Meet Rutger

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rutger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

RUTGER, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Growing up, I never really knew what I wanted to do. I wasn’t bad at school—I went to a good high school in the mid to late 80s—but it just didn’t excite me. By the time I graduated, college didn’t feel like the right path. Instead, I decided to take some time off and explore. I traveled and spent about six months living on Mallorca and Ibiza and enjoyed the incredible energy of those islands. When I eventually came back to Amsterdam, however, I still had no real direction.
One day, I met this guy on the street. He was a couple of years older than me and worked in a hair salon. At the time, I had quite an eccentric look—a mohawk—and he asked if I’d be his hair model so he could dye it in different colors. We hit it off, became friends, and that friendship ended up changing my life.
I started hanging out at his salon, which was more than just a place to get your hair done. It was a creative hub where musicians, artists, and fashion scene kids would gather. The hairstylists were just as fascinating—they were all kind of misfits who balanced working in the salon with pursuing other creative passions, like DJing or making art. It wasn’t just a workplace; it was a real community.
The more time I spent there, the more I got interested in hair. I started learning cutting and coloring from some of the stylists, but once I realized I wanted to make it my career, I knew I needed to get serious about mastering the craft. That’s when I went to Vidal Sassoon in London to learn the fundamentals.
Over the years, I worked in various salons, learning from different people and building a solid clientele. I got really good at it, but in the early 90s, I discovered freelance hairstyling, and that opened up a whole new world. I started assisting other hairstylists at fashion shows in Paris, and that’s when everything clicked. I realized this was my purpose.
Working with people in fashion, art, film, and music to create something new wasn’t just about hairstyling—it was about being part of a creative process, a shared vision, and a moment that could inspire others.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

First and foremost, I’m a hairstylist. My career began in the world of fashion shows, where I had the chance to collaborate with incredible designers and work on editorial shoots with legendary photographers like Inez & Vinoodh and Annie Leibovitz. My work has been featured in iconic publications like Vogue and W Magazine, and I’ve been part of trend-setting runway shows for brands like Givenchy, Jason Wu, and Calvin Klein.

Over time, my career expanded beyond hairstyling. I started collaborating with hair brands and became a creative consultant for Redken when they launched in the Netherlands. I developed brand experiences for them, led creative direction for special projects and shows, and worked on press events and content creation. That experience added an entirely new dimension to my work and opened doors for me.

In 2002, I launched a hair school in Amsterdam where hairdressers could learn how to style hair for the camera, whether for fashion shoots, TV, or film. Then, in 2006, my wife and I co-founded an agency representing hairstylists, makeup artists, fashion stylists, and art directors. At the same time, I maintained a thriving freelance career, which eventually brought me to New York City in 2007.

For a few years, I split my time between NYC, Paris, and Amsterdam, balancing all three cities. But by 2010, I was so busy in New York—represented by Streeters agency—that my wife and I decided to make the move permanent. We sold everything in Amsterdam—our apartment, business, and car—and relocated to Chelsea with our then 3-year-old son. My wife became my agent at Streeters, and together we built an incredible foundation in NYC.

In 2017, as the industry shifted and new opportunities emerged, we joined The Wall Group. The agency’s strong relationships with publicists and focus on celebrity clients aligned perfectly with the direction my career was evolving. It was a natural progression, and we’ve been with them ever since.

Today, I’m focused on continuing to collaborate with inspiring artists, brands, and clients, while exploring creative opportunities in both hairstyling and consulting. My work is always evolving, and I’m excited about the ways I can continue pushing boundaries, building connections, and telling stories through my craft.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I think the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey have been a passion for creating, strong collaboration skills, and a deep curiosity to learn and grow.
The first, and perhaps most important, step is identifying what truly makes you happy. For me, it’s always been a mix: I love creating something with my hands from scratch, but I also thrive when working in a team. There’s something magical about being part of a creative process where everyone brings their unique perspective—it’s more fulfilling than working alone.
Collaboration has been a cornerstone of my career. I believe my strengths lie in being a good communicator, truly understanding other people’s ideas, and building on them to create something even better. If you’re a strong collaborator, passionate about your craft, and persistent in pursuing your dreams, you’ll eventually find your community and the opportunities that put you where you want to be.
One of the most pivotal moments in my career was finding colleagues I admired when I was starting out. Having mentors who took me under their wing and allowed me to learn from them was invaluable. Later in my career, it became equally rewarding to mentor younger hairstylists and see them grow.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to stay curious, stay open, and find the people who inspire you. Surround yourself with those who challenge you to be better and share your passion for what you do. Keep learning, stay collaborative, and trust that with time and effort, you’ll carve your own path.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m not an online influencer or brand ambassador showcasing products for visibility. Instead, I see myself as a strategic partner, helping hair brands innovate, evolve, and connect with their audience in meaningful ways.
I advise on product innovation, from new formulas and packaging to applications that meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers. My goal is to help brands create high-quality offerings that stand out in a competitive market. I also love working on Runway and Event Collaborations:
Partnering with brands to showcase their products at high-profile fashion events not only provides exposure but also builds credibility. These collaborations highlight the strengths of a brand’s products in real-world, high-stakes scenarios, demonstrating their effectiveness and versatility.
And I love (Hair) Storytelling!
In a crowded market, a hair product needs more than great features—it needs a story. Storytelling brings products to life, connecting them to people’s values and aspirations while creating an emotional impact that lasts. I specialize in turning products into narratives that feel authentic, relatable, and memorable, helping brands build real connections with their audience.
With over 30 years in the fashion and beauty industry, I’ve worked with brands like Redken and Überliss to refine their identity, create impactful products, and elevate their presence through creative campaigns and events. Whether it’s product development, brand strategy, or crafting a story that resonates, I bring hands-on expertise and fresh thinking to help your brand stand out and thrive.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: rutgerhair
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rutger-van-der-heide-00012915b/

Image Credits

Photo’s by TWG