The Beauty Thoughts of Kiyah Wright

"Change your hair, change your life" - that's the attitude of two-time, Emmy Award winning celeb hairstylist Kiyah Wright when it comes to makeover magic. As a brand ambassador for Clairol Professional, serving as a celebrity colorist, Kiyah recently held an all-day, marathon makeover session with women of various ethnic backgrounds and hair textures from straight to wavy to kinky. Kiyah transformed the locks of model Dot Smalls by adding extensions with ombre hair color, framing her face with a softer look.

Beauty Launchpad caught up with the esteemed stylist where Wright revealed her trend forecasts, favorite styles and advice for aspiring professionals. Read the full interview below!
 
LP: Do you have a favorite style that you created?
KW: Oh, it’s so hard to play favorites! But, I think there are some hairstyles that I coifed that definitely got my clients’ hair noticed, like Tyra Banks’s bun at the Emmys. That updo is so classic and refined, and it was the right choice for the occasion. Of course, I love playing with Ciara’s hair, and giving her ombre hair color, which has been popular for several years now. And when Gabrielle Union needed a little change, it was fun, switching her up from a brunette to a blonde.

What trends do you think will be hot this spring and summer?
Updos, buns, ponytails, braids and afros are in! The natural hair movement for African American women is certainly on the rise, especially as they discover new hair products to enhance their curls. For women who’ve decided to go natural, a nice change is a blowout and flat-ironed hair.
 
What trends do you think are going out of style or is there a trend you wish would go out of style?
I love the trend of ombre hair color, but I wish rainbow-colored hair would go out of style. I don’t really care for colored-treated hair in various bright hair colors like, purple, red, pink, green, all at the same time.

Do you have a must-have product from the Muze|Hair line that you can't leave home without?
Of course, every girl should have my Last Look Finishing hairspray, which is a light, flexible spray, which allows comb-ability while styling.  Just visit my website www.KiyahWright.com and order the Muse|Hair Last Look Hairspray (10 oz.) for $14.99.
 
Do you have advice for stylists when it comes to client consultations for clients who want a makeover?
I always ask clients who are “ready for something new,” just what inspired their makeover dreams. And once you know their inspiration for a new look, then you can tailor it to fit their personality and lifestyle.
 
Can you tell us about the recent makeovers you did with Clairol Professional?
Yes! I LOVE makeovers! In fact, my motto is: “Change your hair, change your life!” I’m a brand ambassador for Clairol Professional as a celebrity colorist, and recently, we held a marathon makeover session with a group of women of various ethnic backgrounds and hair textures. It was really thrilling, updating the looks of women of varying ages.  With hair and makeup, women can be such chameleons, and I get a thrill out of giving someone a fresh look. When we girls get a new hairdo, our whole personality changes. I love giving everyday women that Hollywood look. They are my muse!
 
Do you have any advice for aspiring celebrity stylists?
Yes, always start with the basics, and build a solid foundation in terms of learning and understanding the craft of hairstyling. Be willing to pay your dues with passion. Also, perfect your niche. If you have an affinity for a certain skill or technique – that is, color treating, weaving, braiding, cutting – perfect it!

For more about Kiyah Wright, visit www.KiyahWright.com.

[Headshot image courtesy of WRB PR; Makeover image courtesy of Kiyah Wright]