Hollywood Hair Stylist Q&A

Y’all read me profess my love for hairstylist Meredith Morris last week here.  Today Meredith has kindly participated in a little Hollywood Stylist Q&A for both myself and all of you!  This girl has experienced it all, and I’m so fascinated by her and always asking her questions about her life and career.  I loved spending the day with Meredith and her sweet trio of pets,  rescue dogs Draper and Desmond and Miss fancy pants kitty cat, Winnie Cooper.  Swoon!

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Q:  What is one of your proudest accomplishments in your career?

A:  I’m lucky in that I have proud career moments every day, whether it be watching a client walk the red carpet with confidence or simply hearing from a client that they love their cut/color and have gotten compliments on their new look.  Someone trusting me with their “crown jewel” makes me feel proud and accomplished.  

 

Q:  What are some challenges you’ve had to overcome adjusting to the culture change from Mississippi to Los Angeles?

A:  I have been living in Los Angeles for ten years.  I must say that I just had no idea what to expect, I only knew I wanted to be part of the “taste making” culture of Los Angeles.  I grew up fantasizing about life in California and I am a huge lover of film.  I think the hardest thing for me to get my head around was how steep the competition is here.  Everyone is beautiful, everyone is a talent, and I early on learned that you just have to be patient, work hard, and keep yourself grounded.  I believe I have had success in this city because that is how I have spent the last ten years living.  

 

The weather is also a huge help.  I love the health culture, and as a Mississippi girl I love the outdoors and have embraced so many wonderful outdoor activities.  Even after ten years of living here I drive down the palm tree lined streets and think to myself “Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here and be part of this magic.”

 

Q:  Do you have any Hollywood hair icons?

A:  I love Hollywood glamour!  My beauty icons are Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Doris Day and of course, pinup girls.  I love the detail and the formality of their styles.  They are probably the most influential ladies in my personal style and my personal look.  

 

Q:  Which celebrity hairstyles do people seem to most want to copy?

A:  The most exciting thing about being a hair stylist in LA is that I am part of a community that sets trends.  The work that I do is the work that people clip out of magazines and take to their local stylist to recreate.  That is such a dream to me and I pinch myself that people have that much respect and love for my personal passion.  

 

Rachel Bilson ombre, Kate Middleton layers, Christina Hendricks red, Michelle Williams pixie, Amanda Seyfried blonde, and Victoria Secret model hair… I  die for Victoria Secret model hair; It’s so beautiful, sexy and effortless looking.  I think these are the most requested looks and trends today.  I prefer rather than copying the look of a current hair icon, enhancing and giving each client their own individual look. These girls obviously can serve as inspiration but I feel it my duty as a hair stylist to be honest and to tell my clients why I see the importance of designing and creating a look specific for her face shape, her coloring, and her personal style.  It’s never about recreating something that’s already been done, it’s always about personalization and customization. 

Q:  What inspires you?
A:  I’m never lacking inspiration.  I’m most inspired by the people that I work alongside.  I love that I am able to work in a salon and amongst people who share my love and passion for making people look and feel great!  
 
People watching also inspires me.  I’m constantly seeing young people “breaking the rules” with creative and bold personal style.  I love that being part of this Hollywood madness pushes me to be better than my best.  This creative freedom is what keeps me inspired and on my toes and that’s why after 13 years, I am still as passionate as ever about great hair.


Q:  What are your favorite hair products for the average glam girl?

A:  I am such a product junky!  I swear my bathroom looks like a Sephora or Ulta.  I love high end products along with inexpensive drug store treasures that I have found.  I’m a firm believer in playing around and cocktailing products to find that perfect combination that works for you.
  • Oribe – my favorite product line.  Tom Ford collaborated and did the fragrances for the product, so not only is every product perfection but they also smell so rich and expensive.  
  • Psssssst Dry Shampoo – my favorite drug store product that I cannot live without.  Every glam girl needs this product.  

Q:  How is celebrity hairstyling different from regular hairstyling?

A:  I style my salon clients with the same love and care that I style a celebrity walking the red carpet.  I think the difference is that styling a celebrity the stakes are a little higher.  The celebrity is going to be photographed and scrutinized and picked apart.  I try and not get too in my head about it and I always do my best to work with the stylist, makeup artist, and celebrity to create a perfect well rounded look that will have her feeling most confident.  After all that’s what it’s all about, confidence!  Confidence is what is beautiful and confidence translates.
 

Q:  To what do you attribute your success for becoming one of LA’s sought after stylists?

A:  I think I have managed success in Los Angeles because I have maintained my integrity behind the chair.  I’m a girl’s girl.  My love and care for each person that trusts me with their hair comes out and I think that trust is what has helped me create success for myself.  I have never taken any client or job for granted.  Hair is everything to people and I think my appreciation for that is what has helped me achieve so much here.  My parents always told me that when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.  I believe it to be true.  I am so blessed that I have found a job and career that allows me to express my creative skills and share my heart so openly while making people feel better about who themselves.  How lucky is that?!

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I mean…how can you not love this girl!?  Thank y’all for reading and thank you to Miss Meredith for sharing her insight with us.  Check her out at Studio DNA, on her website, blog or via instagram.  She has a new pinup girl ‘do that is to die for!!!  XO –

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6 thoughts on “Hollywood Hair Stylist Q&A”

  3. Loved this interview and agree that she seems to have her feet on the ground. She is precious!!!! Also agree with the quote from her parents about the importance of loving your job. Love a girl that listens to her parents. 🙂 While in San Francisco I had a chance to smell some of the Oribe products and they do smell divine.

  4. Love this post and I so want Meredith to do my hair!!! If she is anything like her Mama, she is a doll inside and out. We miss you Kathleen!

    Shelley Winstead

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