It’s prom time. Wedding season is right around the corner. If you’re participating in either type of upcoming event, you’ve probably started thinking about your hair…
Personally, I’ve been thinking about hair a lot lately. Since having my daughter 6 months ago, mine has slowly deteriorated into a greasy mass of hormonal craziness. The only way to tame it now is to throw it back into a sloppy bun and hope for the best. A few weeks ago I had it dyed just to let the chemicals from the hair color do their magic. The magic lasted a week.
I don’t know if men feel this way, but most of my girlfriends and I agree: Hair is a very personal thing. Just watch any makeover episode of “America’s Next Top Model” (yes, I watch reality television- don’t judge). Every year there’s at least one girl who freaks out and practically goes home because she feels awful about her appearance and in her mind, her hair will never be the same again.
This year I wanted to coordinate several collaborative stylized shoots. To do that, I needed to find a hair stylist I could trust with my ideas. I needed to find someone who was really talented. And I needed to find someone who would be consistent. I knew what I needed from personal experience.
When I was getting married, I wanted my hair to look fabulous. So I did what a lot of brides do: I scheduled an appointment at a local high-end salon. I went in for a “trial” run-through. I wanted a full, beautiful up-do to compliment my heart-shaped face. The girl who did my hair created the opposite- it was tight, slicked back, and not anything like I imagined.
I didn’t trust the stylist enough to tell her it wasn’t what I had envisioned or asked for. So I lied and told her I liked it. Then called and cancelled my bridal appointment later. In retrospect, that might not have been the best way to handle the situation.
I then made another trial appointment at a place my mom recommended. Her stylist didn’t do up-dos, but his colleague did. I went to my appointment and told the hair stylist exactly what I wanted. This time, I loved it. I remember thinking this is exactly what I wanted! Then on the day of my wedding, I don’t think he remembered what he had done before, because it was not the same up-do. It was fine, but I guess I just wanted to think it was more than fine.
Credentials, skill and experience are great. But it is my belief, that what separates an amazing, trusted hair stylist from everyone else, is their ability to listen to their client, hear what they want, and then use their skills, knowledge, and vision to create something fabulous. A sense of humor and intuitiveness are much added bonuses.
Of course there are amazing hair stylists out there. But unless you know someone who knows someone it can be really hard to find THAT amazing person. It’s a lot like finding the right OBGYN. Once you find the right one you trust, you’ll drive an hour out of your way to get there (um yeah, I did that for both my babies). And not only will you drive out of your way to get to that person, but you’ll also tell every person you know about them too!
So today, I’m going to tell you about someone. Missy Millan is my neighbor. I had forgotten she did hair. And when I posted that I was looking for a hair stylist for an editorial shoot back in February, she responded enthusiastically to be a part of my vision.
Since then, I have had the privilege of watching Missy work on several shoots I’ve coordinated. Each time, I am overwhelmed with her skill level, talent, and especially, her way with people. I love that she’s so passionate about what she does, but really, she cares for people. And that care comes through in her work.
I guess the point of my post today is to say, “I’ve found someone that I trust. She meets all my personal criteria for amazingness. AND you don’t have to travel an hour out of your way to get to her. She’ll come to you (if you live within her service area).”
Missy is specializing in onsite, special occasion hair. Perfect for prom, weddings, and yes, photographers, she does editorial work.
A couple days ago, I stopped by Missy’s place. And she showed me her business card. It says, “It’s about you. Your dream, your vision, your day.”
You’ll love Missy. Check out her website here.
p.s. I know a lot of women who read this blog are young moms like me. Maybe your prom and wedding is in the past. And some days (if you’re like me) it’s a struggle just to put eyeliner on. But do yourself and your loved one a solid and consider getting glammed up for yourself/your man now and then. Don’t have a special occasion in mind? :) I’ve got an idea. Stay tuned to the blog for more info in the coming weeks…
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