This month, our Holistic Hair Stylist Spotlight is on Abigail Waldrum!

Abigail is a hair stylist at Sepulveda Hair Studio in Deland, FL., and is an active member of our Oway Holistic Hair Stylist Forum on Facebook! She dazzles our community with her beautiful balayage techniques and willingness to help others – and we just love that!

Obviously, we had to get to know Abigail and showcase some of her beautiful work with Oway!

How do you think that hair relates to a person’s confidence?

Hair can drastically change a persons appearance. When you can help someone feel beautiful or attractive you can directly impact their self esteem. I think as stylists we often underestimate the impact we have on our clients.

We touch, we enhance, we nurture and we strengthen. We physically, emotionally and sometimes even spiritually enhance our clients lives.

It is a gift to do what we do. We blend artistry with nurturing. I love it!

Who has been the biggest influence in your career?

Oddly enough, it was probably a therapist I saw years ago who nudged me forward to pursue my passions. I used to be a clinical social worker and was very comfortable in that world.

But something big was missing.

I so admired Vidal Sassoon even as a child. I was enamored by designers and stylists. But I pursued a more traditional education and went on to graduate school and a career. When I finally gave myself permission to be an artist, it’s like the floodgates opened. I have never once looked back or regretted that decision.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of investing my time and energy into being my authentic self. It has lead me to my career and my passion.

It has lead me to the most beautiful salon I have ever worked at. And it’s lead me to products that are in line with my personal beliefs. I truly believe that like attracts like. I fell into meeting David Sepulveda, the owner of Sepulveda Hair Studio. I have learned so much from him including falling in love with Oway.

It’s so exciting to know you can be successful and holistic in the beauty industry. I did not think that was possible before.

Join Abigail and other like-minded stylists in our Organic Way Holistic Hair Colorist Group here!

Changing Salons For The Better

As our tribe of passionate Holistic Hair Stylists continues to grow, we want you to get to know our educators! These are the leaders helping us pioneer the holistic hair revolution beyond the chair. As Educators, they help their fellow hair stylists gain knowledge and inspiration by teaching in-salon and online classes.

In the spotlight this month is Maureen Fox-Meyer. She owns The Change, an organic salon in Sartell, Minnesota.

What got you into the world of using healthier, holistic beauty products?

My journey into healthier products stems from my Dad passing away from pancreatic cancer. I was kind of lost and trying to find my path in life at that time. I got a Bachelor’s degree in vocal music and a minor in Psychology, but didn’t want to do music as my career anymore. So I had been cutting and coloring all my family and friend’s hair simply because I really enjoyed doing it as a hobby and seemed to have a knack for it. When my Dad got diagnosed, it really put things into perspective and I realized that the passionate career I was seeking was right there in front of me and all I needed to to was get my degree and get started.

Going through the process of my Dad’s cancer diagnosis and treatment, I started to realize just how important the things we use in and on our bodies really are. We did many natural treatments and dietary changes that really helped improved his quality of life and prolonged his time here with us. It wasn’t a fun or easy time in my life, but without it I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

I made a promise to myself before I even started beauty school that my goal was to start the most natural and non-toxic salon that I possibly could. At the time, I didn’t know if products like Oway even existed, but I was determined to find the best thing out there.

I graduated beauty school in the spring of 2008 and opened The Change, An Organic Hair Salon in the fall of 2013. I tried many product lines in my search of the best non-toxic color line and now am very happy with the results and healthy hair I now get with Oway!

Who has inspired you to be an educator?

There have been a number of great educators in my life that made me see how fulfilling it is to share your passion with others. My voice teacher, Mitra Sadeghpour, was really inspirational to me because she was always positive and motivating. She saw the potential in me and made me believe it for myself.

Cristina Hupe was my haircutting instructor and friend (we are about the same age but she did hair school first and I went to a 4 year college first). She taught me to be very exacting in my expectations for what students can achieve and to not settle for good enough, when you know they can do great things. Finally, my mother was always teaching me about everything around from rock formations to birds to how to make a million crafts and science experiments. She really taught me to love learning and that there is wonder and beauty in everything and everyone.

In addition to being paid to do what you love, how else has your hair life created value to you?

Through all the things I have tried to do for work (music, realtor, retail sales, flooring sales, educator, etc.) I find that the thing that gives me the most satisfaction is being able to use my creativity and talents to make people’s lives better. I get that everyday in this profession.

I get to use my knowledge, help other stylists, teach clients, be creative and get direct feedback about how I am making everyone feel better about themselves which can then lead them to making other people feel good, too.

Seeing the smile on my client’s face as they leave is one of the best compliments I could ever receive.

What is one of your favorite looks you have created with Oway and what products were used?

