From first assistant to new face of KURO: Wiardi Koopmeiners on covers, the KURO Academy and clients

You've been working for years as KURO’s Bianca van Zwieten's first assistant, are now taking more of a leading role yourself, and joining the KURO team. What does this step mean to you personally?

“As Bianca’s first assistant, I’m involved in major shoots and shows, like the recent one for Vogue Arabia in London. We work really well together: I know exactly what she needs and wants, so she doesn’t have to think about it all the time. I anticipate, answer team questions, and make sure she can fully focus on her work. I take a lot off her plate. I’m really looking forward to working together in the salon too.”

How did you meet?

“Four years ago, I assisted her for the first time. She had posted a call on Instagram, and I responded. Since then, I’ve always joined her. Before that, I already knew her from the Coiffure Awards, where she’s a prominent name.”

How did you get into the profession?

“Since I was a child, I’ve always been busy with hair. My aunt is a hairdresser too and once gave me a training head. I spent hours watching YouTube videos about braiding and curling. At sixteen, I went to hairdressing school and then worked in a salon. I quickly realized I wanted to move into fashion, but at my previous job, that only meant one show a year, like the Coiffure Awards. The rest of the time was regular clients and repetitive treatments. I wanted to work more creatively, so I started doing personal projects. First I took a hairstyling course, and then paid assignments started coming in more frequently.”

How did you combine that with salon work?

“It became difficult to get time off with an employer, so I decided to go freelance and rent a chair. That gave me a lot of freedom to work on my own projects and in my own way. That was four years ago now. I started in Hoorn, later rented a chair in Amsterdam, and now work one day a week at KURO in Rotterdam.”

And how are those creative gigs?

“Super fun, because I can really express myself. My shoot for the Coiffure Awards was especially meaningful because you create the concept yourself and bring it to life visually. This year, I even won the title of Best Women's Hairdresser with it. My style is classic but translated into something new. A technique like the wave can look dated quickly, but by applying it differently and refining it, it becomes something modern and surprising.”

Award winning foto's Coiffure 2025

You’ve just done two major covers with Yolanthe Cabau for Numéro and ELLE Netherlands. What was it like doing such high-profile jobs?

“I often work with the same photographer for Numéro. He asked me if I wanted to do a cover with Yolanthe. A week later, my agent texted me saying I got the ELLE cover too. The fact that they came so close together was pure coincidence. For Numéro, I went for a classic-modern look: first, Yolanthe’s own hair with a wave that moved beautifully in the wind, then a black bob wig with a hint of Cleopatra. For ELLE, I created a soft, natural look in a stable in Het Gooi. Later that day, we went for a wet look, with the hair drawn over her body and face.”

What do you bring from the editorial and fashion world to your work at KURO?

“Mainly the latest trends and techniques, in a way that’s achievable for clients. If the holidays are coming up, for instance, I like to show how you can easily create something festive without spending hours. I always emphasize the importance of good products. In the salon, we often use multiple products in layers, which helps a look last longer. I try to explain that well to clients so they can apply it at home too.”

What do you bring to the KURO team?

“At KURO, I might be the classic choice for clients: beautifully blow-dried shiny hair, colors that look natural. If someone wants a balayage, I love it when people wonder whether the hair is even dyed. I also bring energy and good vibes. I’m good at sensing whether someone feels like chatting or prefers quiet, and I adapt to that. Since I’m young, I sometimes look at things differently, which can complement my colleagues nicely.”

What can KURO clients expect from you on the days you work in the salon?

“A personal approach. With new clients, I prefer to assess things first and take a more cautious approach. If someone says they want to go blonder, I start subtly so it never becomes too intense. My goal is always for clients not to have to return for at least three months, so they can enjoy it for a long time.”

You’re also taking over part of KURO’s education and fashion shoots. How are you approaching that?

“We’re currently working on the new campaign, which we want to shoot in October and launch in November. It will be a collection of eight visuals over three shooting days. We’re also creating new images for the Coiffure Awards and other creative projects. For the KURO Academy, there will be a two-day masterclass: the first day covers the editorial process, the second is a photoshoot where participants receive my concept and create their own interpretation. I find it important that hairdressers learn to put their own signature into a look, even if a concept already exists. That makes your work unique and helps you continue to develop your own style.”

When you think of KURO, what do you think defines this brand and place?

“For me, it’s organic hair: lively, natural, and always with its own character, like curls that don’t all coil in the same way.”

And what are you most looking forward to in this collaboration?

“To grow further with KURO. I really appreciate that Bianca sees what I’m capable of and wants to elevate me to the next level. Doing that together makes it extra special.”

Which hair trend or technique would you like to highlight more in the coming period for clients or in editorial work?

“Copper and warmer tones, especially in autumn. Cool colors are becoming less common, and I love bringing back that warm glow.”

Want to discover for yourself why Wiardi Koopmeiners is an award-winning stylist?

Styling sessions with Wiardi – Sundays October 5 & 19, then every Friday from November.