Hair Care Advice: Samantha Baker Professional Hair Stylist Interview
Many thanks to Chandler, Arizona based hair stylist and licensed cosmetologist Samantha Baker for her super informative professional interview!
Just as a teaser here is one of her favorite quotes: “successful people do the things unsuccessful people don’t want to”.
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are self-taught hairstylist?
A: I attended Artistic Beauty College and am a licensed Cosmetologist. During my time there I worked the front desk of a salon and saw first hand what went in to becoming a successful stylist. I attended many classes on many different hair care lines as well as seasonal trend courses.
Q: Do you think going to school for hairstyling is important to excel in the business later on?
A: I believe it is the only legal way to do it. Besides legality issues, it is the only way to learn proper cutting and sanitation for consistent work. You can always be adventurous with education and technique when you graduate.
Q: Did you always long to be an artist, or did you stumble upon your talent by chance? Who or what inspired you to become a hair stylist?
A: I was always destroying (or beautifying) my Barbie’s as a little girl, after finding a can of pink spray paint on the side of the road that is. I really had no use for them before that, and once color was introduced then cuts were next, and then I was unstoppable. Probably about the age of ten was when I started using color in my own hair. Using Kool-Aid, food coloring, and markers of course. I then made my little brother my next victim. When I was old enough to attend beauty school, everything became a lot easier after I learned how to hold my shears! My inspiration has always been Classic Hollywood.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: Makeovers!
Q: What surprises you most about working as a hair stylist?
A: How many people underestimate the amount of creativity that goes into executing a beautiful head of hair.
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: My approach would be to avoid trends and stick to what is right for the client’s personality and lifestyle.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: I am addicted to PM Super Skinny Serum, nothing compares.
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective hair care tips that you have, that are really important?
A: Always protect your hair before applying heat, ALWAYS.
Q: What are the biggest hair care don’ts?
A: Getting a cut that you don’t have the time to style, or getting an intense color application and not keeping up with it. Tacky.
Q: Have you had an extreme, crazy or bad experience with a hair care product? If so, what happened?
A: Just last week I was trying to get some Redken Shades EQ 1B out of my hair, and well lets just say it was green for 2 days. Thank God for PM Back Track.
Q: What do you find to be the most common mistakes women make with hair color?
A: Doing it themselves instead of trusting the formulation of a professional.
Q: What’s the worst thing a woman can do to her hair?
A: Not budgeting for professional hair care. Yes it’s an indulgence, but its one that we all need. Your hair is the first thing people notice upon meeting you.
Q: What’s the one hair care tool you simply can’t live without?
A: PM Smoothing Iron. I’ve had mine for over 5 years and its still going strong.
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the hair industry right now?
A: Worst: The blown out, smoothed out, back combed, tied in a low half pony look of the Calvin Klein runways. Its something a 5 year old could do on a playground, and nothing I’d pay for.
Best: Classic bobs in every length.
Q: Do average girl’s needs to splurge on high-priced hair care products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: Professional products are guaranteed. Plain and Simple. They do what they say and that is why they are sold in salons by professionals who stand by them. Not every line is for every head of hair, but once yours is found, stick with it.
Q: Do you have any general tips/tricks for extending color between visits?
A: I do not recommend extending color between visits. It will cost you more to have it touched up, as well as costing the stylist time and creativity. Your color wont be as consistent and will not be as natural looking.
Q: Can anyone go red or do you feel that color works best with certain skin tones/hair types?
A: There are many shades of red. I believe anyone can go any color, as long as the formula is kept within a realistic range compared to skin tone.
Q: Do you feel anyone can go blond or should the look be reserved for certain skin tones/hair types?
A: See above… (even blonde!)
Q: Which hairstyles do you tend to do the most often? Which hairstyles are the most popular?
A: I try to keep my clients smart about trends. If they are looking for a change or want their hair to copy a celebrity then I consult them until we find a happy place where their real life can adjust to the change.
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: I’m sure my clients would compliment my makeover abilities! I love a challenge!
Q: Would you share some of your future goals, your life motto, any words of wisdom that get you by in life and professional career?
A: John Paul DeJoria once said “successful people do the things unsuccessful people don’t want to”. I’ll stand by that.
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring hair stylists just starting out?
A: Never say no, and get educated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!