I have done a lot of transformations with Oway that really excite me. The latest work of love that I created was on a woman who came in for a color correction. She had never been in to our salon before and had 3 colors going on. Her base was a grown out 2 inches of a neutral level 9, the mid lengths were a level 7 gold that was so heavy it was practically copper, and her ombré ends were very golden level 10.

Her hair strength was good, but needing some serious moisture. We decided on a heavy highlight lowlight because she wanted dimension and depth for fall. My formula was 20 volume hbleach for the highlight that I painted down to where the ombré highlights started, the lowlight I used from root to tip; it was 28 grams 4.0+ 3 grams 0.7 9 volume htone. I used a heavy natural looking foil pattern and processed for 30 minutes.

I shampooed her with hbalance shampoo, rinsed and then I applied hmilk and left it on for 5 minutes while I mixed up a toner. I used 20g 11.17+ 20g 10.1 9 volume htone. After rinsing the hmilk from her hair it was a much better moisture content so the toner could take more evenly. I put the toner on towel dried hair and let it process for 6 minutes before rinsing, shampooed again with hbalance shampoo and finished with hbalance mask. To finish I styled her with glossy nectar and frozen glaze cocktailed together, blow dried and loosely curled.

Which styling tool/products are your best friends?

My number one product is Glossy Nectar. I use it on everybody! It gives me such shine and moisture while also protecting the hair from damage. I don’t really enjoy stickiness or overusing products on hair that I have just colored, so I tend to be a minimalist with products. Plus, clients get overwhelmed if you use more than 3 stylers on them!

I have naturally fine, curly hair and I like to wear it natural a lot- so for myself I can’t live without boho pomade. It gives you definition, takes down frizz, but adds volume all in one product. It’s great for second or even third day curls! At first the texture is a little odd, but just ignore that and scrunch it in- you can’t go wrong.

As far as tools go, at the salon, we have all recently fallen in love with the Epic Professional Wet brush-pro Quick Dry Brush. Its a vented detangling brush that cuts down your blow-dry time on those long haired clients that take forever to dry. It is curved to it grab more hair and is gentle to the scalp.

What is your favorite type of client?

My favorite kind of client is someone who has had trouble finding the right stylist, is possibly disheartened with our profession or needs a serious color correction.  I love the process of winning their trust and showing them that many of us do really know what we are doing and that they can have amazing hair again!  The transformation in their attitudes and self-esteem really give me a sense of how I  have an impact on a person’s life simply by showing them the beauty they already possess and enhancing that for them.

If you could makeover a celebrity, who would it be and how would you do it?

A celebrity I would love to make over is Miley Cyrus. She wants to be bold and edgy but it comes off harsh and unpolished. I like her blonde but would like to soften it with some peaches and pinks toward her base and give her a nice shadow root with a 8.1 brushed out over the blondes. The peach I would make with 9.43+ 9.0+ 0.6 and the pink 11.17+ 0.6. That would still give her a fun and bold image, but be more fitting to her skin tone.

Tell us what you love about educating others.

I love educating others because I believe that everyone should know the options available to them. I like to show other stylists what is possible and watch the process of discovery in them. Many people are so used to the ammonia-based systems that they are very wary about things that are new and different. I like to gently show them what can be and let them see it for themselves.

My salon’s name and motto is based on “Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Ghandi. I believe that by using products that hold the client, the stylist and nature in the highest regard, we really can change the world.

As our Holistic Hair Tribe continues to thrive, we can’t but notice some standout stylists! In the spotlight this month is Kat Cline. She’s a Managing Stylist at TMAC’s Hair Studio in Mobile, AL. She specializes in hair color, highlights, cuts, and styling, but also men’s grooming and barbering services.

She’s no stranger to educating others on health, beauty and wellness, and has been able to combine her love for all three behind the chair.

Tell us a little about yourself! What brought you to working with a holistic hair line?

Although I haven’t been in the hair industry for very long, I’ve been very involved in the holistic and health/wellness world. I started a food blog The Primordial Table in 2012 that was geared towards ancestral health. In the last several years, I have transformed the blog into mostly recipes and support for those who are hoping to control/maintain/reverse autoimmune conditions.

I have a very large Instagram following, where I also share my dedication towards finding all natural and less toxic cleaning supplies, makeup, skin care, hair care, and so on. To me, holistic wellness is a lifestyle, and I want to incorporate it into all aspects of life including my job and career.

What is one of your favorite looks to create and which products do you use to create them?

My favorite looks right now are the balayaged/ombre styles that are soft and blended. I love the reverse application process – that’s where you take a previously highlighted or blonde client and transition their base into a soft, blended, more low maintenance style.

