Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?
A. Many stylists performing micro bead hair extensions claim "No heat, no damage," however, this is not necessarily true. Any method of hair extensions could cause damage if not applied or cared for correctly. NO EXCEPTIONS. I have seen damage caused by all forms of extensions. This is not to say that you will have damage but don't be fooled! There are positives and negatives to each method and it is just important to find out what is right for you!
Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?
A. I am very detailed and efficient with everything I do. Every head is different and I will always allow time for a complete service to tailor to your individual wants and needs. No rushing or being sloppy. No handing you off to an assistant. Nothing but complete custom care from start to finish.
Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. I love making people feel better about themselves. Too obvious? Maybe, but it is too rewarding not to mention. Aside from that I really enjoy working and creating with my hands. With a traditional art background and an Associates degree in Art for Advertising (graphic design) prior to my cosmetology education, I have learned and utilized the concepts of shape, line, form, color and texture in many mediums and now love applying the same key concepts to my favorite medium, HAIR!
Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?
A. I have an extension client who came in late on a Friday night after everyone of my co-workers had already left for the day. She explained that she was interested in hair extensions and although I was currently preforming a haircut on my last client of the day I asked her to come back in 45 min. She did and a free 15 minute consultation turned into an hour.
As women nearing 50 she was desperate to feel better about her short thinning hair. She spoke of the loss of both of her parents in the past year and stress of work. All things that many of us can relate to. She decided to get fusion extensions and once I completed the service the following week she was nearly in tears when she left. I knew in that moment that I helped that women in a way the is hard to put into words. Before she left she hugged me and I sensed that in that moment she believed that things were going to get better. (and I'm happy to say they have. She continues to be a wonderful client and one of the sweetest women I know.)
Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?
A. When I was in the 5th grade I started going to the original Bianchi's salon at 17 and Garfield (which has since moved) and met Dena, a young hip girl fresh out of beauty school. As a young girl I looked up to Dena and continued going to her for haircare services through my college years. Being a hairstylist was always one of my many creative interest but it wasn't until I earned my Associates degree that I decided to attend Michigan College of Beauty.
Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.
A. An extension client came to me today hoping to add a couple inches of length back on after making the mistake of allowing someone else trim it, too short. I replaced the pieces throughout the nape and with extensive blending was able to give her what she wanted. Cutting extensions is not the same as cutting regular hair and I feel that it is not a skill that all extension stylists have perfected. I like when I impress myself and continue to teach myself and build confidence.
Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.
A. I offer most haircare services at reasonable prices, especially when it comes to hair extension services. For a complete list of my prices including extension pricing and hair costs please visit my website and follow the "Services" menu!