What's Inspiring Hair Artist Lynda Peterson?

Lynda Peterson-Galicia (@lyndadidit) is a hair artist, educator, content creator and owner of Cut Me Up Studio in Ogden, UT. Lynda has been a part of the hair industry for nearly 10 years and has a passion for the art and science behind hair. She also strongly values the connection and community the hair industry provides, which could not be more apparent from the first time I met her. I could not think of a better colorist to reach out to for this issue’s The Must List. Read on to learn what inspires Lynda’s stunning color work.

"I’ve always been drawn to all kinds of self-expression, from makeup to the way you talk and how you show up on a dance floor. I look at everything with a sense of creation."Courtesy of Lynda Peterson1. Art

I’ve always been drawn to all kinds of self-expression, from makeup to the way you talk and how you show up on a dance floor. I look at everything with a sense of creation. Just as everything can be scientific, it can also be artistic. With that being said, hair has been one of my favorite examples of that. Whether it's a beautifully blended balayage or a head of rainbows and raccoon tails, I’ve always sincerely loved all aspects of what makes hair such a fascinating medium. The possibilities can be endless with what you can create! Not to mention all the inspiring work we have the privilege of seeing just at our fingertips via social media — how fortunate are we to live in a day and age where we can all appreciate each other’s hard work and commitment to our crafts?!

2. Connection

We’ve always heard it in school, but it’s absolutely true when they say your clients are showing up for their appointments beyond getting their hair done. The connection you share with the people you have in your chair is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. They are truly part of you. We laugh together as much as we cry together. We share stories of our lives and secrets we swore never to tell a soul. The trust in that kind of connection goes beyond business services, but is rooted in the need for community. We need friends and people we can trust to show up when we are in need. Being a bridge to someone’s self-confidence starts with the connection you have with them — not just the hair you can give them. I can truly say that every connection I’ve shared with my long-time clients has been some of my closest friendships, and for that I’m truly grateful. "I can truly say that every connection I’ve shared with my long-time clients has been some of my closest friendships, and for that I’m truly grateful."Courtesy of Lynda Peterson

3. The Hair Community

One thing I wish the world could experience just once would be a hair show. Specifically, The Rainbow Convention. If they could see how the artists of the hair industry can show up for each other, their hearts would grow at least three sizes. There is nothing more beautiful than watching a bunch of humans who LOVE WHAT THEY DO come together and support one another. For a long time, people assumed that hairstylists weren’t as supportive of one another as they should be, but I don’t agree. Don’t get me wrong, my journey hasn’t been the smoothest, but I’m so grateful for every connection I ever shared with any beauty professional. We understand each other in ways no one else ever could, and when we don’t, we aim to seek the answer. We try to move with integrity and love, and that has been one of the most healing aspects of my career that I know I will never find anywhere else. The hair community can be truly beautiful.

4. Science

"There is nothing more beautiful than watching a bunch of humans who LOVE WHAT THEY DO come together and support one another."Courtesy of Lynda PetersonOKAY. Um… HOW COOL??? I seriously fight demons, trying not to talk to every person who’ll listen ears off about the technology and science behind what we do, especially when it comes to chemical services. This industry has come so far over the years, and I’m blown away by some cool new gadget or product every day. I’m very honored and privileged to be a part of the OLAPLEX Pro Collective, where I also learn so much about the science behind the scenes. Every time they share something with us, I swear I hear symphonies.

5. Self-Development 

Becoming a hairstylist changed my life completely. When I started hair school, I knew I was finally doing something for myself, but I didn’t realize the gravity of my decision. I was a teen mom, having my first child at 15, and also raised in a single-parent household. My mother had immigrated from Panama and provided for my brothers and me completely on her own. When she wasn’t home, it was my older brother's and my responsibility to care for my nonverbal, highly dependent, autistic and epileptic little brother. My whole life, all I knew was taking care of those around me and never myself. When I signed up to attend hair school, I sobbed. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I knew it was the first thing I ever did for myself that was worth something. I learned so many things about myself and my perseverance in my career, overcoming obstacles placed in my path. Being in this industry, you have so many opportunities to look inward to challenge yourself to grow. I went from doing hair in an old trailer to becoming a successfully self-employed hairstylist, indie educator and hairfluencer. So much can change for you, so long as you are willing to work for it.