I’ve been using Oway’s Hnectar color almost exclusively for these looks because the color line is so natural and almost flawless in the blending process. My clients are also loving the shine and silkiness of their hair post-color.

What is your favorite client story?

My favorite client story recently is probably my brother’s story. I don’t regularly cut his hair, but he’s had fine, thinning hair for almost the last decade. He’d tried everything and resigned himself to no hair within the next five years. We’ve talked and argued a lot about different products. I’ve given him samples, and so on.

On my last trip to Tampa to get Oway Certified, I met him for dinner since he lived in the area. We talked and argued about him trying Oway, and he was stubborn that he wasn’t going to try it. But he shared that he was almost out of the usual stuff he had so I bought a bottle of the Micro-stimulating hair bath and left it with my mom to give it to him. When he ran out, he decided to try the Oway since it was “laying around”.

He called two months after my visit to share with amazement that the shampoo was making his hair feel the strongest he’s felt it in years. And he also shared that he was no longer afraid to touch his hair because it used to fall out in his hands when he did.

He also wanted to remedy to go with the hair bath. Sure, this story makes me feel great because my older brother finally admitted I was right for the first time ever, but it’s also a reminder to not give up on a situation just because a client has! There’s always going to be new information or new products, and you never know what might work!

How do you relax after a long day at work?

I’m a huge foodie, and I LOVE to cook so my favorite way to relax after a long day is usually to cook a simple dish or enjoy a delicious meal from one of my batch cook sessions. Enjoying a meal with a glass of wine and a friend are always a bonus.

If you had one wish what would it be?

My one wish is for a more eco and environmentally aware society.

I love being a part of a community like Oway, and others that desire environmentally-friendly, sustainable products, that desire better farming and agriculture practices, that desire fair trade and sustainability, but I wish that more of society as a whole felt the same way. I’m happy with the revolution that is underway, but I can’t wait for it to continue to grow and become a very big thing that will change the world.

What would you like to see change in our industry?

The biggest thing I would love the see change in our industry are higher standards to continue to educate ourselves as hairstylists. I’m fortunate enough to work with coworkers who are always looking for new classes and information, but I know this isn’t always the case.

I think the industry is only as strong as our weakest link, and I would love to see more hairstylists working together to find new ways or better ways to do hair instead of being so competitive. I think the sharing of information is a beautiful thing that not only creates great hairstylists, but also creates happy clients and a world full of beautiful people with great hair.

What sort of trends do you see on the horizon for the beginning of 2017?

As for upcoming trends, I still see the “lived in” looks reigning supreme for most clients. With the 80s and 90s making some comebacks in the fashion world, embracing natural texture or enhancing tousled, bed-head texture for ease of styling seems to be the go to. I think texture, low maintenance, easy styling are going to be the key words for a while.

Join Kat and other like-minded stylists in our Organic Way Holistic Hair Colorist Group here!

1. Your Attitude Will Determine Your Altitude.

Many Hair Stylists and Salon Owners ask “how can I increase salon retail sales?” Meanwhile, you cringe at the word “selling,” and repeatedly tell yourself, “I’m not a salesperson.”

This is mistake #1.

First, the phrase “to sell,” is clearly in need of a definition makeover, so here it goes:

Selling is the identification and fulfillment of a need – nothing less, nothing more.

Many of you have the same clients for years, even decades. You do their hair (maybe even their kids’ hair). You know secrets about them you’ll take to the grave, and you’re the only person they trust to come near them with a pair of scissors.

What does this tell you?

You’re trusted, and for good reasons!

Remind yourself, you’re not a scammy used car salesman, who will do ‘whatever it takes’ to get someone into a Ford Pinto, today – you are a consummate beauty professional. You know you know the wants and needs of your clients’ hair better than anyone.

Have confidence in yourself and your position of power, and use it to send your clients home with products you know they’ll need and love. You’re more than qualified to make these recommendations, so don’t feel guilty or scared to do so!

Which brings us to our next tip for a successful salon retail strategy.

2. Product Selection

Choose products you believe in!

Once you choose to only sell products you personally believe in, the idea of retailing in your salon becomes a lot easier. You will no longer feel like you’re selling anything – you’re just simply recommending products you know will fulfill your clients hair needs.

Before taking on an entire line in your salon, have every stylist try the products and give an in-depth review. That way, you’ll know if it’s a line that you want to fully commit to and you’ll have different talking points. Hair Stylists with very good client relationships are even encouraged to give their clients a sample to test.

Mauricio of Mauricio’s Hair Studio in New York says, “I give my most loyal clients the opportunity to test and try any new products I am considering. That way, I hear it straight from the source of my sales – they also appreciate the fact that they have a say in which products I carry.”

Say no to salon product diversion!

