We all know the fashion world of clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories. But what about your beauty accessories? Hairstylist Josie Sanchez knows outfits would not look nearly as good without good hair. So, what does a hairstylist do? Well this hair hustler works with top names (hello: Zac Posen, Vera Wang, Sean John, Tom Ford), salon clients, backstage at runway shows, on photoshoots, teaching other stylists, doing celeb hair and basically not stopping. Josie managed to pause to tell M.I.S.S. about what she does and to give some tidbits of advice to aspiring stylists.
M.I.S.S.: What is your official title?
Master Stylist, Director of Color Education, L’Oreal Professionnel Balayage Artist, Session Stylist
M.I.S.S.: Sooo, what does that mean?
Well, I have many titles; I do a lot of different things inside of being a Hairstylist. At Dop Dop Salon, where I cut and color, I am a Master Stylist. I am also one of the two Directors of Color Education at Dop Dop , which means I am responsible for the color education the assistants at the salon receive in order to become stylists.
I also work for L’Oreal Professionnel as an Educator and I’m a L’Oreal Professionnel Balayage Artist. Balayage is a highlighting technique where the hair is painted instead of foiled (think Giselle or Victoria’s Secret). Session Stylist is a term for stylists that work behind the scenes for fashion week or on photo shoots, which is another part of my work.
M.I.S.S.: Do you have a specialty?
I can’t really say I have a specialty. . . I really love each and every thing I do so much. I would say I’m a hair specialist (laughs).
M.I.S.S.: What has your career looked like so far?
My career has kinda been something out of a dream. I am a crazy workaholic but everything I have set out to do I have accomplished thus far. From working in a fast-paced, super successful salon to working with celebrities and getting to share my knowledge with other stylists. . . I have been truly lucky in my path.
Behind the Runway: some backstage hair looks by Josie Sanchez
M.I.S.S.: What do your days look like?
I am constantly trying to keep myself inspired and excited. Outside of work I get bored pretty easily and I never want to get bored with my career.
M.I.S.S.: What would people not expect from your job?
I’m not too sure what’s unexpected about my job other than how much I really work. I think a lot of people think it’s not a really demanding job, but it has demanded almost every moment of my life for about 10 years now. I have gone weeks with no days off, by choice, of course.
M.I.S.S.: What is glamorous about your job?
Everything! I make people look amazing every day. Without gorgeous hair your glamorous outfit would never look that good.
M.I.S.S.: What’s anti-glam about it?
Not much (laughs). The only thing that I would say is not glamorous is after I do a haircut, I look down at my boobs and they are hairy, but it’s not my hair.
M.I.S.S.: What’s your favorite part of the job?
There’s no feeling like when a client leaves feeling fabulous or a model steps in front of the camera looking perfect.
Models looking picture perfect after Josie's done their 'dos
M.I.S.S.: What’s the worst part?
I would have to say the hours. Even though it is kinda my choice, I don’t really have a life outside of work.
M.I.S.S.: What has changed about your industry?
I can’t say much has changed other than always staying on top of what’s new. There are a lot of people trying to break into the industry, so I have to keep up with new techniques and fashion so I can be at the top of my game.
M.I.S.S.: What is it that stays the same?
That people just want to look their absolute best.
M.I.S.S.: What are you most proud of?
I’m not sure I can answer that (laughs). I’m one of those people that has trouble acknowledging myself. But, I did cry when I was promoted to Master Stylist in the salon.
Josie Sanchez: Hustler, Fashionista, Talent
M.I.S.S.: What are your future goals?
I have so many we would be here forever. But I believe there is no limit to my future or anyone’s future; I believe if you keep working as hard as you can and never let fear stand in your way, anything is possible.
M.I.S.S.: What should aspiring hairstylists know or learn?
Well first, this job is not a get-out-of-college-free card. I mean, I hear way too many times a day, ”I wanna be a hairstylist.” It looks fun and it is if you really, truly love what you do. The techniques and the technology are always advancing so you have to be able to swallow your ego and learn something new. You can never know it all.
M.I.S.S.: What does it take to be a hairstylist?
A degree in Psychology. Just kidding. I would say what I need most everyday is patience but you need to love people and care for people.
All I can say is I beyond love my job. I eat, sleep, and breathe hair. If I was to win the lottery and never have to work again, I would do hair for free. No lie. I mean, I would take a lot more vacations (laughs). I believe the luckiest people in the world are the people that love their jobs because if you really do, then you’re not really working.
Don’t be shy: if you want to schedule salon time or hire Josie as a session stylist, get in touch with her!
Image Layout: C-Rocka
