Stephanie is incredibly talented and such a lovely spirit that I couldn’t resist asking her to be featured here on my blog. Her dedication to her career and passion for what she does is evident in every cut, color and style she does. Oh, and her favorite color is fuchsia (yep, we may be soul-mates.)
Stephanie recently scored a much-coveted spot doing hair for Bumble & Bumble at New York Fashion Week! If that’s not inspiring, I don’t know what is. Here’s what Stephanie has to say about fashion week, hair and more!
Since 1999. The “Meg Ryan” haircut was all the rage. I probably did 500 of them. Thanks Sally Hershberger! 🙂
2. What made you decide to be a hair dresser? Were you always passionate about it?
I was always into beauty growing up. As a kid I would watch my mom get ready for dates, and I would be mesmerized by her transformation. I love that in fashion, you can be whoever you want to be. That’s power.
I didn’t always know I would do Hair as a profession. I had done so much to myself- color, cutting, you name it. The day it dawned on me that I could do what I already had a predisposition for (as a career), it changed my life forever. The industry saved me in a lot of ways.
3. You recently did some shows at New York Fashion Week- what was that like?
It was an honor to work with the Bumble and Bumble Team. I got to work with lead stylists in the industry that I have admired for years. I got a real view of what life is like for that breed of hairdresser. You have to have real skills and tough skin. It also made me appreciate my family at Cutloose Hair Salon. My coworkers and my clients mean everything to me.
Stephanie with Rolando Beauchamp, an editorial stylist for Bumble and Bumble
At Catherine Malandrino, the presentation was about to begin and a model came screaming in from another show. Usually, models are doing multiple shows a day. They were literally dressing her, applying her makeup and styling her hair at the same time. -My quintessential Fashion moment!
5. What hair trends were you seeing on the SS 2011 runway? What do you predict will be hot for the spring/summer season?
Spring Summer is typically more laid back than Fall/Winter hair. The styles I worked on were everything from flat ironed bone-straight to the low side-chignon of season’s past. The low side pony with a 60’s inspired tease was my favorite, at Alexander Berardi.
6. What is your favorite thing about your job?
When you live and work as a hairdresser in the same salon, you grow roots. It only gets better, and your relationships get stronger.
7. What is your least favorite part of your job?
I’m rooted. No living in Italy for me!! -(David Tran, I know you’re reading)
8. What are some tips you can share to keep hair healthy?
If you trust your hairdresser, listen to them. The right products will go a long way. Stop using the flat iron everyday, and if you MUST, use a heat protectant. Also, some protein masks out there can actually make your hair more brittle the more you use them. If it does right away, you need moisture. If you are truly damaged, use the protein treatment until things improve. When they do, switch to something lighter.
9. What are some of your favorite hair trends and styles?
I still love braids. The basket weave at Alexander McQueen was stunning. The classic chignon, french twist and ponytail never go out of style, and can make your “holiday look” very elegant.
10. Which celebrities’ hair do you love?
I love Julianne Moore, especially her hair in “A Single Man.” I love that Emma Watson just chopped all of her hair off. It’s adorable on her.
11. What styles over the years have you tried with your own hair? anything crazy you want to share?
I too chopped my hair off to 1 inch all over when I was 21. It was when Gwyneth Paltrow had her short hair ( and was dating Brad Pitt.) I loved that I did it, but I’ll never do it again!
12. In your opinion, what are the biggest mistakes women make with their hair (this can be cut, color, style etc.)
Anything “As seen on t.v.” is usually not wise. Go see your hairdresser and ask him/ her to SHOW you how to style! And then go home and PRACTICE! Psst: ( that’s the only thing we have up on you.)
Thanks so much Stephanie for sharing your tips and experiences 🙂 If you have any questions for Stephanie please post them in the comments and I’m sure she will come back and answer as many as she can.
xoxo,
Veronika.
Can you recommend a good hair mask and a good heat protectant?
I am currently using Moroccan Oil Hydrating Mask and nothing for a heat protectant.
Thanks 🙂
I've heard of the Moroccan hair oil but haven't used it. Do you like it?
I'm a Bumble and Bumble girl, so the Quenching Mask for ultimate hydration is my favorite. That's if your hair needs a huge "drink."
I also love the Styling Lotion and Thickening Spray. They give you light to medium hold and great heat protection, especially when working with hot tools.
Just remember to try a silicon like the Defrizz (also Bumble) when working with the flat iron. I love it because it's lightweight- compared to a lot of frizz fighters out there.
So awesome! I was at one of the fashion shows that she worked at. Small world I tell ya!
Hellow!
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Ok so if you are looking for a new 'grey' colour the colour club ones I bought are gorge!! I wore one yesterday and I love it. . much better than metro chic by sephora by opi. It's not the gray-est of the pack but i'm going to try one of the true gray's next !
Great post!! I love Motivation Mondays!
A motivation Monday that is actually motivating! Yay!
@anon- were the other motivation mondays where I featured real women and their real fitness routines not motivating? I was certainly motivated!
I love motivation mondays…they all motivate me! Thank you for your great posts. I read your blog every day!! 🙂
Hi Steph! Love the interview…and love you! Congrats!
Dodi (aka cousin)
I am now following this blog!!! 🙂
Great post! Loved all the tips and advice she gave.
When you featured Candace and the REAL people, yes that was motivating. They are real people that find time in their busy schedules to focus on fitness and eating well and taking care of themselves.
When you feature people like Audrina and Guiliana, no, that is not nearly as motivating. They have extra time and money, and focusing on how they look is part of their job.
Seriously, I really like your blog, but I don't need to read about how Guiliana eats half of a granola bar as a snack and will only fish pasta off of Bill's plate. I would much rather read about Stephanie working fashion week and Candace keeping pilates part of her busy schedule.
I guess the point of the original comment was to show that I was pleased that you featured a non celebrity that doesn't get paid to be a size 0. Someone that is hardworking is much more motivating!
anon- life is about mixing it up! Celebrities have very very busy lives too and they cram a lot into their schedules…sometimes they have 16 hour days on-set…I mean yes, they have the money and access to experts, but they still have to have the motivation everyday to workout…for example, someone like Guiliana goes to the morning meeting, gets ready, tapes E! News, does other commitements (photoshoots, speaking engagements) etc. She is busy too.
I just like to have a mix. Celebrities are real people too. I really love Guiliana and Bill's show and find them inspiring as a couple, especially in light of what they've recently gone through with her miscarriage.
Thanks, Stephanie and Veronika! I'm going through a horrible hair transformation right now. I acutally had my hair ruined by someone that is teaching cosmetology school and has her own beauty shop! So, if you still have time to answer some questions: What is the best way to grow out this chopped up mess of mine? Is there a good product to use to aid in the growth? And finally, is there anything I can do about thinning hair at the crown of my head. Stephanie, I loved your interview. Thank you for taking time out to answer! Veronika, thanks for seeking out motivation for us bloggers 🙂