Meet Redken Color Certified Hair Stylist Barb Horsman

Follow Barb on Instagram @barbiehorsman

When did you know you wanted to be a hair stylist and how long have you been in the industry?

Hair has always been a passion. As a child, I used to style the neighbourhood girls hair. I’ve loved to watch hair move and create, curl and run my hands through it. However, my journey in the industry began as an esthetician first. Not long after graduating, I decided to make the switch to hairstyling, my true passion. I made the right decision and I have been a stylist for 35 years – 19 years with the Head Shoppe.

What is your favourite color trend or hairstyle?

My favourite color trend would dimensional blondes, the hair looks so interesting with more than one tone running throughout. With longer hairstyles, I really love loose, undone waves. It catches the light in the color and makes it pop more. But arguably, any hair that looks extremely healthy and shiny tops my list!

Describe your personal style and tell us what inspires your creativity?

My personal style would be fun and flirty. Creatively, I tend to be drawn towards classic beauty with eye-catching twists. I use Instagram and Facebook for inspiration; however, I love watching young and upcoming stylists in my salon. Another go-to for inspiration is nature itself. I love to photograph colors found in nature that I can use in my work. I enjoy using these aspects to create vibrant, dimensional colors. For example, creating the perfect blonde based off the different tones found in beach sand, reds reflecting the vibrancy of a bonfire, or brunettes pulling warmth from the trees in the wilderness. I always find myself looking for the dimension and tones that I can blend to create a cohesive look.

What is your favourite Redken product?

Right now, my favourite Redken product is pH Bonder. I love the science behind the product and knowing how much it helps in the chemical aspect of the hair color process. It is a real game changer for what I can do with the integrity of the hair. I find that clients can visually notice the difference in the days, weeks and even months later. For me, it is all about the client and that they get their desired look and love their hair – then it’s a win!

When did you take the Redken Certified Haircolorist Exam and what was the exam preparation like?

I took the exam in 2007. I had just 3 weeks to prepare, but I love a challenge and took it upon myself to pass. I studied hard working on mannequin heads with a timer. I can clearly remember the day, I wasn’t nervous, I was excited. I couldn’t wait to start the challenge and grow my career.

What are the greatest benefits you received from becoming certified?

The greatest benefit is the confidence that I have behind the chair. It is so amazing to look back into my career and see the growth. In addition, I am currently the Evaluator for the Hair Coloring Certification Program. I facilitate all the current Redken Certified Haircolorist exams. I love to coach and help those who may be interested in taking on the challenge of becoming certified themselves. I want to be support for anyone contemplating doing the exam – I am always here to help.

What sets you apart from other stylists?

I would say the willingness to say no and having the ability to communicate with clients about realistic possibilities. I always work to create a long-term game plan for how to achieve a desired look and handle expectations. I always aim to please, however I like to have a plan in place.

Why should other stylists strive to become Redken Certified Haircolorists?

Other stylists should strive to become certified because you can see the confidence and personal grounding that comes after taking this exam. Plus, achieving this milestone builds the excitement to move forward in their career as well as the ability to balance out nerves when creating colors. They transform from stylists to colorists.

To book an appointment with Barb call the Moncton Head Shoppe at 506-858-9464 or click here to request an appointment. The Moncton Head Shoppe is located on Mountain Road in Moncton, NB, click here for map.

Meet Redken Color Certified Hair Stylist Bonnie Forrestall

When did you know you wanted to be a hairstylist and how long have you been in the industry? I always knew I wanted to be a hair stylist; it always came naturally to me. I’ve been in the industry for 27 years – 26 of those years have been with the Head Shoppe.

What is your favourite color trend or hairstyle? I’m really into healthy, shiny, sexy, fun hair! I like your hair to bring out your personality. I’m always open to try new things and never nervous to take risks.

Describe your personal style and tell us what inspires your creativity? My personal style would be a little bit of everything. I like classy, sexy, and trendy styles – I’m not afraid to mix it up. If I can send a message through your image then I’ve done my job.

