How 8 Top Hair Colorists Made it Big
1/9If mermaid-y shades of teal and a sunkissed bouncy lob pop to mind when we say Kylie Jenner and Taylor Swift, that’s probably because these ultra-savvy style icons have expert colorists at the tops of their contact lists.
Now, we’ve already highlighted how six top celebrity hair stylists made it to the top of their game, so it’s time to talk colorists — because hair color is a very specific art form and, let’s be honest, a really good or totally unexpected color can make headlines. Just ask Nicole Richie, Ashley Tisdale, and the aforementioned Ms. Jenner, who changes hair hues as often as she does designer outfits.
2/9Rita Hazan’s expert color has made careers. Never mind that her regular client list mirrors celebrity A lists from multiple decades: Beyonce, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, and the Rolling Stones, snap. She’s based in New York at the Rita Hazan Salon, but will spend the week flying all over the world to beautify her celebrity clientele. We appreciate her no-B.S. take on the always glamorous, sometimes arduous industry that she’s conquered. Oh, and she has the best “moment I knew I made it” story ever. My big break as a colorist:
I worked for Oribe and trained under Brad Johns. Mariah Carey was looking for a new colorist, and she wanted to change her image. One of the stylists at the salon, who thought that I was doing color differently, recommended me to Mariah. The result was natural, edgy, and glamorous. She loved it, and it changed her whole look. She was the first celebrity I worked with. I eventually started to color Mariah’s hair regularly, then Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Simpson came to me. I became the go-to colorist for celebrities who wanted a new image. The one moment when I knew I really made it:
I think when a salesperson came into my salon and said that they wanted to sell me J.Lo’s hair color. I just started laughing because I was the one who created that color, and I didn’t use what he was trying to sell me. My advice to aspiring hair colorists:
Learn, and don’t be too anxious to get promoted. I was an assistant for six years. The first three years you’re learning, and the next three is when you take your base knowledge and really come to understand how color works. Before you start thinking ‘I can do this,’ make sure you’re educated and have skill. I also think that you have to really love this job. If you don’t, it will break you. You have to really love it because you’re constantly working. You don’t get time off or days off — you have to travel, have high stamina, not eat the full day and still function, and always be happy. I try to explain to people who start working here that it’s like a Broadway show. You may have done it a million times, but you have to act like your client is sitting there for the first time, and you have to be on like you've never done it before.
3/9For those paparazzi-stalked celebrities who aren’t into the crazy color dip dyes or a brand new color every month, Johnny Ramirez is the go-to colorist for his near-magical talents for natural (looking) highlights, shades, and overall color. Better book your appointment at the ultra chic Ramirez | Tran salon way in advance, though, because the Los Angeles-based colorist is always busy with his regulars, including Jessica Alba and Kirsten Dunst. So how'd he rack up such a stellar client roster? Let him tell you himself. My big break as a colorist:
I was working as an assistant for celeb colorist and stylist Michael Canale for many years. Michael was known for Jennifer Aniston’s color, and he quickly became my mentor and dear friend. Everyone at the salon would come to me and ask about my formulas, so I came to know a lot of people in the industry. I was then referred to Chris McMillan for a position as a colorist at his salon. It was a great opportunity and my big break. Chris was extremely generous in sharing his celebrity clientele with me. I learned to perfect my craft there and really came into my own. Some of my first celebrities were Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham, Carey Mulligan, Alessandra Ambrosio, Amber Valetta, and Miranda Kerr. The one moment when I knew I really made it:
When the girls at the front desk kept telling me women were calling in to make appointments from all over the world and flying in just to have me do their hair. Also, having journalists calling the salon to do interviews on me and my craft — that is when I knew I had made it. Suddenly, the Internet was flooded with photos of women wearing my hair color. It all hit around the same time. My advice to aspiring hair colorists:
Assist someone you really admire and has a style of work that you would like to do. Be 100% willing to put in long hours to learn the craft and to use the necessary tools to grow your business. Social media is a big part of the hair color world and it’s a perfect place to display your work.
