When you move to a new city or are in need of a new hair stylist the search for a new one can leave you nearly traumatized.
Even those who turn to friends for recommendations, resort to asking strangers rockin’ great styles where they get their hair done (if you’re a girl you’ve probably done this at least once), or go to the most expensive salons expecting to find their next mane controller don’t escape without a battle wound or two.
However, if you’ve done your research online you’ve probably come across the glowing reviews given for hair stylist Cat Bailey’s chairside manner and way with sharp objects (see scissors) from her happy customers.
Cat can be found working her magic at Sol Salon (10115 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 p: 310-836-9166).
Cat took the time out of her busy schedule to answer some of TRAffIK’s questions to let you in on some of her secrets, philosphies, and tips that keep her clients coming back.
TRAffIK: Where are you from originally?
Cat Bailey: I’m was born in Saigon, Vietnam. Came to Los Angeles when I was 6 yrs. old. I grew up in Venice, CA.
TRAffIK: When did you first start doing hair?
Cat Bailey: I come from a family of women, mom and aunts, in the cosmetology business, so I was surrounded by most of my life. But as a licensed professional I would say about 6 yrs.
TRAffIK: When did you first realize that you enjoyed doing people’s hair?
Cat Bailey: I first realized it was when I was waking up in the morning and was looking forward to going to work to seek out new challenges.
TRAffIK: How important do you feel hair is to a person?
Cat Bailey: I feel hair is so important to a person’s confidence, just like with their teeth. If you have great looking hair your personality will shine through.
TRAffIK: Many people use hair as a way to showcase their own personality and creativity, what would you say to someone that wanted to try an out of the norm hair color, cut, or style?
Cat Bailey: I usually suggest they go to wig shop and try on a wig with the cut or color that they like just to see what it would look like before they take that big leap.
TRAffIK: What do you most enjoy about doing hair?
Cat Bailey: I love how everyday is a different day. Never is it the same day twice. I also love that my clients tell me that my how haircuts make their grow out nice. (maybe that’s a bad thing since I won’t see them for a while j/k).
TRAffIK: What do you feel sets you apart from other stylists?
Cat Bailey: I like to give my clients the tools, i.e: knowledge and good product, to help them manage and keep their hair staying healthy and looking great while they’re out of the salon.
TRAffIK:What are some of the most important things you’ve learned about doing hair?
Cat Bailey: I feel Communication and pictures speak louder than words.
TRAffIK: What are some of the most important things you’ve learned about people in general?
Cat Bailey: People who cry over hair have deeper issues and it’s usually not because of anything you’ve done wrong. But in general most people are real easy going and they hold our professional opinion highly.
TRAffIK: What is your advice for someone who is coming to see you for the first time and doesn’t really have an idea of what they want done to their hair?
Cat Bailey: Picture, picture, picture.
TRAffIK: What is your process when it comes to helping a person pick a new haircut or hair color? What are some of the things you take into consideration (i.e.skin tone, face shape, etc)
Cat Bailey: skin tone, face shape, texture and condition of the hair, i.e. porous or not.
TRAffIK: Is there a haircolor or style that you have come across that seems to work for almost everyone?
Cat Bailey: Long layers or the modern bob.
TRAffIK: Most women have tried doing their hair on their own at least once, this can usually lead to disaster. What are some of the worst case scenarios that you’ve had to deal with when it comes to fixing a clients hair?
Cat Bailey: It’s usually the worst when a woman has been coloring her own hair black and now wants to be blonde again. It’s really hard to remove build ups of dark pigmentations. It’s also a slower process since I’m real big on saving the integrety of the hair.
TRAffIK: Hair Stylists are often referred to as the Therapists/Psychologists of the beauty industry as people seem to start spilling their life stories after just a few minutes in the styling chair. Is this the case for you?
Cat Bailey: Yes this is usually the case…but I don’t cut and tell.
TRAffIK: How do you feel about trendy hair styles?
Cat Bailey:I don’t like trendy anything! Once they’re considered trendy everyone has it then it’s become mainstream so you end up looking like everyone else.
TRAffIK: Being based out of LA County do you feel people are more daring with their hair here than other parts of the country
Cat Bailey: Yes
TRAffIK: What was your favorite time for hairstyles?
Cat Bailey: I really like the hairstyles now because there isn’t any one specific style. We get to create our own style.
TRAffIK: Is there a hairstyle you wish would make a comeback or that you’d like to see more of?
Cat Bailey: Maybe the mullet BUT just for women. I’d like to see an edgier version.
TRAffIK: Celebrity wise who do you feel has great hair?
Cat Bailey: I can’t think of any celebrity who doesn’t have weaves, extensions or is just all natural to be considered as having nice hair. I also feel they all look the same.
TRAffIK: Who do you wish you could give a hair makeover to?
Cat Bailey: Amy Winehouse!!!!
TRAffIK: If you weren’t a hair stylist what would you be doing?
Cat Bailey: A Graphic Designer. That’s what I was before I became a stylist.
TRAffIK: Do you have any hobbies? How do you unwind?
Cat Bailey: My life is so crazy right now so no time for unwinding nor hobbies.
