The Virtue of Hair

As a hairstylist, texture to me represents individuality. I fell in love with hair at a very young age. I understood with the right amount of product, backcombing or an added accessory I could create my own art form using hair as a medium to sculpt.

Historically, hair has defined movements. It’s an instrument that allows us the freedom to evolve and celebrate our distinctiveness. For women specifically, it has often been a sign of acceptance within communities. It's incredible to be living in a time where every type of hair texture is being embraced and celebrated. The walls of conformity are coming down, and we are experiencing the freedom to explore individual definitions of beauty. I love being a hairstylist who gets to build a woman’s confidence and help her discover her personal style, whether as a trendsetter or a trend follower. Neither is right or wrong. It’s all about feeling your most confident in the choice you make. Hair presents endless possibilities. Whether you’re manipulating it to create a style or enhancing your natural texture, hair is your greatest accessory.

Hair can also define a person almost immediately. It tells a story. When I work with my clients, I want to make sure I bring out their individuality, never homogenizing anyone, and create the most beautiful look that feels very “now.” It’s a collaborative process, and I'm blessed to have incredible muses who allow me to express my artistry and are who are willing to take risks.

Whether I’m doing a reinvented punk vibe on Kristen Stewart, a dramatic shortcut and color reveal on Charlize Theron, a beautiful blowout on Jennifer Garner, or a sleek style on Anne Hathaway, shine, richness, texture and the health of hair are the foundation to any style I create. Color and accessories are great options to accentuate a look and add a wow factor to draw attention. I have used everything from a couture piece from Givenchy and a diamond Tiffany tennis bracelet to simple black thread sourced from a local fabric store. Enhancing the natural character of the hair and playing with texture and design are how I create the looks I’m known for.

My process includes research, sourcing references and images, and creating mood boards that help create the moment I’m after. For inspiration, I look at everything from tribes in Africa, to Marie Antoinette, to 80s and 90s London grunge, to street styles I see on my travels. It always starts with understanding the person and the event I am creating for. I love collaborating with the entire team involved – the fashion designers, makeup artists and stylists – to tell a cohesive story. My mission is to make my clients feel powerful and beautiful and to understand what will enhance the narrative. How does the hair style play into the storyline? How can I achieve it creatively and authentically? Sometimes, the hair can be the star of the show, but it still can’t overwhelm the individual. I never want the hair to wear the person. I want the person to wear the hair.

What I have realized through my 30-year career is that achieving the greatest results starts with having the healthiest hair possible. This is why I became a partner at Virtue Labs. They are a true science-based biotech hair company that allows us to push our hair to its limits while keeping it at its healthiest. The star ingredient in Virtue products is Alpha Keratin 60ku, which has enormous benefits for repairing hair. Unlike other “keratins,” which are highly processed animal by-products, this is a unique, natural protein derived from human hair and carefully extracted to remain whole and fully functional. Since it is essentially hair, it “sees” cracks of damage and goes where it’s needed to repave and repair the damage, giving you your best hair possible. As a stylist, I couldn’t ask for anything better. I want the best canvas and the best tools in order to create my most exciting art.

The list of things that keeps me inspired as I continue to style is endless. I love to learn, and I am an avid student. I believe that to be interesting you need to be interested. If you’re thinking about trying something new with your personal style, my greatest advice is don't be scared. Hair grows. I know you were probably traumatized by your first hair cut – we all were!

But my mantra is that hair is your greatest accessory. So, try something new! You may hate or love it, but you will never know until you try. All of us want to feel like the best versions of ourselves. There are moments when a character can help you feel more confident, but most of the time, it’s about you feeling like your most beautiful self in your most authentic form.