4/9You know how all your friends (and perhaps yourself) went to their hair colorists for the perfect chestnut ombre layers, a la Lily Aldridge? Well, you probably have Tracey Cunningham to thank for that. Seattle-bred and L.A.-based, the celebrity colorist joined forces with hairstylist Neil Weisberg to open the Beverly Hills salon Meche). Tracey also holds the Redken Celebrity Colorist title, spreading the gospel about the Redken Shades EQ, which is basically a hair color masquerading as a rich conditioner. In the meantime, Tracey’s success story is deserving of its own star-studded biopic. My big break as a hair colorist:
I grew up in Washington State and moved to Los Angeles where I first worked as an assistant for Jason Alexander. He was working with Bette Midler, who I was always a fan of, and it just so happened that Bette needed a nanny for her daughter, Sophie. I got the job. Robert Ramos, Bette's hairdresser, would come over and style her hair for her shows or special events. I would say to Bette that I wanted to style her hair in the mornings on the days that she didn't require the ‘professional,’ Robert. Bette let me do her hair and, in fact, she loved what I did to it. I'd practiced on my mom and all my friends as a kid. Doing Bette’s hair sparked it all, and she ended up paying for me to go to beauty school at Marinello. When I finished school, I went straight to Art Luna Salon and assisted. He saw me working one day and said, ‘Oh my God, you should be on the floor. You’re really good.’ For the next six months, Art mentored me, added to my client list, and sent me Portia de Rossi, Angie Featherstone, and Nanci Ryder. Nanci, who is one of my best friends to this day, sent me to do Renee Zellweger for The Tonight Show. Renee loved my blow outs and soon after, I began doing her color, too. And the rest, they say, is history!The one moment when I knew I really made it:
When I knew it was time to start my own salon. It was a big change and a big responsibility, but I knew it was right, and that I would be surrounded by the best of the best. Neil Weisberg and I have a great working partnership. My clients have remained loyal throughout my tenure — I think loyalty is a sign when you know you've made it. My advice to aspiring hair colorists:
Education! I'm educating now, even after 20-plus years of doing hair. As much as I have to give when I teach fellow colorists — I do classes all over the country — I, too, am still learning, upping my game, researching, and practicing. One can never stop bettering themselves. It’s a challenge that is very fulfilling. Always ask questions, never think you know it all. There's always something new being developed — procedures, colors, products. Education, education, education!
5/9All the cool girls know to visit Aura Friedman at the famed Sally Hershberger salon when they’re ready for a mindblowing hair color change. But you might have to wait in line behind Sky Ferreira, Elizabeth Olsen, and that girl with the My Little Pony pastel rainbow highlights. Aura’s talents are sought after by trend-making publications all over the world, from Numero Russia to Vogue Italia to W Korea to T Magazine here at home. Along with her natural hair-coloring talents, Aura also rocks some major networking skills — and she’s willing to share a few tips with us. Although, we don’t know if we’ll ever have such perfect bathroom break timing as Aura at the 2004 VMAs. My big break as a hair colorist:
I have had many big breaks that have helped my career become what it is today. I think I started earning the respect of my peers when I began coloring M.I.A. and Lady Gaga's hair without public relations referring me. These are jobs I booked myself. I met M.I.A. in the bathroom line at Timbaland’s VMA party in 2004, and I invited her in for color. This was before the “Paper Planes” album came out [in 2007], and I still see her occasionally when she comes to New York. As for Lady Gaga, I had a few people refer her glam team to me. I put pink in her hair the morning of the 2009 VMAs when she performed “Paparazzi.” Another milestone was becoming brand ambassador for Wella, which enabled me to head the hair color team for four seasons of NYFW, alongside one of my personal hair heroes [stylist], Eugene Souleiman. The one moment when I knew I really made it:
All of those milestones above are proof that I've made it; however, I still have many things I need to do in this industry. I think that there are so many talented women in this business. But, it is much more difficult for women to move ahead and gain respect in the beauty industry, which seems strange since [most] beauty is marketed toward women. For example, there is only one woman who is an iconic stylist, and that is Odile Gilbert. I can only say that when I started at Bumble and Bumble, there wasn't a lot of support or push to nurture my abilities or even ask me what my goals were — the politics were kind of like high school. It only made me fight harder, and my success is that much sweeter! There are many women colorist who are on top. We have the legendary Annie Humphries. I have so much respect and appreciation for Tracey Cunningham, Lena Ott, Laurie Foley, my mentor, Tina Outen, Rita Hazan, Roxie Darling, and Lucille Javier — and too many more to mention. It's very important that as much as you take from your influencer, you give back to the community. It is important to teach and share, and never stop learning. My advice to aspiring hair colorists:
Remember that whatever it is you set out to do, you can do it! Always empower your peers and work together. It is not a competition. You will always shine if you stay humble.