All of your friendly retail suggestions will come to a screeching halt as soon as your client says, “I can buy it cheaper at Ulta or online.”

Too many companies exploit the expert knowledge and influence of Hair Stylists to gain brand affinity with their clients, then once it becomes profitable enough, they divert their products to large retail stores.

Can you think of a brand that was once salon exclusive, but are now sold directly to consumers?

We can.

So, when selecting the right products for your salon we suggest asking yourself these 3 questions:

• Do I believe in these products?
• Are these products unique enough to set my salon apart?
• Are these products diverted?

3. Educate Yourself on Your Products

While it’s great to have an aesthetically pleasing retail shelf, you shouldn’t rely on just the look of your products to make a sale.

There’s a lot of great information to share about the products you carry that goes beyond, “it smells good.”

Hair products at Wal-Mart smell good. Tell them why they’re really investing the money in high-quality salon products.

For example, explain to them the importance of pH, and how your products work at the optimal level to prolong color and improve the health of their hair. If you’re one of our organic Stylists, there are a multitude of talking points that help your products stand out – not just from a beauty perspective, but also from a health and eco-conscious standpoint.

Once you’re able to make well-educated recommendations, you’ll start building a trusting retail relationship with your clients. Which brings to our next retail tip for salons.

4. Consultation is Key: Press for the Yes

A solid, honest consultation is vital for not just retailing products, but for fully understanding your client’s wants, needs, and lifestyle. As a stylist, it is our job to lead the conversation and make sure the client will be happy with their service.

Be sure to listen closely and help your client decide why they want a certain look. Do they keep bringing in a picture of a certain celebrity because they like hair or because they like the idea of being that celebrity? Do they bring in a picture of them at a wedding because they actually liked their hair, or the nostalgia of happy times?

There’s a reason why Hair Stylists often get the reputation of being therapists or psychologists. Our job is to listen and translate our clients’ thoughts and ideas into a look that radiates beauty from the inside out.

Here are a few basic guidelines for conducting a good consultation:

Ask questions!

• How often do you plan on returning to the salon?
• What is your styling routine like?
• What do you like and dislike about your hair?
• What challenges do you have when styling it?
• Are you looking to try out a new look or style? Or do you want to enhance what you already have?

Do the Wet Stretch Test!

The Wet Stretch Test will determine the integrity of your client’s hair, and more importantly, tell you what is missing from the healthy hair equation. Not to mention, it keeps your client engaged with you during the service, as you are educating them on what their hair truly needs and why.

However, understand the consultation does not stop just before your service.

After you’ve completed your cut and/or color, you should have accurate insight into what kind of hair your client has and where their issues lie.

This is where we tell you to softly press for the yes.

Getting a person to say, “yes” a few times before a purchase, is a proven technique to increase the likelihood of a sale.

Here’s an example of some dialogue between a Hair Stylist and her client in salon retail sale situation:

Hair Stylist: You said you use a flat iron and blow dryer almost every day, right?
Client: Yes, I need to or my hair is a mess.
Hair Stylist: I understand, but you are also trying to grow your hair out and hate all of the split ends from your flat iron?
Client: Yes, it’s so annoying.
Hair Stylist: You should try this heat protectant and gloss serum. It will protect your hair from intense heat, and the gloss serum will help smooth down any split ends or frizz. It also contains no plastics, so you won’t have to worry about artificial waxes and petrochemicals that only make the hair appear healthy.

This is just one example. The more you know about your products, the easier it will be to make recommendations that will help build trust between you and your salon clientele!

This brings us to our next tip for selling salon retail.

5. Build Trust

Trust is at the heart of every successful relationship.

Many of you already know that special connection between a Hair Stylist and his/her client is more of a friendship than anything else. Moreover, most true friendships do not occur over night, and must be steadily earned in time.

It is very important in the beginning stages of your friendship with your clients, to focus on earning their trust.

Instead of pushing multiple products on a new client, start with just the basics to enhance and maintain their service. If it’s color, shampoo and conditioner; if it’s a hair cut, just a styling product. If they still show uncertainty, perhaps extend to them a discount they are able to use during their next visit (that is only redeemable with you).

You gain trust through listening to your clients’ problems, you keep trust by solving them!

Once you solve one hair problem, that opens the doors of opportunity to solve more. So, build that trust and be a good friend to your client!

6. Back Bowl/Styling Opportunity

The time at the shampoo bowl is the perfect opportunity to acquaint your client with the products you are using. Tell them what the products will do to help their hair.

Once you’ve done the Wet Stretch Test, your client should be aware of what their hair is lacking. So, while giving them a nice head massage, explain that this shampoo and conditioner/treatment will add moisture/protein and will heal the hair from the inside out.

Washing your client’s hair should be a relaxing experience, and is an opportune time to stimulate the senses.

