Artistry by Hazel

If you follow the salon on any of our social media platforms (and if you don’t what are you waiting for) you know that the hashtag our stylist Hazel uses is #artistrybyHazel. I would say that to classify the work Hazel does here at The Wayward Hairdresser as artistry is an understatement. I am so lucky to have had Hazel be the first addition to the shop after I opened it, and feel blessed everyday to be able to watch her work and be her friend. So without further ado, please let me formally introduce those of you who don’t know her to Hazel!

I met Hazel a couple of years ago when I was working behind the chair at another salon but dreaming of opening my own shop, and she was an assistant at the same salon. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why she was an assistant. She moved through the salon with a hustle and confidence that thoroughly impressed me, and over time I realized that the skills she possessed as a hairdresser not only surpassed all of the other assistants but also many of the stylists working in the salon. Turns out that Hazel had taken a step down from a high end salon specializing in curly hair (take note all you curly heads out there) in order to expand her skillset into color treatments and different hair types. Her plan was to be an assistant for a few months and show that she had the talent and drive to become a rock star stylist. Despite her obvious talent, maturity and ability to shine, the promotion to stylist never came and Hazel was languishing as an assistant much longer than expected. When I expressed my shock that she was still an assistant despite her obvious skill level Hazel replied that as soon as I opened my shop and had a spot for her, she wouldn’t be an assistant any more. Little did she know that i had been planning The Wayward Hairdresser for years, and was very close to opening my own place, and true to her word, three months after the salon opened last year, Hazel was my first hire. She got here just in time! I couldn’t do this salon owner thing without Hazel, and the work she does for our clients is truly magical and nothing but artistic. Check out some of her most recent styles:

Why have a pixie that is one shade of blue when you can sport two? This style was dreamt up by Hazel and one of her regular clients, and truly executed to perfection. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but many of our most daring styles recently have been blue and Hazel is certainly driving some of that trend. You heard it here first, blue hair is 2021’s pink.

Look at the dimension Hazel accomplished for her client with this hand painted balayage. As I’m sure you’ve heard, some of the most effortless styles can be the most technical for stylists, and Hazel has certainly given this client effortless highlights that sparkle and shine.

One thing I have noticed over my time working with her is that Hazel is particularly adept at is interpreting a client’s vision to fit both their style and personality as well as their hair type. This client wanted a short style that was also versatile, and she had been searching for a long time for the perfect cut. Hazel was able to translate what she was asking for into a look that is perfect for her client’s hair and lifestyle, and looks amazing.

This style is on fire (I know how cheesy that sounded, I’m sorry). When Hazel’s client came into the shop last week, she knew that she wanted to start 2021 off with a new look, but was unclear on exactly what that meant. One of the things that really sets Hazel apart as a stylist and colorist is her creativity. She is able to dream up looks with clients that are completely out of the box, but are still manageable for their lifestyle. I mean, honestly, look how badass this color and style are, and completely unique.

I could not do this shop owner life without Hazel. She inspires me every day with her talent, and I feel so lucky to have met her, recognized what an expert stylist she is, and been able to have her join me at the shop. The Wayward Hairdresser would simply not be the same without her. If you need Hazel in your life as well, give us a call or go ahead and make an appointment.