ASK A STYLIST: Q& A
Written by Jenni Mardis, Hairstylist at Urban Betty
As a stylist, every now and then I’ll have a very curious client sit in my chair. She’ll want to know things like what products I’m using and how they work, the science behind the color I’m applying, or even why I chose to get into the beauty industry and what I love about it. So I thought, what better than to write a quick blog on common questions that I get asked. Here are just a few:
WHAT’S THE BEST AIR DRY PRODUCT TO PUT IN YOUR HAIR?
This is one of my most frequently asked questions. Here are the top 3 leave-in products we sell at Urban Betty.
Pureology’s Colour Fanatic Multi-Benefit Leave-In Treatment Spray
Retail: $25
Benefits: Created to prime, protect and perfect, this leave-in hair treatment spray provides color-treated hair with 21 essential benefits in one bottle.
ONLY By Nina Fitzgerald
Retail: $28 (8 oz. bottle)
Benefits: This product was created by Urban Betty stylist Nina Fitzgerald and is the most essential conditioner that you will ever use. Primarily, it can be used scalp to ends for healthy, lightweight and shiny hair, and also as a mask, if left on longer. ONLY is safe for the whole family, and only has 7 ingredients, something that is not touted by any other conditioner! It is safe, and non-toxic and has a aroma that will remind you of standing on a seaside cliff, while breathing in the fresh air. ONLY is free of petrochemicals and synthetic dyes.
Other uses include:
- De-tangler
- Leave-in conditioner
- Taming fly-aways on dry hair
- Hydrating, non-oily lotion on dry skin
- Excellent shave lotion
- Curl re-hydrator
- Soften beard hair
REVERIE’s MILK Anti-Frizz Leave-In Nourishing Treatment
Retail: $43
Benefits: MILK Anti-Frizz Leave-In Nourishing Treatment from REVERIE is a lightweight formula that leaves hair moisturized without weighing it down. Created with a potent blend of 16 essential oils, this leave-in conditioner imparts an herbal scent, while rich oils of coconut, olive and almond reduce frizz and add shine.
WHAT’S THE SECRET TO GETTING GLOSSY HAIR?
There are a few quick suggestions I can make to answer this.
1. For everyday care, use cold water when shampooing and rinsing. And when I say cold, I mean as cold as possible. Not even warm water. The colder the water, the tighter the cuticle will lay leaving a smooth surface on your hair strands.
2. Get a Shades EQ gloss service, a demi-permanent hair color, applied to your hair. It doesn’t even need to have pigment in it; we can coat your hair in a clear gloss and call it a day. Simple as that.
3. Eat right. Giving your body the right nutrients will be reflected in your hair.
4. Use a leave-in spray treatment or a hair oil before blow drying.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT SALON TO WORK FOR?
In my opinion, this is one of the most important things to figure out as a stylist. It’s a beautiful time to be in the hair industry because there is such a diverse selection of types of stylists and salons. My best advice? Know what you want and don’t want before making a commitment to a salon. Ask as many questions in the interview as possible. It took me working for a salon where I wanted to change so much of how it was being ran and daily interactions within the company to know what I actually needed from a salon I want to be a part of. These are my personal 5 must-haves in a salon.
- Goals.
I work best when I know what the end game is. I have always have looked for a Summit salon because they truly allow stylists to grow their personal careers. The Summit structure is fair, consistent, goal oriented, and highly rewarding.
- Culture
I need to be in a work environment that allows me to express my creative self through how I create looks for my clients and also the way I dress. I need to be surrounded by people who share my drive and passion for cosmetology. I need a clean and well-organized work space. And I need a loving, judgment-free support system.
- Education
I have always held continued education as one of my top priorities. I don’t think that it’s possible to keep up with this career, if you have no idea what is happening in the world of learning. Although I do seek education away from the salon as well, I want to receive education from the salon that I work for.
- Products
I need to work in a salon that carries products I trust and have been educated on. I need the salon that I work for to keep products stocked and current.
- Management
I need the salon I work for to care about me as an individual first before making money.
Create your own checklist of must-haves and if where you are interviewing doesn’t meet your personal criteria, keep searching. Best of luck!
One more question that I’m asked frequently from clients is how to curl your hair without using heat or a curling iron. There are actually multiple ways to achieve waves and curls, and I’ll show you just how in my next blog!