Paint a picture for your clients – you are the artist, after all.

For example, if you’re using a lightly floral scented shampoo, try to relax the client further and say, “I love this shampoo – not only does it make the hair shiny, it makes you feel like your lying in a bed of roses.”

The same opportunity that exists at the bowl, also exists when you style their hair.

So, show off your styling products!

Instead of just jumping in and styling your clients hair, let them know what you’re using and why. Teach them how to properly use the product and style their hair – they’ll appreciate the tip and be more apt to purchase the product you used!

Another great place to expose your clients to your amazing products is at your retail display.

7. Retail Display Optimization and Visual Merchandising

Whether your retail display is large or small, shopping and browsing for products should be an experience!

Try following these guidelines for a successful salon retail display:

We always suggest having a few shelf talkers – little labels that highlight the ingredients and benefits of your products. If you’re having a sale on certain items, have a tasteful sale label on the your shelf, as well.

Keep your retail shelf organized and clean!

No one wants to buy a product that is dusty – not only is it visually unappealing, it also looks like no one else liked the product enough to buy it.

Try not to have a cluttered retail display, and try organizing the products by color, shape, or brand.

If you want to encourage clients to test products, make sure that they are between 22 and 66 inches; these are proven heights for easy accessibility. Also, try an inviting “try me!” label.

If space and design allows, try creating an “arena effect.” Having the products surround your clients can give them the opportunity to browse (if they are waiting) from any angle.

If your salon allows, try moving your reception desk away from the front door. This forces walk-ins and clients to look at the products before talking to to the receptionist.

Make your retail area inviting.

Having a simple tea and coffee area by your retail area is a perfect opportunity to incentivize clients to rise out of their chairs and to your retail shelves! Notice we said shelves, not cupboards or bookcases – people tend to not like to reach into to these types of displays.

If you only have one wall for retail (not a big deal), try making it stand out with a nice wall color or art that compliments the bottles. Also, be sure your products are well lit – if they can’t see or read your products and shelf talkers, then what’s the point?

8. Retail Training – Practice Makes Sales

If you’re still uncomfortable retailing, we suggest starting off by trying to sell a product to your friend or another stylist in the salon. Have them give you objections to the products, so when a client actually does this, you’re prepared with an insightful and professional response.

Try product flashcards!

Other than using the product, the best way to educate yourself is to put your knowledge to the test. Try remembering unique facts about each item you sell. The more you know about your products, the better able you are to make recommendations based off client concerns and needs.

Do you have any tips for selling salon retail? If so, feel free to comment below!

Many of us Hair Stylists have a tough time determining the needs of curly and textured hair clients. You may even panic when a head of beautiful curls walks through your salon door. Not anymore!

Introducing our Hair Texture 101 Guide!

Now, you’ll be able to easily determine various curl types and patterns, while servicing these clients with poise and confidence. As with all successful hair appointment experiences, it all starts with a thoughtful and thorough consultation. Your approach and questions are the key to gaining a textured client’s trust.

But first, you must know to ask slightly different questions when consulting with your curly clientele. This is due to the various textures (which you’ll learn to identify in this article) and how they hold up to moisture, humidity and your client’s unique lifestyle.

Below are some sample topics and questions to ask during your  consultation:

1.  Ask them how long their has been free from chemicals.
2.  What do their daily/weekly activities consist of? This question will probe them to tell you lifestyle choices, like whether they exercise or not and what they do for a living. Which at this point should help you determine the importance of convenience to this client.
3.  Listen to your client to give them the best experience. If there is a service or technique you are not comfortable with, please let them know… they will most likely appreciate you being upfront about your limitations. You have now become a team in finding a style that you both will love and are capable of achieving.

How to Determine Different Curl and Textured Hair Types

Below, is a handy chart on how to identify different hair textures and curl patterns.

As trained hair stylists, we understand that you not only have to identify texture, but understand how certain hair types react to moisture/humidity and heat. This is the knowledge that the consumer is missing, which has unfortunately, led them down a road to becoming product junkies. Spending hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars on products they don’t use.

This is where you come in with your new found textured hair knowledge and styling product suggestions.

Images courtesy of Naturally Curly.com

Types of Textured Hair Styling

Straightening/Silk Press:

Wet Setting/Wrapping:

Protective Styling:

About The Author

Jennea Dorsey-Gordley

As a Simply Organic Educator, she brings to us years of experience working with textured hair, and more importantly, how to achieve desired results with non-toxic, organic hair products. If you’re interested in bringing Jennea into your salon for an in-depth texture class, please contact us at 888-213-4744

This month, our Holistic Hair Stylist Spotlight is on Abigail Waldrum!

