An interview with Prep stylist, Paige Rivard and what inspires her work
When it comes to hair styling, there's a world of creativity and artistry that goes into crafting the perfect look. From the latest trends in cuts and colors to the science of hair care and product use, a professional hairstylist has a wealth of knowledge and skill to draw from in order to create beautiful and unique hairstyles for their clients.
But what inspires these talented professionals to do what they do, and how do they approach their work on a daily basis? In this blog post, we'll be diving into the world of hair styling by interviewing Paige, one of Prep Hair's hairstylists to gain insight into what motivates and inspires her in her work. We'll explore her creative process, the challenges and triumphs she's experienced along the way. Whether you're a fellow stylist, a beauty enthusiast, or simply curious about the world of hair care and styling, this interview is sure to be a fascinating and informative look at the art and science of hairdressing.
We asked Paige
How did you first become interested in hair styling, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?
Honestly my great aunt owned a salon and my aunt was a stylist and now an instructor. So I was around it from a young age. When I was a teenager and going through the not so cute "emo phase" I started coloring my own hair and my friends hair. I always leaned towards the more creative side in school taking art major through high-school. So it seemed like a great way to have a career that let me keep the creative freedom I crave.
What do you think sets you apart from other hairstylists, and what do you feel is your unique approach to hair styling?
I think a lot of what sets me apart is due to how I started out. I was completely thrown to the wolves with no real guidance and a modge podge of parts of different colour lines. I really had to figure it out on my own. With lots of trial and error. Which has made me quite confident with colour corrections now. I think one of my unique approaches to hair styling is my thoroughness. I'm not really one for cutting corners. Which I think my clients appreciate.
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in hair styling, and what sources do you draw inspiration from?
I love the opportunity to have more education. Usually the classes and just being around people who love their craft inspires me and gets me amped up to be behind the chair again. Since covid there's so much more education and tips online, especially with how social media narrows down what your interests are now a days.
Can you describe a particularly memorable or challenging experience you had while working with a client, and how you were able to overcome it?
Honestly it was my first men's cut in the salon. I hadn't even learnt men cuts yet. None would help me, I was forced to do it because we were so busy. I was butchering this guys cut for 2 hours! I just wanted to cry. Eventually it was good enough for him to leave. But was one of the worst experiences of my life. And after that I just knew I could never be in that position again and started absorbing any bit of education and information I could get my hands on.
What is your favorite hair styling tool or product, and why do you think it's so effective?
MASKS! They are so underused and can solve the majority of complaints clients have about thier hair. Static - mask Colour fading - mask Dryness - mask For winter I love the Amika Soulfood
For damage I'm all about Amika The kure
At the end of the day if your hair is lacking moisture all the product in the world won't fix it. It'll make it manageable for the day. You need to solve the root problem first.
How do you approach working with clients who have unique hair textures or needs, such as curly hair, thinning hair, or sensitive scalps?
First thing first is good product. Sensitive scalps and premature thinning can sometimes be brought on by the extremely poor ingredients used in mass produced low quality products. After going through that, start to determine what exactly they don't like about their hair and try to come to a solution from there.
What do you hope to achieve through your work as a hairstylist, and what inspires you to keep creating new and beautiful hairstyles?
Overall just making people feel more confident. Extensions are one of the biggest confidence boosts I feel I give my clients. The heartfelt reviews and messages just drive me to do more. I totally screen shot them all.
We hope that this interview has given you a deeper understanding of the creativity and artistry that goes into professional hair styling, as well as insight into the motivations and inspirations of a talented hairstylist.
Whether you're looking for a classic cut, a bold new color, extensions or simply some expert advice on how to care for your hair, a professional stylist can be an invaluable resource in helping you achieve your hair goals.
If you're in Winnipeg, we highly recommend booking with Paige here!
She specializes in:
- blondes
- balayage
- extensions
Instagram: @doordyebypaige