What is your favourite Redken product? My favourite product and current go-to would be Stay High. It gives manageability, volume and shine. Redken’s CAT is my #1 treatment. It helps to rebuild the hair and allows me to create new looks confidently and easily.

When did you take the Redken Certified Colorist Exam and what was the exam preparation like? I took the exam in May 2013. I prepared by speaking to my colleagues, and learning from them. I was able to bounce ideas off them, as well as ask any questions I had. I also practiced a lot – I knew my material inside and out.

What are the greatest benefits you received from becoming certified? I feel more knowledgeable and satisfied with my results in creating a polished and finished look.

What sets you apart from other stylists? I’m always willing and not afraid to try new things. I like to listen to my client’s needs and work to achieve their hair goals.

Why should other stylists strive to become Redken Color Certified? It will take them to a whole new level! It will elevate their knowledge and up their game.

To book an appointment with Bonnie call the Bedford Head Shoppe at 902-835-1669 or click here to request an appointment. The Bedford Head Shoppe is located in the Mill Cove Plaza on the Bedford Highway, NS, click here for map.

Meet Redken Color Certified Hair Stylist Tyson Thompson

Follow Tyson on Instagram @hairbytyson

When did you know you wanted to be a hair stylist and how long have you been in the industry? I have been in the industry for 10 years now, always working in the Spryfield area. As long as I can remember, I always had an interest in hair. As a child I remember going to the salon with my family and being mesmerized at the process. It was so interesting to see the transformations happen right in front of you.

What is your favourite color trend or hairstyle? I love soft looks, like creating a sombre. This color still has dimension but isn’t striking or too bold. I also like to blend as many colors as possible yet create a natural color. Undercutting and disconnected looks are my favourite hairstyles to create right now. I like to take short hair and make it something or funky. I find I’m creating these looks more often, especially with clients who want to change up their style a bit but don’t want anything too crazy – this way I can still add some fun and flair.

Describe your personal style and tell us what inspires your creativity? My personal style would be relaxed, comfortable and more on the classic side. I do like and look for some influence of what is trending to mix that in too. I get industry inspiration through magazines, Instagram and YouTube to stay current with what is up-and-coming and trending.

What is your favourite Redken product? For homecare, Redken’s One United is my go-to. I love the benefit of doing a little bit of everything for your hair and every client can take advantage of its 25 benefits.

When did you take the Redken Certified Colorist Exam and what was the exam preparation like? I took the exam in 2010. I made it my goal to put in the time and study every piece I was given to be sure I could succeed. It was important to cover all the bases to be ready for the exam and learn to change habits to reflect the proper Redken practices.

What are the greatest benefits you received from becoming certified? The overall knowledge I gained from the certification was so important and has stayed with me throughout the years. The exam taught the background of Redken processes and made it so much easier for making choices to create amazing colors.

What sets you apart from other stylists? I’m always trying to create the perfect look for my clients, to do that I need to understand what they’re looking for. I believe the consultation is the most important aspect of the experience in my chair. This allows us to develop a plan together so they leave happy but also in the same time, they get something that is fun, fresh and new.

Why should other stylists strive to become Redken Color Certified? It is just going to up your game. Anytime you acquire knowledge you are becoming a better stylist. I always remember a teacher telling me “when you’re green you’re growing, when you’re ripe you rot” you can never know too much and should always be open to learning new techniques and styles.

To book an appointment with Tyson, call the Dutch Village Road Head Shoppe at 902-457-3267 or Click here to request an appointment. Click here for a map to find the Dutch Village Road Head Shoppe.

