c/cosmetologists

TIL a trick for even eyeshadow color

A damp brush and primer help the shadow stick without patches.

I finally got a handle on those tricky gray coverage requests

Lately, a lot more clients come in with resistant gray hair that just won't take color evenly. After some trial and error, I started prepping the hair with a clarifying wash and using a warmer base shade first, which solved the patchiness. How do you guys deal with stubborn gray areas when coloring?

Balayage techniques are becoming too complex for everyday clients.

Spending hours on a look that fades in weeks feels pointless. Clients expect perfection without the upkeep.

Slept well for a week and my hands quit shaking during highlights. Turns out it was fatigue, not anxiety.

A senior client's punk rock mohawk taught me a big lesson

I always thought doing hair for older clients was just about neat cuts. Recently, I volunteered at a retirement home for a style day. One lady asked for a punk rock mohawk, which totally surprised me. The room burst into laughter, but she was serious. Her confidence with that bold style got me to think differently. Now, I always ask for style ideas, no matter the age. This has helped my work be more fun and personal.

My cousin taught me to braid hair on our porch swings. Now I do it for a living.

Update: Refused a perm on over-processed hair, client understood

Someone booked a perm but their hair was fried from recent coloring. I said it could break off and offered a repair mask first, which they chose. What's your move when a service might hurt a client's hair?

Rant: Mexico City's braid markets switched my styling game

I used to think intricate braids were too much work for daily looks. Seeing how fast and flawless the local artists did them at the markets totally shifted my mind. What travel spots have altered how you do hair or makeup?