Wassup, hair lovers!
As we shake things up over here at Hair Apparent, we intend to bring you the most innovative, relevant and fun hair blog on the web with industry interviews, stylish hair girls on the streets, celebrity trends, salon reviews and more!
This week I catch up with celebrity hairstylist Dana Gibbs of Danasloft.com.
Her fingers have not only created some of the most rocking celebrity hairstyles, but she double dips as a product innovator and salon owner.
With celebrities like Rihanna and Lauryn Hill under your flatiron, a thriving hair studio and a growing niche beauty line, tell us what a day in your life is like?
Well, I am an early bird, so I get up about 5:30a most days and read my daily prayer to get my day started. Then I make my coffee (a must have) and answer emails. Right now I am working on the press kits for the products, so most mornings I am going over everything that my publicist and graphic artist has sent me for my approval. I'm putting together local newspaper ads and also re-doing my website for the new salon and the launch of the hair products. I get to the salon about 10a.m. and do hair until about 8pm. Unfortunately with this schedule, I've put off the freelancing for a while, in order to focus on getting the salon and products off the ground.
What inspired the creation of your beauty collection and what are the yummy products available?
Being a hairstylist, it just made sense to make my own line of hair care products, which will be officially launched next month. This line is called Make Time for Me and consists of: Restore Me moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, Refresh Me tea tree shampoo and conditioner, Tex Me pomade, Save Me hair spray, Smooth Me leave in conditioner and Gloss Me laminate. These products are amazing (if I do say so myself) and are prefect for all hair types, from super curly to straight hair. At this time they are available for sale at my salon, but will soon be available on my website and hopefully in stores by this summer.
Let's chat celebrities.......How were you able to break into their world and literally get them in your hands?
It took several years to break into this freelancing business. I had to first build a strong portfolio which meant me doing a lot of test shoots (photo shoots you do free of charge for pictures) just to get enough images to take to an agent to rep me. I also had a few very good friends in the business that put me down on jobs to help me get started. I would do anything to be on a job, if someone wanted me to assist; I was there, just to be able to learn all that I could; and trust me no money was being made at those times. Once I had a good portfolio and an agent, it became a little easier, but you always have to hustle just to keep things fresh. Most of the time you get chosen by your work, then it is up to you and your personality to get called back.
Who among the "Red Carpet Famous" always gets it right in terms of their hair? What makes it "right" from your point of view? Who gets it "wrong"?
I love what Rihanna is doing. Her style right now reminds me of my own personal style. She has set whole new trends across the board and I love that! I also love Tracy Ellis Ross' look because she has kept her hair natural and showed us how to make it super stylish. There are some who seem to always be wrong (I won't name names) because they just seem to try too hard. I feel like there are a few out there who look the same and are afraid to buck the system in fear of not being accepted anymore, so a lot of folks are looking very similar. That's why I love Kelis, she always has her own style, but she doesn't always get the credit for starting new trends. She stays ahead of the curve, and that is truly fabulous!
In terms of styling, what are your specialties?
Right now I am doing weaves and extensions all day long. Most of my clients are growing their relaxers out and going natural, so we are doing weaves to get them through the transition. I love the fact that 1/3 of my clients are going natural; their hair looks thick and healthy and they can wear their hair natural or press it straight. I am also known for my hair coloring and love, love, love doing it. I specialize in doing great colors that are healthy and not destroying to the integrity of the hair.
What is the one hair trend that you think pretty much any female can wear? And are there any trends that you are totally not feeling?
I would say that there is a Bob out there for everyone. Be it layered, one length, straight bangs, swooped bang, or asymmetrical, just about everyone can wear this style. And since this is a classic look, it will always be timeless. As far as the no no's, please stay away from orange hair and I'm not talking a pretty copper, I'm talking clown orange! That is the worst! If you want a great color, let a hair color professional do the job for you. Don't go messing in your best friend's kitchen.
Breakdown for us your look right now.
I just colored my hair honey blond with platinum highlights, for the summer, with a few tracks up front for a funky asymmetrical look. Although I have been know to change my hair every other week, LOL, I always seem to go back to this look. They say it's the one that fits me best.
Check out www.danasloft.com to get a deeper peek.
1. Dana,
I am a college student and will be entering the workforce soon. I have been natural for about 3 years now but my hair is always in briads. I want a new look for the workforce and have considered wigs, but I have had many friends that have started going bald after wearing a wig for some time. Do you not suggest wigs? Is there a chemical in wigs that causes baldness? If you do suggest wigs, is there a particular brand I should wear?
Melissa at 9:48AM on May 7th 2008