6/9For their perfect shade (or maybe to prep for a future critically acclaimed role), A-listers including Emma Stone, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Scarlett Johansson head to Marie Robinson and her self-named salon. She can take credit for Michelle Williams’s perfect icy shade of blonde, plus turning Anne Hathaway platinum for the Met Gala in 2013. With her headline-generating work, Marie definitely has a few words of wisdom to share. My big break as a hair colorist:
I was lucky enough to work with an astounding team of people such as Danilo Dixon and Christophe Robin. They often would refer their clients to me when they were on the road, including many who were celebrities. I also had the wonderful opportunity to work with Ivan Bart, who works in management and talent, and he sent famous models my way for major color changes during fashion week. The one moment when I knew I really made it:
'Making it' meant a couple of things to me: having happy returning clients who trust you enough to give you carte blanche with their hair color, and 'making it' also means having the ability to actually do what I love. It's been over 20 years, and my job is still exciting and fun! My advice to aspiring hair colorists:
The best advice I can give to an aspiring colorist is to never be satisfied with your talent even after you've 'made it'. There is always room for improvement and knowledge to better service your customers...and always do so with a smile.
7/9Staten Island-born and now a Bushwick resident — in other words, she’s a bonafide New York City Girl — Roxie Darling was meant to be in the hair business. Considering her very meticulous, but a little maverick work ethic, she’s sought after for both statement-making, avant garde looks as well as natural hues. ID magazine put her on their 30 under 30 list, Nylon magazine has her on speed dial, and everyone needs to follow her Instagram. My big break as a hair colorist:
When I was 16, I was home in the kitchen; watching the girl who did my mom's hair, and I thought to myself, ‘I could do that.’ It just kind of hit me. I started doing my own hair and my friends' hair and loved the concept of change, the chemistry and the physics of it, the manipulation of dark and light. To be honest, I also loved the control, and that the results were so tangible. The first salon I ever worked at was very small, but chic, and the owner had this great bohemian vibe. What I learned early on — after many mistakes — was that I needed to be very present during any task I was performing, whether it was sweeping hair, folding towels, or putting a toner on for the colorist I worked under. The one moment when I knew I really made it:
Every day I wake up, and I do something I love — that's the dream. I feel at peace that I'm on the right path, surrounded by people who help give me perspective. As far as being satisfied with my work, I always feel I can do better, and every night I think about how I can be better tomorrow. I worked at Bumble and Bumble for five years, where I met [Bumble and Bumble and Hairstory Studio founder] Michael Gordon and [stylist and Hairstory Studio colleague] Wes Sharpton. [Michael and I] shared a perspective and aesthetic and, luckily, he saw something in me. Hairstory has allowed me to practice my craft in a great space, surrounded by people who share my intention: to give the world really great hair. It's been extremely conducive to expanding my creativity. It's quiet, it's calm — and I've gained so much of the right type of exposure, I'm now attracting the kind of clientele I always wanted. There was a real breakthrough moment in my career, a few years back: a red, white, and blue look that served as a tipping point. My mother had passed away from cancer, I had just left Bumble, and I decided to push myself, not knowing what the results might be. I played around with color in a very creative way, and sometimes made mistakes that came out brilliantly. This was one. The model was Gina Schiappacasse, our producer and illustrator at Hairstory. She's been a longtime muse of mine; the patriotic color is a favorite of both of ours. The psychology of it was amazing, people would see all sorts of different things; one woman came up to her and said 'your hair is inspiring me to vote this year!' I learned right then and there the profound effect I have on people by placing colors in the world.My advice to aspiring hair colorists:
"Less is more, placement is key." — colorist Grato Longoria