Abigail is a hair stylist at Sepulveda Hair Studio in Deland, FL., and is an active member of our Oway Holistic Hair Stylist Forum on Facebook! She dazzles our community with her beautiful balayage techniques and willingness to help others – and we just love that!

Obviously, we had to get to know Abigail and showcase some of her beautiful work with Oway!

How do you think that hair relates to a person’s confidence?

Hair can drastically change a persons appearance. When you can help someone feel beautiful or attractive you can directly impact their self esteem. I think as stylists we often underestimate the impact we have on our clients.

We touch, we enhance, we nurture and we strengthen. We physically, emotionally and sometimes even spiritually enhance our clients lives.

It is a gift to do what we do. We blend artistry with nurturing. I love it!

Who has been the biggest influence in your career?

Oddly enough, it was probably a therapist I saw years ago who nudged me forward to pursue my passions. I used to be a clinical social worker and was very comfortable in that world.

But something big was missing.

I so admired Vidal Sassoon even as a child. I was enamored by designers and stylists. But I pursued a more traditional education and went on to graduate school and a career. When I finally gave myself permission to be an artist, it’s like the floodgates opened. I have never once looked back or regretted that decision.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of investing my time and energy into being my authentic self. It has lead me to my career and my passion.

It has lead me to the most beautiful salon I have ever worked at. And it’s lead me to products that are in line with my personal beliefs. I truly believe that like attracts like. I fell into meeting David Sepulveda, the owner of Sepulveda Hair Studio. I have learned so much from him including falling in love with Oway.

It’s so exciting to know you can be successful and holistic in the beauty industry. I did not think that was possible before.

Join Abigail and other like-minded stylists in our Organic Way Holistic Hair Colorist Group here!

Changing Salons For The Better

As our tribe of passionate Holistic Hair Stylists continues to grow, we want you to get to know our educators! These are the leaders helping us pioneer the holistic hair revolution beyond the chair. As Educators, they help their fellow hair stylists gain knowledge and inspiration by teaching in-salon and online classes.

In the spotlight this month is Maureen Fox-Meyer. She owns The Change, an organic salon in Sartell, Minnesota.

What got you into the world of using healthier, holistic beauty products?

My journey into healthier products stems from my Dad passing away from pancreatic cancer. I was kind of lost and trying to find my path in life at that time. I got a Bachelor’s degree in vocal music and a minor in Psychology, but didn’t want to do music as my career anymore. So I had been cutting and coloring all my family and friend’s hair simply because I really enjoyed doing it as a hobby and seemed to have a knack for it. When my Dad got diagnosed, it really put things into perspective and I realized that the passionate career I was seeking was right there in front of me and all I needed to to was get my degree and get started.

Going through the process of my Dad’s cancer diagnosis and treatment, I started to realize just how important the things we use in and on our bodies really are. We did many natural treatments and dietary changes that really helped improved his quality of life and prolonged his time here with us. It wasn’t a fun or easy time in my life, but without it I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

I made a promise to myself before I even started beauty school that my goal was to start the most natural and non-toxic salon that I possibly could. At the time, I didn’t know if products like Oway even existed, but I was determined to find the best thing out there.

I graduated beauty school in the spring of 2008 and opened The Change, An Organic Hair Salon in the fall of 2013. I tried many product lines in my search of the best non-toxic color line and now am very happy with the results and healthy hair I now get with Oway!

Who has inspired you to be an educator?

There have been a number of great educators in my life that made me see how fulfilling it is to share your passion with others. My voice teacher, Mitra Sadeghpour, was really inspirational to me because she was always positive and motivating. She saw the potential in me and made me believe it for myself.

Cristina Hupe was my haircutting instructor and friend (we are about the same age but she did hair school first and I went to a 4 year college first). She taught me to be very exacting in my expectations for what students can achieve and to not settle for good enough, when you know they can do great things. Finally, my mother was always teaching me about everything around from rock formations to birds to how to make a million crafts and science experiments. She really taught me to love learning and that there is wonder and beauty in everything and everyone.

In addition to being paid to do what you love, how else has your hair life created value to you?

Through all the things I have tried to do for work (music, realtor, retail sales, flooring sales, educator, etc.) I find that the thing that gives me the most satisfaction is being able to use my creativity and talents to make people’s lives better. I get that everyday in this profession.

I get to use my knowledge, help other stylists, teach clients, be creative and get direct feedback about how I am making everyone feel better about themselves which can then lead them to making other people feel good, too.

Seeing the smile on my client’s face as they leave is one of the best compliments I could ever receive.

What is one of your favorite looks you have created with Oway and what products were used?

