Lauren Segler is “a little in shock” that she’s been named Best Stylist for the Best of the East. She is, after all, a newbie to the trade, having worked only three years, one of which was spent assisting, at her first job at Avanti Salon.
Her career journey might be considered unconventional by traditional hair stylist standards because she learned her craft during COVID watching YouTube videos. “I studied the best I could, passed the exams and then got the job at Avanti,” she says.
Her drive to constantly improve is commendable as well. She loves doing cuts and color, but her passion is extensions.
Working with extensions requires taking multi-hour classes and tests. Segler is one of only two stylists at Avanti who know the technique. She is currently servicing 25-30 clients.
All About Extensions
Clients want extensions because of their lack of hair density. They add fullness.
Younger clients love extensions to gain a longer, more voluminous look.
Add blonde or red extensions and gain the look of highlights without the chemicals or time.
Three Trends to Watch
1: The French Short Bob. Ooh, la, la, this is not your mother’s bob. This stick-straight, blunt look is popular and works with any kind of hair and texture. Curly-haired clients may opt for a dry cut, which is then wet down, blown dry and voila!
2: Bangs. Segler loves bangs! “There are so many options — long, curtain, side swept and so many more,” she says. Bangs may be personalized. Lauren will counsel clients on the best choice for their face. “Bangs can totally change the shape of someone’s face.”
3: Layers. What Segler likes best about layers is that “they’re customizable. Some clients get nervous about layers thinking they’ll make their hair look thinner. The opposite is true. Layers can make hair look thicker by taking the weight off.” Layers also give a more textured look and add fullness.
8027 Mayfield Road, Chesterland, 440-729-9008, avantisalon.com