Meet Redken Color Certified Hair Stylist Kayla Lennan-Cole

Follow Kayla on Instagram @hairbykaylalc

When did you know you wanted to be a hair stylist and how long have you been in the industry? I’ve been in the industry for 10 years now. As for when I knew I wanted to be a stylist, my story is unique. At that time in my life, I was unsure of what I wanted to do for my career. One of my close friends had just started attending hair school and approached me saying I should consider attending. She felt it would be a perfect fit for me as I was always trying different things with my hair. I booked an informational interview at the Hair Design Centre, fell in love, and started classes the following week. It all just seemed to fall in place after that. Such a spontaneous decision put me where I’m supposed to be and the rest is history.

What is your favourite color trend or hairstyle? Right now, I’m really into super blunt cuts with lots of texture. I have even been using my clippers to get that harsh, bold line. I still love creating super soft, balayage or ombre looks as well to add depth and dimension. I find it so exciting when the seasons change and you can suggest new trends, colors and techniques for clients. Those red and copper tones for Fall are so beautiful!

Describe your personal style and tell us what inspires your creativity? My style is very fluid depending on where I am and what I’m doing in the moment. I enjoy dressing up and going glam, however I like a laid-back casual style too. I use Instagram as one of my go-to places for a creative boost and inspiration. I also really enjoy bouncing ideas off my co-workers and getting to talk trends with them. We each have such individual techniques and color ideas, I love working and learning from each other.

What is your favourite Redken product? My go-to is always Wax Blast. It has a nice medium hold and adds lots of texture. It is great for clients that have short hair and want some hold without using a paste. It is also great for my long haired clients that want to create some wave and soft texture.

When did you take the Redken Certified Colorist Exam and what was the exam preparation like? I wrote the exam in May 2014. For me, I really made it my goal to ace the exam. I spent my downtime studying and I fully committed to learning the ins and outs of Redken color. I practiced on mannequin heads in the salon for practical work and was very conscious of timing. I used Redken videos online for additional support. I am proud of the amount of time I put in to studying for the exam, and the overall knowledge I have gained.

What are the greatest benefits you received from becoming certified? It was very grounding in going back to the basics and having a full understanding of the color line and processes. Also, the ability to pass along information and to be able to explain the “why” behind certain processes is very useful. I find it also gives clients peace of mind in knowing that I have gone above and beyond with my skills to become Redken Certified.

What sets you apart from other stylists? My deeper understanding of Redken color and formulation are such positive aspects of being certified. I take pride in understanding the entire color process. I also am sure to be using all the tools available to me to continue to grow and provide my clients with hair color they love.

Why should other stylists strive to become Redken Color Certified? Becoming Redken Certified really grounds your knowledge; it gives you the extra edge and puts more tools in your toolbox. It definitely gives you more confidence in your color abilities as well.

To book an appointment with Kayla call the Fall River Head Shoppe at 902-861-1222 or click here to request an appointment. The Fall River Head Shoppe is located in the Fall River Shopping Plaza, click here for map.

Meet Redken Color Certified Hair Stylist Melinda Gourley

When did you know you wanted to be a hair stylist and how long have you been in the industry? I’ve been in the industry for 14 years, with our company for 13 of those years. I didn’t have a defining moment when I knew this was what I was going to do, I’ve just always enjoyed working with hair. There’s a special connection with a client and their stylist and you get to help make someone feel beautiful through their hair.

What is your favourite color trend or hairstyle? Right now, I really love rich, intense colors (Deep reds, rich browns). There is so much ombre right now, I like add intensity and continuity with the dimension in color. I also love creating bobs; this is by far my favourite cutting technique and can really be created to fit each person individually.

Describe your personal style and tell us what inspires your creativity? I like adding a pop of color to my wardrobe. Scarves are one of my go-to pieces to add color and make my style my own. For creativity, I love Pinterest! It is such a useful tool to use for inspiration and color ideas. It helps to make sure that I fully understand a certain look that my client may be looking for. It helps so we are both confident that we are looking to achieve the same goal.

What is your favourite Redken product? Stay High. It has great hold, yet it still stays soft to the touch. This is my go-to finishing product!

