Interview With Debbie Webb Hairstylist Of Debbie Does HAIR Inc.
Q: What surprises you most about working as a hair stylist?
A: Honestly … The poor work ethic and bad attitudes of too many stylist!
Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are self taught hairstylist?
A: I graduated from Chris Logan Cosmetology college in Myrtle Beach SC. when I was twenty two although I started working in a salon as a shampoo girl when I was thirteen and completed an apprenticeship program when I was seventeen.
Q: Do you think going to school for hairstyling is important to excel in the business later on?
A: Absolutely!
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 have always liked doing hair. When I was a young girl, if my brothers fell asleep while watching TV they frequently woke with rollers in their hair.
Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A: Color – I love every aspect of hair color and it can be exciting when your clients like to change and update their look regularly.
Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?
A: I personally think beauty comes from within, and when you are happy with yourself and who you are, it let’s your inner beauty out. I’m glad to be a part of the process of making people feel better about themselves.
Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted” to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?
A: Redkin Shades E-Q conditioning color gloss (FANTASTIC LINE!) and Tigi’s Rockaholic hard core spray gel. I personally use this everyday! I have very fine naturally curly hair and I live in GA – can you say FRIZZ – but this spray gel defines the curl and is crisp enough to last all day.
Q: What are some of the most basic but effective hair care tips that you have, that are really important?
A: Keep it clean, conditioned and RINSE WELL
Q: What is the biggest hair care dont’s?
A: Flat iron your hair without a thermal protectant!
Q: Have you had an extreme, crazy or bad experience with a hair care product? If so, what happened?
A: The first time I used Tigi’s Rockaholic spray gel I used way too much and had to re-wet my hair so I could get my fingers through it.
Q: What do you find to be the most common mistakes women make with hair color?
A: Not parting to apply, applying to the entire hair strand for the whole processing time and washing it out when it turns orange instead of letting it finish processing.
Q: What’s the worst thing a woman can do to her hair?
A: Over process or chemically damage it to the breaking point.
Q: What’s the one haircare tool you simply can’t live without?
A: My shears!
Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the hair industry right now?
A: Extensions. I think a lot of hair is broken and damaged during this process.
Q: Do average girls needs to splurge on high-priced hair care products, or are drugstore items are just as satisfactory?
A: With all the diversion in our industry – you can find quality hair care products everywhere, but if you color your hair and use the wrong shampoo, it could fade your color out rapidly. Better safe than sorry – ask your stylist if what your using is O.K.
Q: Do you have any general tips/tricks for extending color between visits?
A: Only shampoo when needed, if you need to re-wet to restyle, just work a little conditioner through and rinse. Unless your working in the yard or outside working in the heat – most people only need to shampoo three times a week. Less for elderly people who’s sebaceous glands have all but dried up.
Q: Can anyone go red or do you feel that color works best with certain skin tones/hair types?
A: Depends on the shade of red. Practically everyone has some red in their hair naturally, but certain skin types can look washed out if you get the wrong red.
Q: Do you feel anyone can go blond or should the look be reserved for certain skin tones/hair types?
A: Again – depends on the shade of blonde. There are many different levels and shades of blonde and almost everyone can pull off a few hi-lites, but some people with darker tones in their skin look bad in all over blonde.
Q: Which hairstyles do you tend to do the most often? Which hairstyles are the most popular?
A: I do many different styles, but lately the trend seems to be going back to the stacked swing bob.
Q: What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?
A: Some of them adore me and others just like the way I cut their hair and everywhere in between.
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: My Motto – Be Yourself, Everyone Else Is Taken. w.o.w. – Don’t let other people’s stress be your stress and don’t rely on anyone else to make you happy. Goals – I’d like to own my own salon (could’ve paid for one with all the booth rent I’ve paid over the years) except the reality is that I’d have to depend on booth renters or flat commission to be able to afford it, and I’m still the most dependable person I know. The economy is a little too unstable for me to take the risk right now. We’ll see what the future holds.
Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring hair stylists just starting out?
A: Be ON TIME!! be available and stay when everyone else leaves to get that late walk-in – That’s what will build your clientele. Do Good hair – just because texture is in style doesn’t mean there is no form to each style. RESEARCH!! any salon you’d like to work in BEFORE you start there. Personality conflicts can keep you from getting your share of that salon’s business.