All posts by Lotte Van Eijck

Michele Dauphinee

Meet Redken Color Certified Hair Stylist Michele Dauphinee

Follow Michele on Instagram @hairbymicheledauphinee

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 beauty industry for 22 years. I knew I wanted to do hair in high school, I participated in a hair show as a model and saw how fun and rewarding it looked and decided that was what I wanted to do.

What is your favourite color trend or hairstyle? Right now, I really love texture. I love to create dimension by adding texture to both the cut and color. Currently I’m really enjoying the undone, unstructured looks.

Describe your personal style and tell us what inspires your creativity? I’d say my personal style would be classic with an edge. I like to keep up with current fashion trends, and love to incorporate them with my own style into my wardrobe. I’m inspired by fashion and new hairstyles. I spend time online and often look at Pinterest for inspiration. Other stylists are often great influences as well; I am always aware of other hairstylists that go above and beyond.

What is your favourite Redken product? I would say Argan-6 Oil – (from the All Soft family of Redken products). This product is light enough for everyone to use and makes the hair soft and shiny!

What sets you apart from other stylists? Simply being in the industry isn’t going to cut it anymore. I push myself to continuously learn and attend any class I can take. I never stop learning. I regularly travel to national and international events and constantly push myself to be the best I can be. I love to work with other stylists and I have recently started to work as a trainer with the Head Shoppe. I train new stylists with tips for time management and working in the salon.

When did you take the Redken Certified Colorist Exam and what was the exam preparation like, and lastly, what did the exam involve? I took the exam in May of 2014. Preparing for this exam included a lot of studying, reading, mannequin prep at both home and work in any down time I had. The exam involved two written aspects, including everything you need to know about Redken color (ranging from ingredients to reactions with different hair types). There was also a practical section of the exam involving work on mannequin hair.

What are the greatest benefits you received from becoming certified? One of the greatest benefits I’ve received is that all the studying reiterated information and allowed me to refocus on what I learned in the past. It really grounded me with key elements of Redken color. The exam makes you think practically, use your skills and know Redken color inside out. As a salon owner and trainer, it solidified what I knew and pushed me to learn the why behind what I know.

Why should other stylists strive to become Redken Certified? Being a Redken Certified Colorist is a prestigious title and highlights your love for color. Becoming Redken Certified shows dedication and that you’re working to be the best you can be. Why not push yourself and launch your career one step further?


To book an appointment with Michele 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.

Vicki Awalt

Meet Redken Color Certified Hair Stylist Vicki Awalt

Follow Vicki on Instagram @vicki.awalt.hair

When did you know you wanted to be a hair stylist and how long have you been in the industry? I knew I wanted to be a stylist at a young age. My mom is a stylist as well, so I spent years watching her work! I have been in the beauty industry for 10 years now.

What is your favourite color trend or hairstyle? Definitely the babylights and balayage trend right now! I really love the more natural, soft subtle colors and look of this trend.

Describe your personal style and tell us what inspires your creativity. My style is classic. I like to keep up with trends and incorporate them into my style, and of course, I always have my nails done! I regularly attend hair shows for inspiration and creativity. I’m all about pop culture. Social media is also a huge factor that inspires my creativity. Instagram and Pinterest are really great for new ideas.

What is your favourite Redken product? Color Extend Magnetics shampoo and conditioning system are my favourite products right now. This collection really increases color longevity, is sulfate free and smells AMAZING!

What sets you apart from other stylists? I keep pushing myself forward to learn and excel as a hairstylist. I attend many educational events both nationally and internationally to keep learning and to be on top of my game!

When did you take the Redken Certified Colorist Exam and what was the exam preparation like, and lastly, what did the exam involve? I took the exam in May 2014. Exam preparation involved a lot of studying! I studied at work using Redken books and educational pieces, practiced hands on at home with a mannequin head and also relied on studying and practicing with my teammates!

What are the greatest benefits you received from becoming certified? The greatest benefit I received was definitely being pushed out of my comfort zone and becoming confident in my skills and abilities. Taking this exam really forced me to put myself out there and become an expert in Redken color!

Why should other stylists strive to become Redken Certified? For me, being out of school for 10 years, it was a major refresher. I’m using colors now that I wasn’t always comfortable using. Taking the exam really gives you confidence and the knowledge to set yourself apart. Why not be even better at what you love?


To book an appointment with Vicki call the Dutch Village Road Head Shoppe at 902-457-3267 or click here to request an appointment. The Dutch Village Road Head Shoppe is located at 3543 Dutch Village Road, Halifax, NS, click here for map.