Today it is our very good fortune to be speaking with the one and only Aziz El Badaoui. (ba dow wee) In a town known for its intellect and tradition, Aziz El Badaoui has carved out a space where creativity, identity, and craftsmanship intersect. Based in Princeton, New Jersey, Aziz is more than a hairstylist and owner of a prestigious highly sought after salon—he is an artist working in an ever-evolving medium. Aziz’s journey into hairstyling began with a fascination for transformation—the subtle yet powerful way appearance can shape how a person feels, moves, and presents themselves to the world. Each client who sits in his chair becomes part of a collaborative process, where listening is as essential as technique, and where the end result is as much about storytelling as it is about style. Aziz approaches his work with a global perspective and a contemporary sensibility. He is attuned not only to trends, but to the deeper currents beneath them—questions of identity, individuality, and self-expression. His work often reflects a balance between timeless form and modern edge, allowing each look to feel both personal and relevant. In this way, he operates at the intersection of art and everyday life, bringing high-level creative thinking into an intimate, human-scale experience. What sets Aziz apart is his deep desire to train the next generation. Unlike most salons and businesses, Aziz spends time and money to train, educate, and invest in his stylists continued education. Where others might see hair as a finished product, he sees potential—shape, texture. But the question is Aziz’s approach akin to Michelangelo or Jackson Pollock. Both artists are engaged in the same pursuit: uncovering something that already exists, just by different means. Michelangelo reveals by stripping away excess, he sees the angel in the marble and carves until its free; Pollock reveals by immersing himself until the unnecessary falls away through instinct and repetition–he drips art into existence. Within Princeton’s evolving cultural landscape, Aziz represents a new kind of creative voice—one that challenges traditional boundaries between fine art and applied craft. His studio becomes a kind of informal cultural space, where conversations about aesthetics and transformation unfold organically. In this environment, hairstyling becomes more than a service; it becomes an experience, a moment of reinvention, and, at times, a quiet act of empowerment. Through his hands, hairstyling becomes a medium of expression, a vehicle for confidence, and a reflection of the diverse, creative spirit that continues to define Princeton and beyond. To support this podcast go to our donation page to make a gift or become a recurring donor. Please "like" our podcast and subscribe!
