Photo by Amy Cherry Deb Wolfe (far left), owner of Hair Today, along with fellow stylists Laura Rhodes (far right) and Sarah Farabaugh (background) are shown working on clients.

Whether hair stylists are creating lovely locks in small shops or large salons, they all work with the coveted tools of the trade including curling and flat irons, blow dryers, combs and brushes, clips, hair color, perms, hairspray, mousse, gel, hair wax, shampoo/conditioner, de-tangler and much more, in creating lovely locks.

It’s not uncommon for hair stylists to consult with co-workers on various cuts, colors and styling of a client’s hair.

“Hair is different, it’s an individual thing. That’s how we treat our guests”, said Deb Wolfe, owner of Hair Today in St. Marys.

“No two heads of hair are the same,” added co-worker Laura Rhodes.

Over her 29-year career in the hair industry, Wolfe has seen styles come and go. In order to keep up with current trends in the industry the salon’s staff attends three hair shows a year. In the past they have traveled together to shows in Buffalo, DuBois, New York City, Seven Springs and Pittsburgh.

“We’re very big on education, we’re always learning,” emphasized Sara Farabaugh, fellow Hair Today stylist who rounds the salon’s trio.

In addition the salon also hosts various classes by bringing in national educators.

As a Paul Mitchell educator for the past two-and-a-half years, Wolfe is required to re-certify on a frequent basis. Her duties entail periodic training sessions where she certifies in new color and cutting collections. She also travels to numerous salons throughout the year where she teaches various classes and demonstrates styles at hair shows both on-stage as well as behind the scenes.

“My staff really supports me. They help me prepare and coach me,” Wolfe noted. “I really love what I do. I have a supportive team who are really creative. The energy makes work fun.”

Much of her training or “homework” entails watching videos then practicing the styles on a mannequin.

In March, Wolfe is scheduled to attend a three-day advanced cutting class in Orlando, Fla. at the Paul Mitchell School.

Challenges posed to stylists vary however Farabaugh said that it’s often trying when a client explains they want something new but do not want to change their color, length or layers of their hair.

“Hiring people of the caliber of my current stylists, with their passion and talent, poses a challenge,” Wolfe said.

Keeping up with the trends

Among the current trends, Wolfe explained that everyone is into color, specifically block or dimensional coloring techniques. As part of the growing trend, new products for men’s color have recently hit the market.

“Some clients change color everytime they come in and want something new while others have had the same color for the last eight years,” Wolfe said.

Taking their cue from the entertainment industry, many clients express their wish for replica hair styles of famous celebrities.

Hair stylists encourage clients to bring in photos of their desired style as part of their initial consultation. This helps them determine if the style/cut will work with their client’s hair texture and if it will flatter their face shape.

It is also helpful for stylists to know the client’s lifestyle, such as if they are active, how much time they spend on their hair, their hair care habits, etc.

Those wishing to try a new hair color can make the decision more easily with the advice of their stylist, who may provide a sample hair swatch which can be held against their skin or in some cases may try on a wig of a specific color.

Hair color is available in several choices including non-permanent options of demi, typically lasting four to six weeks and semi lasting three to four weeks. Permanent hair color has to grow out of a client’s hair, often leaving a growth line, rather than fade out like non-permanent choices.

Wolfe explained that very few of their clients have damaged hair thanks to the advancement in hair care products found at all price levels.

However, there still remain hair care no-no’s, the most prominent of which is metallic dyes found in many over-the-counter coloring products. She added these are “very bad for the hair.”

People should also avoid products such as Sun-In which dries out the hair.

“Thankfully we’re over the 80’s dry and frizzy hair styles,” Wolfe joked.

Salons act as gathering spot

Taking a cue from movies and sitcoms, hair salons and barber shops alike are often a place where patrons share the latest news, gossip and opinions from local happenings to national current events.

Many clients form a close relationship with their hair stylist during visits to their salons and shops.

This is especially meaningful for Rhodes and Farabaugh who are transplants to the area. Rhodes is originally from Tucson, Ariz. where she attended Allure College of Beauty and has been in the business for 21 years while Farabaugh is from Grand Rapids, Mich. where she attended Chic University of Cosmetology and has been a stylist for 14 years.

“We get really connected with our clientele,” Rhodes said. “We get to know them and their families.”

The salon’s clients range from one-year olds to an 88-year old.

Like most salon’s their busiest time of the year falls during the holidays, especially from Thanksgiving to Christmas as well as in May and back-to-school season in August.

Training / education

While every state has a minimum set of requirements one must meet before becoming a licensed hair stylist, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics requires a high school diploma or GED and completed undergraduate course work from a hair design, cosmetology or barbering institution that's been state-approved.

Among some of the required classes are those focused toward salon management, patron relations, building a clientele, business practices, product sales, recognition of skin conditions, patron relations, health department regulations, sanitation and hygiene, foil frosting, razor cuts, highlighting, use and care of instruments and clipper cuts and fades.

Most training programs also require students to complete a two- to three-year apprenticeship program or obtain on-the-job training before taking the exam for their license which are issued by the state cosmetology board.