Hey lovelies!
Our girl, Heather Hardesty, is Studio’s employee of the month for February! We just can’t with her! She’s a firecracker who can turn those locks blonde like no other. Her enthusiasm for her passion is through the roof. Let’s not forget she makes work so much fun!
Born and proudly raised in Kansas, Heather keeps her health and fitness lifestyle in check as a CrossFit competitor. She went to KU School of the Arts to pursue a degree in Apparel Design/Textiles before cosmetology school. She loves sports and is a KU, Royals, and Chiefs fan. She loves music and can play piano and saxophone. Heather is very connected to her clients and absolutely loves them. She dedicates her career to them and says she would not be where she is today without them.
Start from the beginning and tell me where you received your cosmetology license. What led you to this career path?
I received my cosmetology license from the Bellus Academy in Manhattan, KS. I had always loved doing hair since as far back as I can remember, honestly- I thought it was just a fun hobby. It wasn’t until I was in my second year at KU that I realized it was much more than a hobby, it was a passion. So, I transferred to Bellus and never looked back!
What is your favorite thing about this career?
When I first started doing hair I had no idea where I would specialize. I just wanted to get my hands in and learn as much as I could. It quickly became apparent I had a passion for coloring/highlighting blonde hair and now I am trained in Wella Color and Sassoon Cutting. Among the other many education opportunities I have been given since working at Studio, the two that stand out the most are a blonde color/cutting class in Dallas in 2016 with Riawna Capri & Niki Lee from 901 Salon (stylists to many celebs such as Julianne Hough, Jennifer Lawrence, Nina Dobrev & more), and an ‘All About Blondes,’ hands-on class with the same women at their salon in LA.
What inspires you daily? What more do you want to do with your career?
I am inspired mainly by others’ work and the hair I see walking down the street. I’m always looking at things and thinking, how did they execute that, how would I do it differently, how could I take it to the next level? I want to specifically hone in on blondes and highlighting and become a specialist.
Do you have any advice, tips or tricks for our readers?
Something I say to my clients, friends and even to myself: anyone can make a $5 t-shirt look good, but nobody can make a $5 haircut look good. Invest in your skin and hair because they will thank you for it, and you will thank yourself. Make sure you are using a great cleansing shampoo that allows you to go longer between washes (I use Nioxin #3- its my absolute favorite and can be purchased at the salon). And when it comes to styling your hair between washes, consider the following looks: day 1- blowdry & curl your hair, day 2- dry shampoo and a looser curly/wavy look, day 3- half bun, boxer braids, miley buns, and if you can stretch it to day 4- throw it all up in a messy/ballerina bun or throw on a cute beanie or hat.
What trend do you wish to see take place in 2017?
I wish to see a more natural look continue in 2017; healthy hair is pretty hair. I also hope makeup will take a more natural turn as well.
Here is some of Heather’s work! Follow her on Instagram to see more of her work!