When did you take the Redken Certified Colorist Exam and what was the exam preparation like? I took the exam in 2010, I prepared by studying and doing a lot of mannequin work, foiling practice and striving to follow specific techniques. This exam really pushed me to know all the aspects of Redken Color inside and out!

What are the greatest benefits you received from becoming certified? The greatest benefits of becoming Redken Color Certified is the feeling of satisfaction you get once finished. It gave me such pride and really validated all the time and effort I put into studying and preparing. It is so satisfying to know that not every stylist is certified and how much work it really takes. It is like an exclusive club.

What sets you apart from other stylists? When you make an appointment with a Redken Certified Colorist, clients can be confident that we know color. We have invested our time and put in a lot of hard work to get where we are.

Why should other stylists strive to become Redken Color Certified? I believe that stylists should always strive to be at the top of their game and be the best they can be. Completing the Redken Certified Colorist exam pushes you to expand your skills and broaden your skill set.

To book an appointment with Melinda, call the Truro Head Shoppe at 902-895-9676 or click here to request an appointment. The Truro Head Shoppe is located in the Truro Mall in Truro, NS, click here for map.

Meet Redken Color Certified Hair Stylist Joanne Gaul

When did you know you wanted to be a hair stylist and how long have you been in the industry? I have been a stylist for 19 years now. It has always been a passion, but I knew I wanted to do hair in university when I was doing more hair than studying! I decided then to follow my passion and enroll in hair school, and the rest is history!

What is your favourite color trend or hairstyle? I really like creating sombre and pastel colors right now. Sombre color is so popular right now and gives such a soft, natural wearable color. Pastels are just so fun to create!

Describe your personal style and tell us what inspires your creativity? My personal style is very natural and laid back. My clients are such an inspiration to me. I love to help to give them color and styles that they can make look great even at the grocery store. It is so satisfying to reflect my creativity on others and build looks that really compliment the client. Redken education is also a big inspiration for me, such a great way to get new, fun ideas.

What is your favourite Redken product? My favourite Redken go-to is Shades EQ Gloss for color – it is such an easy fix to any color situation! For styling, Redken Guts and Forceful are my favourites. These products are great for volume, yet light enough to not weight down the hair.

When did you take the Redken Certified Colorist Exam and what was the exam preparation like? I took the exam in 2008. I studied lots and prepared for the exam by focusing my color theory and foil placement skills on mannequin heads.

What are the greatest benefits you received from becoming certified? It is so great to be able to proudly tell your clients that you are a Redken Certified Colorist. Studying for the exam was such a great way to solidify my knowledge of Redken hair color.

Why should other stylists strive to become Redken Color Certified? Other stylists should definitely strive and push themselves to become certified. The exam polishes your technical ability, makes you more knowledgeable about products, and broadens your ability to do great color. It brings you back to the basics and keeps your skill range broad!

To book an appointment with Joanne call the New Minas Head Shoppe at 902-681-1355 or click here to request an appointment. The New Minas Head Shoppe is located in the New Minas Court Plaza, click here for map.

Meet Redken Color Certified Hair Stylist Nadine Coleman

Follow Nadine on Instagram @nadinecc

When did you know you wanted to be a hair stylist and how long have you been in the industry? I have been a stylist for 11 years. I grew up in a hair salon, my grandmother and aunt were both stylists! I enjoyed spending time in the salon when I was young and would go after school. I always knew it was what I wanted to do.

What is your favourite color trend or hairstyle? My favourite hairstyle is definitely the bob. I love personalizing them to my clients and creating different variations. I like adding in an undercut and creating both short and long bobs – they are so versatile! In relation to color, I am really into the grey and silver trend now that has been so popular!

Describe your personal style and tell us what inspires your creativity? My personal style is a little edgy. I really enjoy adding in statement pieces to show creativity and flair. I love accessorizing and anything that sparkles. Fashion trends are a big piece of my inspiration. I find it helpful in creating new hairstyles for my clients by balancing in their style and taste.

