Ara Gallant (1932–1990) was an American hairstylist who was noted for perfecting the "flying hair" technique while working for Vogue in the 1960s.
I had always thought to be talented at something, you had to like it.”[2] Gallant began his career at Bergdorf Goodman as a hairstylist, and eventually became one of New York City's top colorists.
[4] He worked with many notable photographers including Richard Avedon (with whom he frequently collaborated earning the pair the nickname "Aradon") and Irving Penn.
[5] He also worked with many supermodels of that era including Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton, Veruschka, Margaux Hemingway and Penelope Tree.
One of his notable collaborations with Avedon is a 1968 portrait of Twiggy with "flying hair", a visual gimmick mastered by Gallant.
Throughout his career, he worked with many celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor, Warren Beatty, Marisa Berenson, Iman, Mick Jagger, Cher, Sophia Loren, Anjelica Huston and Drew Barrymore.
Gallant wore only black from head to toe, sported chiseled sideburns and frequently lined his eyes with kohl.
"[6] Gallant regularly held dinner parties at his West End Avenue apartment attended by his celebrity friends including Anjelica Huston and Jack Nicholson.