Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra D.
Sandra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I became a hairstylist on accident. I signed up for a class where I later realized I misread the class description and couldn’t get a refund after opening up my kit. After the first semester, I knew I was changing careers. The art of cutting, coloring, and hairdressing came naturally to me. This is where I learned a solid foundation of classic hairdressing. My instructors were hairdressers of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Classic films were my favorite for learning authentic styles. I would watch films and pause a perfect style that was in frame, study the shape of the set and recreate it the next day.
From many consultations and haircuts of people not knowing how to style their hair or looking for something “easy”, I developed a signature style of hair shaping (hair cuts). An approach that allows the hair to grow in varying styles rather than out of shape. A cut lasts anywhere from 2 – 6 months. Another technique I use is dry cutting which is perfect for curly hair.
Later my passion for hair color grew and I became a color educator for a few years. It’s amazing how just a little color can magnify a cut and vice versa. I do a lot of color corrections and I love to get creative while maintaining the integrity of the hair. Now I work a lot with natural or organic color lines.
Today I’m all about connecting classic and modern day styles. Not everyone wants to set their hair everyday and yet people want to have that timeless look. I’m inspired by the classics and the charm of technology to create the perfect combination of effortless hair.
Has it been a smooth road?
I was lucky to receive a decent vintage styling foundation from retired hairdressers, I found I had no peers interested in classic hairdressing. Through trial and error and my own research, I had to refine my technique. It has been difficult to find original and out of circulation publications detailing authentic classic styles and techniques. I frequently encounter the challenge of recreating authentic vintage looks on clients with long modern cuts and styles. Most all classic hairstyles are on short to medium length hair that has been permed; which is rarely done anymore. It’s been important for me to stay up to date and inspired with modern cuts and color while maintaining my passion for vintage hair-styling which is a dying art that I am committed to keeping alive.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Hair is our largest accessory and LA is a busy place. The hardest part of my job is helping others manage their stress while looking good. Assisting others with their lifestyle is the most rewarding and sometimes taxing when I come in contact with several different people throughout the day.
When we take a moment to step back, have a couple of deep breaths, and notice what is actually happening in our life (not how we perceive it with emotions), life really is that simple. I remind clients and peers to make choices and solutions without emotions. I appreciate these challenging times as it’s a great reminder for me as well.
How do you define success?
To me, success is when others are loved and acknowledged. Yes…people are looking to get their hair fixed. My goal is to listen to their story, their routine, look at their body expression, how they move their hands through their hair. All of this and more helps me to create a style catered to the individual. My success is based on authenticity, listening and observation of body language.
So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
I had plans to open a salon at LAX and Burbank airport and others beat me to it. I later realized, as much as it was a good idea, my heart wasn’t in it.
I am a first generation LA native so this is home and what I know. My concept for the next plan is to create tranquility in LA. To be honest, I feel like I’m in transition toward this other plan and do not know exactly what it looks like. Not to sound cliché, but I’m taking a trip to India next week for a month. We’ll see what kind of inspiration will spark while I’m out there.
Pricing:
- Vintage Styling $110
- Haircut $95
- Hair color $95
Contact Info:
- Website: www.glamourembalmer.com
- Phone: The Local Salon- 818.763.2977
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Glamour Embalmer
- Facebook: Sandra D Vintage Hairstylist
- Other: periscope- Glamour Emablmer
Fotini revivo
September 26, 2016 at 06:03
After years in search of anyone who can help me understand and maintain my hair. I finally found Sandra. I came to her with so much damage and felt hopeless. I was waiting for her to tell me we have to cut it off. But instead, she told me to take a deep breath and to allow her to get to know my hair. I spent 3hrs in her chair and not once I felt hopeless. With every cut, wash, condition and style I can feel my hair received love. I had lost all my curls, and my hair was thinned out. When I left I had waves and love. I had made a friend for life. Even though Sandra was an old friend from Elementary School, we reconnected again by hair. It’s been a few years now and I am pleased that I have all my curls back and a full head for hair. I’m hoping she will teach me to style my hair into the beautiful 40s looks she creates. Thank you Sandra D. Your more then a hair designer, your a good friend, and life to my hair. 🙂
Chris Rajapakse
April 4, 2017 at 22:29
The most talented hairdresser !!!