What is your favourite Redken product? My favourite Redken product would be Quick Tease! This hairspray lets you create amazing looks!

What sets you apart from other stylists? My passion is hair and coloring through and through and I think that shows to my clients. I strive to build relationships and I take great pride in the friendships I have built. I have the best clients!

When did you take the Redken Certified Colorist Exam and what was the exam preparation like? I took the exam in 2008. The exam preparation was quite intense at the time. The preparation was very hands on as well as a lot of reading and technical work. Timing was such a big component! I was already a Redken artist and this prior knowledge really gave me an edge for the exam.

What are the greatest benefits you received from becoming certified? Becoming Redken Certified was a great choice as it pushes you to be on point and know your techniques. The exam also helped to create good habits and efficiency. Timing is such an important aspect of this industry.

Why should other stylists strive to become Redken Color Certified? I think all stylists should strive to become certified! The process really pushes you to dig deeper into the coloring processes and techniques. Once completed, it gives such a professional edge – you know the “why” behind everything you are doing. It will put you on top of your game! Anyone can do color, but not everyone knows the why behind what they are doing.

To book an appointment with Nadine call the New Minas Head Shoppe at 902-681-1355 or click here to request an appointment. The New Minas Head Shoppe is located in the New Minas Court Plaza, click here for map.

Meet Redken Color Certified Hair Stylist Kim Wyers

Follow Kim on Instagram @kimwyershair

When did you know you wanted to be a hair stylist and how long have you been in the industry? I have been in the industry for over 15 years, owning the Fredericton Head Shoppe since 2008. I always knew I wanted to work with people and use my skills to make people feel incredible. Hair styling was the answer for me and I haven’t looked back since!

What is your favourite color trend or hairstyle? Right now, my favourite hairstyle is definitely a longer version of the pixie cut, I love customizing the cut to clients face shapes. The pixie is easy to style and great for texture. My favourite color trend is definitely Balayage. I recently took a class on this technique and it is so versatile. Balayage is a beautiful and natural coloring technique and allows me to focus on specific areas to highlight with different points of light – it really helps to bring out your best features.

Describe your personal style and tell us what inspires your creativity? I would describe my personal style as classic, while I try to put in elements of what is on currently on trend. For creativity, I look a lot to other stylists and celebrity stylists especially Sam Villa and Guy Tang. They showcase their work on celebrities and we all follow and look to celebrities for current trend and ideas.

What is your favourite Redken product? My favourite Redken product is Shades EQ Gloss. This color line has incredible shine, conditions and can change the tone of the hair without any damage. It has so many benefits that people don’t realize. I also love Redken’s new Pillow Proof Cream Primer – who doesn’t want their hair to be shiny, soft and dry faster!

What sets you apart from other stylists? I am a firm believer in taking as many educational classes as I can. These classes allow me to keep up-to-date on the newest trends and continue to push me to grow as a stylist.

When did you take the Redken Certified Colorist Exam and what was the exam preparation like? I took the exam in May 2014. It was an intense process including lots of studying and going back to the basics of the structure of hair and basic laws of color. You had to be able to defend your answers and really know Redken color. I spent hours studying and practicing on my mannequin head to be the best Redken colorist I could be.

What are the greatest benefits you received from becoming certified? The greatest benefit I have received is that it has allowed me to go back to the basics of color and know why you would formulate for a certain result. My corrective color skills have changed dramatically since the course!

Why should other stylists strive to become Redken Color Certified? I think it is really an elite group of stylists who have committed to the challenge. A lot of stylists don’t pass the first time and this can be discouraging if you’re a seasoned stylist. It allows you to be part of a group of hair stylists that Redken recommends. It is a big opportunity.

To book an appointment with Kim call the Fredericton Head Shoppe at 506-450-4048 or click here to request an appointment. The Fredericton Head Shoppe is located in the Regent Mall in Fredericton, NB, click here for map.