Life & Work with Christine Chavez of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Chavez

Hi Christine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey to being a hairdresser definitely had moments of hardship, and feelings of being on a hamster wheel. Looking back, though, I don’t regret my Path.
I graduated high school in 2001, with a clear idea that I was heading toward a career in the medical field. My high school had a strong focus on preparing students for that path, and I was convinced it was the direction I would take. However, after spending a year and a half at Cal State University, I realized I needed a change. College just didn’t feel like the right fit for me, though I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go next.

My mom played a significant role in helping me pivot. She supported my decision to pursue something different, but also made it clear that I needed to take action. I explored a few trade schools, and she encouraged me to consider cosmetology. During high school, I had a casual interest in styling hair—nothing I ever thought could turn into a career, but rather a hobby I enjoyed. However, her suggestion led me to apply to cosmetology school, and after completing my second year of college, I took the leap. I finished my 1600 hours in one year, attending full-time.

At cosmetology school, my mentor quickly saw potential in me and insisted that I needed to work at a prestigious salon to continue learning. She urged me to absorb everything I could from the best in the industry, and to approach the experience like a sponge, soaking up knowledge wherever possible.

Determined to follow her advice, I headed straight to Beverly Hills, applying to several well-known salons. I was turned away more times than I can count, which makes me laugh now, remembering my youthful optimism as a 19-year-old, thinking I’d be hired right away. The reality was that I had no experience, and no one was willing to take a chance on a complete beginner. That is, except for the late Stuart Gavert, the owner of Gavert Atelier in Beverly Hills. He looked beyond my lack of experience and saw my eagerness to learn. For that, I will forever be grateful.

Working for him wasn’t always a walk in the park, he was tough & had high expectations for the people that worked under him. That just made me want to show up even more. So I showed up every day with the goal of learning from his incredible skills. And I did. I gained an in-depth understanding of color theory, traditional balayage, and the artistry of hair color. It was during that first year that I realized my true passion: specializing in hair color.

Now, 22 years into my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with renowned brands, traveling the world, and contributing to the education of both new and seasoned stylists. The journey has been filled with ups and downs, but I’ve grown so much, and along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on others. I hope to have inspired and motivated those around me to stay committed to this industry, despite some of its challenges.

Being a stylist requires a lot of hard work and self-motivation, especially now with the added responsibility of promoting ourselves on social media and in person. But I firmly believe that if you truly love what you do, it leads to a long-lasting career. I’m fortunate to be one of those who have a deep passion for the craft—the way it makes my clients feel when they leave the chair, and the confidence I’m able to instill in the associates who work alongside me. This is what keeps me motivated every day, and what has kept me in this industry full-time for all these years.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Going back to that feeling of being on a hamster wheel—there was definitely a time when it felt incredibly hard to make money. I was working 50+ hours a week in the salon and then taking on extra jobs, like house calls after hours just to make extra income from clients who couldn’t come in during business hours.

What’s the saying? “I eat, sleep, and breathe- hair?” That’s exactly how it felt. It consumed my every thought because I was passionate about it. During my first few years behind the chair, I took every opportunity that came my way, even offering free services to build trust with clients, hoping they would refer me to others and, eventually, return as paying clients. I also lived at home with my mom for a while to save money until I could afford a place of my own in LA. Not many people have that opportunity, so I’m grateful for that.

It took more than five years to feel like I had a steady, reliable clientele. It’s not an instant process—at least not for me or many others I’ve spoken to. Building a career in this industry isn’t about instant gratification, especially when it comes to income. But I was determined to find my niche and stay focused on honing my craft. Over time, my dedication paid off. As I continued to improve and stay true to my artistry, my clients’ results began to speak for themselves. That’s when the income started to follow, and brands began to take notice.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a hairdresser, I chose to specialize in hair color and extensions. While I still do some minimal haircutting, those two areas are where my true passion lies. Once I built a solid clientele behind the chair, I began to explore the world of education and took on the role of educator for Brazilian Blowout, a smoothing treatment brand . I saw it as an opportunity to conquer my fear of public speaking, while also networking and discovering what lay beyond just working behind the chair.

This experience really sparked my interest in helping other stylists grow and making a positive impact on their journeys. I remember how daunting it was in the beginning—learning new techniques and perfecting skills. I felt fear and self-doubt too, and I wanted to be a source of inspiration for those just starting out, showing them that it’s okay to face challenges along the way.

At this point in my career, I’m probably most known for transforming naturally darker-haired clients into blonde beauties—whether it’s through global bleach, dimensional brunettes, or extension transformations.

But what I’m most proud of is the personal growth I’ve experienced. Being in this industry has pushed me out of my shy shell and helped me connect with new people. It’s not just about perfecting my own skills, but also about nurturing and guiding the newer stylists who work under me. I’ve realized that I find the most fulfillment in lifting others up, rather than just focusing on my own work. This has also poured into growing my relationships with brands as an ambassador as well.

Moving forward, I want to continue to build community within our industry and make a positive impact in any way I can. I can’t say there’s anything that distinctly sets me apart from others, as I feel many of us share the same goal of amplifying our hair community. However, I do hope that the way I impact my colleagues leaves them feeling inspired, supported, and motivated. I want them to know that not only have they learned something from me in terms of our craft, but they also have someone who is genuinely cheering them on in their careers and their personal goals.

As a working mom, I hope to model that while balancing career and family is never easy, it’s possible to have a fulfilling career without sacrificing what matters most. I take pride in showing my daughters that, whatever path they choose in the future, with hard work, dedication, passion, and a strong support system, success can thrive in both career and family life.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe the most important quality contributing to my success is my dedication to continuous growth and my genuine desire to help others. From the beginning of my journey, I’ve focused on honing my craft, especially in areas like hair color and extensions, but as I’ve grown in the industry, I’ve also leaned into the responsibility of helping others grow. Whether it’s mentoring new stylists, working with brands, building trust with clients, or facing challenges head-on, my commitment to constant learning and improving has been the foundation of my success .

Pricing:

• Single Process Hair Color Services Start at $160+
• Blonding Services start at $250+
• Extensions Services start at $600+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Christinechavezhair.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/christinechavezhair
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/christinechavezhair

Image Credits
@cameronjordan_photography
@nicoleivanovphoto