I have done a lot of transformations with Oway that really excite me. The latest work of love that I created was on a woman who came in for a color correction. She had never been in to our salon before and had 3 colors going on. Her base was a grown out 2 inches of a neutral level 9, the mid lengths were a level 7 gold that was so heavy it was practically copper, and her ombré ends were very golden level 10.

Her hair strength was good, but needing some serious moisture. We decided on a heavy highlight lowlight because she wanted dimension and depth for fall. My formula was 20 volume hbleach for the highlight that I painted down to where the ombré highlights started, the lowlight I used from root to tip; it was 28 grams 4.0+ 3 grams 0.7 9 volume htone. I used a heavy natural looking foil pattern and processed for 30 minutes.

I shampooed her with hbalance shampoo, rinsed and then I applied hmilk and left it on for 5 minutes while I mixed up a toner. I used 20g 11.17+ 20g 10.1 9 volume htone. After rinsing the hmilk from her hair it was a much better moisture content so the toner could take more evenly. I put the toner on towel dried hair and let it process for 6 minutes before rinsing, shampooed again with hbalance shampoo and finished with hbalance mask. To finish I styled her with glossy nectar and frozen glaze cocktailed together, blow dried and loosely curled.

Which styling tool/products are your best friends?

My number one product is Glossy Nectar. I use it on everybody! It gives me such shine and moisture while also protecting the hair from damage. I don’t really enjoy stickiness or overusing products on hair that I have just colored, so I tend to be a minimalist with products. Plus, clients get overwhelmed if you use more than 3 stylers on them!

I have naturally fine, curly hair and I like to wear it natural a lot- so for myself I can’t live without boho pomade. It gives you definition, takes down frizz, but adds volume all in one product. It’s great for second or even third day curls! At first the texture is a little odd, but just ignore that and scrunch it in- you can’t go wrong.

As far as tools go, at the salon, we have all recently fallen in love with the Epic Professional Wet brush-pro Quick Dry Brush. Its a vented detangling brush that cuts down your blow-dry time on those long haired clients that take forever to dry. It is curved to it grab more hair and is gentle to the scalp.

What is your favorite type of client?

My favorite kind of client is someone who has had trouble finding the right stylist, is possibly disheartened with our profession or needs a serious color correction.  I love the process of winning their trust and showing them that many of us do really know what we are doing and that they can have amazing hair again!  The transformation in their attitudes and self-esteem really give me a sense of how I  have an impact on a person’s life simply by showing them the beauty they already possess and enhancing that for them.

If you could makeover a celebrity, who would it be and how would you do it?

A celebrity I would love to make over is Miley Cyrus. She wants to be bold and edgy but it comes off harsh and unpolished. I like her blonde but would like to soften it with some peaches and pinks toward her base and give her a nice shadow root with a 8.1 brushed out over the blondes. The peach I would make with 9.43+ 9.0+ 0.6 and the pink 11.17+ 0.6. That would still give her a fun and bold image, but be more fitting to her skin tone.

Tell us what you love about educating others.

I love educating others because I believe that everyone should know the options available to them. I like to show other stylists what is possible and watch the process of discovery in them. Many people are so used to the ammonia-based systems that they are very wary about things that are new and different. I like to gently show them what can be and let them see it for themselves.

My salon’s name and motto is based on “Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Ghandi. I believe that by using products that hold the client, the stylist and nature in the highest regard, we really can change the world.

As our Holistic Hair Tribe continues to thrive, we can’t but notice some standout stylists! In the spotlight this month is Kat Cline. She’s a Managing Stylist at TMAC’s Hair Studio in Mobile, AL. She specializes in hair color, highlights, cuts, and styling, but also men’s grooming and barbering services.

She’s no stranger to educating others on health, beauty and wellness, and has been able to combine her love for all three behind the chair.

Tell us a little about yourself! What brought you to working with a holistic hair line?

Although I haven’t been in the hair industry for very long, I’ve been very involved in the holistic and health/wellness world. I started a food blog The Primordial Table in 2012 that was geared towards ancestral health. In the last several years, I have transformed the blog into mostly recipes and support for those who are hoping to control/maintain/reverse autoimmune conditions.

I have a very large Instagram following, where I also share my dedication towards finding all natural and less toxic cleaning supplies, makeup, skin care, hair care, and so on. To me, holistic wellness is a lifestyle, and I want to incorporate it into all aspects of life including my job and career.

What is one of your favorite looks to create and which products do you use to create them?

My favorite looks right now are the balayaged/ombre styles that are soft and blended. I love the reverse application process – that’s where you take a previously highlighted or blonde client and transition their base into a soft, blended, more low maintenance style.

I’ve been using Oway’s Hnectar color almost exclusively for these looks because the color line is so natural and almost flawless in the blending process. My clients are also loving the shine and silkiness of their hair post-color.