8/9Lucy Hale, Ashley Tisdale, Lauren Conrad — they all head to stylist and colorist, Kristin Ess, for their oft-copied, always coveted tousled head of perfect highlights and beachy waves. Not quite sure how she does it, but the Angeleno also has time to run The Beauty Department, alongside her partner and makeup guru, Amy Nadine. Obviously, Kristin has a lockdown on the hair portion. Now excuse us while we go and take in the latest of her easy-to-follow video tutorials. BRB. My big break as a hair colorist:
I honestly don't know what my one ‘big break’ would be. I think I've had many big breaks as a colorist even prior to doing celebrity clients. I have some of the best clients a colorist could ask for, and I truly count all of them as big breaks. Sorry to sound so vague about it, but it's all one big break. Still is! The one moment when I knew I really made it:
Wait, have I made it? I would say a specific kind of notoriety/recognition came when I started coloring Lauren Conrad's hair while she was on The Hills. She had this color everyone seemed to want according to the editors I would speak with. I remember these phone calls and emails rolling in, and I wasn't used to that kind of attention. I had a hard time keeping up with the inquiries, because I was so busy in the Warren Tricomi salon, and that was my priority. But, more importantly, I couldn't believe they wanted to talk to me. I was used to a different kind of recognition before that — more within my industry and amongst my peers. It was a whole new, very exciting world, and it opened many new doors for me. My advice to aspiring hair colorists:
So much advice. Number one: always seek that new-new. Trends are always changing. Don't get stuck doing one thing forever! Secondly, don't try to become famous overnight. Do the work. You will never be as good as the best hair colorists in the game if you don't spend some time in the trenches first. Gather real information, and get real experience. Also, take your time. Continuing education is key in any industry. Sign up for alllllll those classes. Keep your eyes open for new advances in the product space. [There are] so many cool things to help you progress as a hair colorist and to keep your client's hair in amazing condition. Be healthy! I wasn't for a long time, and I regret that. We work so hard. You never sit, you never get to eat, you breathe in chemicals all day. Make yourself sit and eat lunch. Open windows for ventilation. Find time on your day off (if you have one) to get in some exercise! Finally, find a vibe. Present yourself on social media in a certain way. Doesn't matter what that way is, you just want to make it clear to your color clients what you can do. I've had many client inquires based on my Instagram page. It's an incredible tool for our industry.
9/9If you’re wondering who created and perfected Nicole Richie’s supreme shade of lilac and Kylie Jenner’s mindblowing teal, well look no further than Danny Moon. The Los Angeles-based colorist — who, by the way started his career as a barber in the Marine Corps! — is actually more of a creative artist giving his clients the most uniquely mesmerizing hues on the planet. The coolest of cool kids come to Danny for stage-worthy looks, including his own version of ombre, creatively named colombre, “a more subtle version of rainbow hair.” It was basically a no-brainer for him to start collaborating with professional hair color line Pravana. My big break as a hair colorist:
What big break? My purpose became clear, and the way I saw color changed. Everything made sense. I was on a new journey. The one moment when I knew I really made it:
In my mind, the show must go on. The show must always go on. The idea of making it is like hallucinating in the desert, an optical illusion. There have been several high points which I have been very thankful for. Doing hair and makeup for Twin Shadow in the Dominican Republic, watching Grimes at Coachella with her signature orange while she danced behind her computer, coloring and spending time with the girls of War Paint, bleaching through black with Kylie Jenner for her teal moment, being a part of Nicole Richie's hyper hair color chapter, lighting up Halsey for her Badlands album. Masterpieces take time and collaborating with artists has definitely been worth the time put in.My advice to aspiring hair colorists:
Doing hair and seeing color is a language. Aspiring hairstylists and colorists should be prepared to live and breathe hair. That's a good place to start.
