Contributed by Vittorio Russolillio
A Cape Town Fixture in the SA Hair Industry for almost 50 Years

We are pleased to share his story on what would have been his birthday as a celebration of his life, as a tribute to Dino Russolillo in celebration of his life and contribution to the South African hair industry.
Dino arrived from Italy to South Africa in the 1970’s looking for a new future. Born and raised in Italy post World War 2, things weren’t always easy, but despite the hardships Dino made himself a success by working in salons in Rome before coming to South Africa with his Fiat 500. On his arrival, he established himself as a stylist. There were many subsequent adventures, included driving that little Fiat 500 up to Zimbabwe with enough petrol money only to go one way, arriving with no job on offer but quickly finding some work and the many stories that followed.

In 1970 he began his South African styling career with Paioni’s in Cape Town at the Garlicks department store CBD, and in 1972 he opened his first Salon called “Tosca” in Cavendish Square. The salon’s name originates from one of his favorite Italian operas.
Over the years this business grew and expanded to many more successful salons. The best known was Tyger Valley, opened in 1986, where he spent over 20 years working as the business grew. He became somewhat of a local celebrity and many clients of the center have stories involving Dino.
Throughout the years he ventured into other businesses including leather and Italian kitchens but always stayed focused on his passion for hair. He joined Intercoiffure and became a treasured team member, introducing new ideas like the “approved by Intercoiffure sticker” for retail of supporting brands. In 2012 he sold Tosca but continued enjoying his lifelong passion in styling from a small location close by.

He was lucky enough to have some very close working colleges over the years and despite up and downs, there were always great stories and some laughs.
From Andy (Schwarzkopf Sales Representative): “In a world where words like legend, icon etc are freely bandied around, Dino was a true ambassador for his craft. Passionate, knowledgeable, quirky generous and edgy in one dynamic package. All this with a ready smile and twinkle in his eye. It was a pleasure and a privilege to have known you for 20 years and call you my friend.”
From his son Vittorio: “My father a person with a small frame but huge in personality and enough confidence to fill the room. My favorite quote of his: ‘Math’s not an opinion, it’s a fact’. He and his energy will be missed by so many.”
Many Cape Town stylist have worked with Dino through the years and we would like to celebrate his contribution to the industry and the impact he made.
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