Tomei. After opening successful salons and manufacturing companies in both New York and Los Angeles, he made the move to Austin, Texas. There, Giacomo and his team developed a new line of innovative hair and body care products, meant to heal “hair, body and soul.” Both his talent and products have been featured in national print magazines including “Allure,” “Vogue” and “Harpers Bazaar.” His home base is Bella Salon in Austin.

With his stint on “Shear Genius” over, Forbes will concentrate on releasing an extension to his hair care line in the coming months, as well as a new skin care line that will “blow your mind,” he says. “People who love my Miracle Hair Oil Treatment will love the new products—both hair and skin.”

Also look for a new show from Forbes and Bravo within the next year or so—it’s still in the planning stages. “It will focus on beauty, food, fashion and health,” he says. “It will be called ‘Giacomo Forbes’ Favorites’ or something like that,” he says. “We’re still working it out.”

The show will highlight Forbes’ favorite small boutiques and shops from around the country.