Biography

A front runner in the world of Hollywood hair, stylist Pierce Austin has created unforgettable looks during his years in the industry. As a celebrity barber, his work has graced the pages-and covers-of magazines including GQ, People, Vanity Fair, Essence, Newsweek and Premiere. His styling's can be seen on the big screen in feature films such as "Hitch," "I, Robot," "Men In Black" and "Ali," as well as television shows such as "Family Matters," "Melrose Place" and HBO's original movie "Laurel Avenue." Inspired by each client's uniqueness, Austin personalizes any given character look to compliment individual style. With a background in graphic design, he improves the efficiency of pre-production on movie and television sets by creating images of the project's characters to present to directors and producers without ever having to pick up his clippers.

Before becoming established in the industry, he first honed his clipping skills at the Horst Cosmetology School in Minneapolis. Amidst the rise of Black talent in the nineties, Austin moved to L.A. and held a booth at the historic salon Winston's on Melrose. There, he had the opportunity to shape some celebrity coifs including those of Muhammad Ali Kobe Bryant. He met Will Smith on the set of "The Fresh Prince of Belair" in 1995, and soon became Mr. Smith's personal barber. They have remained a team after twenty two movies, six albums and numerous print shoots.

As a result of his work with Mr. Smith, Austin became motivated by his extensive experience on sets. He recognized the need for an improved creative working environment. This led to his development of a 53 ft. hair and makeup trailer that goes with him on location. It is fully equipped with eight stations and two bathrooms and is available for rent when not needed on set.

With his profound creativity and versatility with clippers, Austin crafts everything from period hair to innovative and fresh styles-whether on a computer or in his trailer.
- IMDb mini biography by: Scott Johnson