“How do you think the beauty industry has changed (techniques, trends, client expectations) since you started? How do you adapt and continue learning?”
During my career, the beauty industry has transformed drastically. One of the biggest shifts has been in hair products. Years ago, shampoos with salts would strip color right out of the hair. When Pureology introduced sulfate-free formulas, it changed everything — it set a new standard for protecting and maintaining color. Today, brands like Color Proof or Pureology push innovations even further. I try to stay on top of these changes because clients deserve the best care and long-lasting results.
Another huge shift has been how we learn and communicate. The pandemic accelerated everything — suddenly YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok became classrooms. Stylists and clients now have instant access to tutorials, trends, and inspiration. Instead of flipping through magazines, clients walk in with photos and videos on their phones. They’re more informed, using professional vocabulary like ‘balayage,’ though many don’t fully understand the technique. That’s where consultation becomes so important: it’s my job to translate those trends into something realistic, healthy, and tailored for each client.
As an instructor, I see this evolution as a teaching opportunity. Students are entering the beauty industry with exposure to social media trends and terminology, but they need guidance to understand the science, technique, and discipline behind the looks. I make sure they don’t just chase trends but learn how to adapt them in a way that protects the hair and respects the craft.
For me, adapting in this industry means being a lifelong learner — both for my clients and my students. The tools and trends will always change, but listening, educating, and creating remain the foundation.