How many years have you been a stylist?
Since 1991 – 20 years.
2. Why did you choose this profession?
I was really inspired by my step mother's career as a television stylist for Paramount Pictures.
3. Did you go to school to become a stylist or are you self-taught?
I attended cosmetology school in L.A. and later continued ongoing training through special seminar's like Michael O'Rourke's classes at the Institute of Courage and at the Sassoon Academy.
4. Where do you draw inspiration for your work?
I draw my inspiration from old Hollywood glamour. I try to update classic looks like Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball, and Elizabeth Taylor and add my own modern twist. I love to watch old films for inspiration.
5. What is the funniest thing that has happened to you while cutting someone else's hair?
While working as a stylist at the Monte Carlo hotel, I recall having a couple of clients in my chair who were totally intoxicated. I was trying hard not to burst out laughing white I cut and styled a woman who couldn't keep her head in the same spot for more than five seconds.
6. What is your favourite part of being a stylist?
I love meeting new people and being able to share the art of hairdressing. Hairdressers are the most amazing people on earth! We make the world more beautiful and I love interacting with all the talented stylists that I meet.
7. What is a product you're addicted to at the moment?
L'ANZA Polyester! This gives an amazing amount of volume and shine. It adds that little extra oomph to each and every style.
8. If you could style anyone's hair in the world, who would it be?
Hands-down, I would choose Elizabeth Taylor. Not only, is she an amazing icon of beauty she has lived a truly fascinating life.
9. What is the most difficult part about your profession?
Sometimes, I find certain issues like product diversion disheartening. I have also seen products and people that I admire gobbled up by massive corporations. I feel we all need to strive to keep our industry as professional as possible both or ourselves and for the next generation of hairstylists.
10. What hairstyle is "in" this season? Why?
Bangs, Bangs, Braids! This season is all out adding dramatic fringe and style to your look. For color, ombré techniques that range from subtle to in-your-face are hot in a big way.
11. Do you have any advice for men and women who colour their hair?
Don't do it yourself! This is definitely one area better left to the pros.
12. What is the biggest problem you see with hair today?
Too many hairstyles that are not well-suited for the wearer's lifestyle. I see so much hair shoved in to ponytails and hats. This means that a person has not been connected with a hairstyle that really works for him or her. A real style solution should be one that the person wearing has time to deal with.
13. What is your favourite style to work with?
I specialize in upstyling. I do a lot of upstyles for editorial work, but also for brides creating wearable, dramatic looks.
14. What is the worst thing you can do to your hair?
Personally, I don't think there is really one worst thing. Obviously, things like over bleaching and over styling can be truly bad as this type of damage can be really hard to recover from. But wearing your hair in an unflattering style or color is just as disruptive to a person's overall look.
15. What is the best thing you can do to keep your hair looking healthy and beautiful?
I think nutrition is a really underestimated element of great looking hair. Eating full of fresh fruits and green vegetables will really pay off in terms of stimulating the growth of attractive hair. If possible, I also recommend a good multivitamin.
16. What is the most popular style you perform on a day to day basis?
Definitely, the perfect blow out. There is a tremendous level of interest in blow drying techniques that deliver shiny hair with movement and a sense of glamour.
17. What are some products that you use regularly?
I can't live without L'ANZA Trauma Treatment, Neem Silk Serum and, my favorite, Polyester!
18. For women who can't afford big budget hair care, are there any products that you can buy from the store that you could recommend?
On this topic I would say two things. Yes, there are some pretty good products that you can purchase in a grocery store – Schwarzkopf Got 2B, for instance. BUT for people on a budget, I recommend that they invest in one quality product that will really make a difference in their look. If you need moisture, get a high quality hair mask that you just use a couple of times per month.
19. What has been your favourite era in hair styling?
I love the late 1950's and early 1960's. From this era you get many of the iconic looks of Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor. For men, you have James Dean and that is pretty much unbeatable.
20. Do you have any tips to prevent/overcome bad hair days?
I have a fedora that I consider to my "bad hair day savior." I think everyone should have one accessory that they can depend on in the event of a hair emergency!
21: Last but not least: Where can people find you?
Visit my website at www.amyfreudenberg.com or find me on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hair-by-Amy-Freudenberg/109492522446251?v=wall) and Twitter (@amyhair)
Via: Exclusive Interview with Amy Freudenberg