Expert Tips from a Professional Hair Stylist

Can you tell us a little about your background and how you became a stylist? Missy Anderson: I've always been interested in hair and fashion from a young age, so becoming a stylist was a natural fit for me. I started my career as an apprentice in a salon and worked my way up to becoming a full-fledged stylist. I've been working in the industry for about 10 years now.

How would you describe your styling philosophy? Missy Anderson: I believe that hairstyling should enhance a person's natural beauty and bring out their individual features. I take the time to listen to my clients and understand their lifestyle and needs, then work with them to create a look that's perfect for them.

Can you share some tips on how to maintain healthy hair while constantly styling it? Missy Anderson: One of the most important things is to use quality hair care products that are formulated to protect the hair from heat styling and chemical treatments. Also, using deep-conditioning treatments regularly and getting regular trims can help maintain the health of the hair. And lastly, avoiding over styling the hair and protecting it while sleeping will help in maintaining the healthy hair.

How do you stay current with the latest styling trends? Missy Anderson: I attend trade shows, workshops and classes, and follow industry leaders and influencers on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, techniques and products. Also, I try to do some experimentation in salon by myself.

How do you handle difficult clients or requests? Missy Anderson: I always aim to provide the best service possible, so if a client is dissatisfied or has a difficult request, I try to understand their needs and concerns. I will explain to them what is and isn't possible, and work with them to find a solution that meets their needs while also considering the health and integrity of their hair.

Can you tell us about the importance of using high-quality hair shears in your work as a stylist? Missy Anderson: High-quality hair shears are a crucial tool for a stylist. They allow for precise cutting and create a clean, smooth finish. Cheap shears can lead to uneven cuts, causing damage and uneven growth. I always invest in high-quality shears that are sharp and easy to handle, it makes the hair cutting process so much more efficient and precise.

How do you take care of your hair cutting scissors to maintain their sharpness? Missy Anderson: I sharpen and maintain my shears regularly. It's important to oil and clean them after each use and to keep them stored in a safe and dry place. I also get my shears professionally sharpened at least once a year. Also proper cutting technique is also important to maintain the sharpness of the shears.

Can you tell us about the different types of hair cutting scissors and when you would use each one? Missy Anderson: There are different types of hair cutting scissors like: straight edge scissors, offset scissors, thinning scissors, and texturizing scissors. Straight edge scissors are great for general cutting and can be used to create a variety of hairstyles. Offset scissors have one blade that is shorter than the other and they're perfect for precision cutting and detail work. Thinning scissors have teeth on one or both blades and are used to remove bulk and blend layers in the hair. Texturizing scissors are great for creating choppy, textured cuts and removing bulk from thick hair.

What are some common mistakes you see clients making when it comes to their hair? Missy Anderson: One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong hair care products for their hair type. Another is neglecting regular trims and waiting until their hair is damaged before getting a haircut. Also not taking care of the hair color and using wrong hair color for their skin tone is another mistake.

Can you tell us about a time when you had to think creatively to solve a styling problem? Missy Anderson: Recently, I had a client who had very fine, thin hair and she wanted a full, voluminous style for an upcoming event. I had to think outside the box and use a combination of techniques, such as backcombing and hair extensions, to achieve the desired result.

How do you approach creating a new look for a client? Missy Anderson: I first start by having a consultation with the client to understand their preferences, lifestyle, and hair type. Then I do a thorough analysis of their hair, face shape, and overall aesthetic. Based on that, I suggest different looks and styles that would best suit them and then we decide on one together.

Can you share some advice for aspiring stylists? Missy Anderson: The most important thing is to have a passion for hair and fashion and continuously educate yourself on the latest techniques, trends and products. It's also important to be able to work well with clients and to have strong communication skills. I would also recommend for them to get an apprenticeship and work in a salon, so that you have hands on experience and learn from experienced stylist.

Can you tell us about any charity or volunteer work you're involved in related to hairstyling? Missy Anderson: I believe in giving back to the community, so I volunteer my time and skills at local charities and events. Recently, I did a hair styling event at a local women's shelter, where we provided haircuts and styling services to women who may not have access to them otherwise. It was a really rewarding experience and I look forward to doing more volunteer work in the future.

How do you balance time management and working with many clients each day? Missy Anderson: Time management is crucial in this profession. I make sure to book appointments in such a way that allows me to balance my time effectively. I also use appointment management software that helps me to keep track of all my clients' details, schedule, and appointment times.

How you approach to different hair types and textures? Missy Anderson: Each hair type and texture requires a different approach. I understand that every person is unique, so I work with different products, tools and techniques to ensure that each client's hair type and texture is treated in the best way possible.

How you deal with difficult hair types to style? Missy Anderson: It can be challenging, but it's all about understanding the hair type and finding the right styling techniques, products and tools that work for it. I take the time to research, experiment and test different methods and find the perfect approach that works for that specific hair type.

How do you help clients choose a hairstyle that complements their face shape and overall aesthetic? Missy Anderson: I first assess the client's face shape and overall aesthetic, then recommend hairstyles that will flatter their features. I also provide them with pictures and show them how the hairstyle would look on them using digital tools. This way, they can have a better understanding of how the style would look on them before they decide on one.