What is your favorite client story?

My favorite client story recently is probably my brother’s story. I don’t regularly cut his hair, but he’s had fine, thinning hair for almost the last decade. He’d tried everything and resigned himself to no hair within the next five years. We’ve talked and argued a lot about different products. I’ve given him samples, and so on.

On my last trip to Tampa to get Oway Certified, I met him for dinner since he lived in the area. We talked and argued about him trying Oway, and he was stubborn that he wasn’t going to try it. But he shared that he was almost out of the usual stuff he had so I bought a bottle of the Micro-stimulating hair bath and left it with my mom to give it to him. When he ran out, he decided to try the Oway since it was “laying around”.

He called two months after my visit to share with amazement that the shampoo was making his hair feel the strongest he’s felt it in years. And he also shared that he was no longer afraid to touch his hair because it used to fall out in his hands when he did.

He also wanted to remedy to go with the hair bath. Sure, this story makes me feel great because my older brother finally admitted I was right for the first time ever, but it’s also a reminder to not give up on a situation just because a client has! There’s always going to be new information or new products, and you never know what might work!

How do you relax after a long day at work?

I’m a huge foodie, and I LOVE to cook so my favorite way to relax after a long day is usually to cook a simple dish or enjoy a delicious meal from one of my batch cook sessions. Enjoying a meal with a glass of wine and a friend are always a bonus.

If you had one wish what would it be?

My one wish is for a more eco and environmentally aware society.

I love being a part of a community like Oway, and others that desire environmentally-friendly, sustainable products, that desire better farming and agriculture practices, that desire fair trade and sustainability, but I wish that more of society as a whole felt the same way. I’m happy with the revolution that is underway, but I can’t wait for it to continue to grow and become a very big thing that will change the world.

What would you like to see change in our industry?

The biggest thing I would love the see change in our industry are higher standards to continue to educate ourselves as hairstylists. I’m fortunate enough to work with coworkers who are always looking for new classes and information, but I know this isn’t always the case.

I think the industry is only as strong as our weakest link, and I would love to see more hairstylists working together to find new ways or better ways to do hair instead of being so competitive. I think the sharing of information is a beautiful thing that not only creates great hairstylists, but also creates happy clients and a world full of beautiful people with great hair.

What sort of trends do you see on the horizon for the beginning of 2017?

As for upcoming trends, I still see the “lived in” looks reigning supreme for most clients. With the 80s and 90s making some comebacks in the fashion world, embracing natural texture or enhancing tousled, bed-head texture for ease of styling seems to be the go to. I think texture, low maintenance, easy styling are going to be the key words for a while.

Join Kat and other like-minded stylists in our Organic Way Holistic Hair Colorist Group here!

Many of us Hair Stylists have a tough time determining the needs of curly and textured hair clients. You may even panic when a head of beautiful curls walks through your salon door. Not anymore!

Introducing our Hair Texture 101 Guide!

Now, you’ll be able to easily determine various curl types and patterns, while servicing these clients with poise and confidence. As with all successful hair appointment experiences, it all starts with a thoughtful and thorough consultation. Your approach and questions are the key to gaining a textured client’s trust.

But first, you must know to ask slightly different questions when consulting with your curly clientele. This is due to the various textures (which you’ll learn to identify in this article) and how they hold up to moisture, humidity and your client’s unique lifestyle.

Below are some sample topics and questions to ask during your  consultation:

1.  Ask them how long their has been free from chemicals.
2.  What do their daily/weekly activities consist of? This question will probe them to tell you lifestyle choices, like whether they exercise or not and what they do for a living. Which at this point should help you determine the importance of convenience to this client.
3.  Listen to your client to give them the best experience. If there is a service or technique you are not comfortable with, please let them know… they will most likely appreciate you being upfront about your limitations. You have now become a team in finding a style that you both will love and are capable of achieving.

How to Determine Different Curl and Textured Hair Types

Below, is a handy chart on how to identify different hair textures and curl patterns.

As trained hair stylists, we understand that you not only have to identify texture, but understand how certain hair types react to moisture/humidity and heat. This is the knowledge that the consumer is missing, which has unfortunately, led them down a road to becoming product junkies. Spending hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars on products they don’t use.

This is where you come in with your new found textured hair knowledge and styling product suggestions.

Images courtesy of Naturally Curly.com

Types of Textured Hair Styling

Straightening/Silk Press:

Wet Setting/Wrapping:

Protective Styling:

About The Author

Jennea Dorsey-Gordley

As a Simply Organic Educator, she brings to us years of experience working with textured hair, and more importantly, how to achieve desired results with non-toxic, organic hair products. If you’re interested in bringing Jennea into your salon for an in-depth texture class, please contact us at 888-213-4744