Deconstructing Tresses - Hair Architect and Celebrity Hairstylist Keith Campbell Part I

I was so delighted to have had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Keith Campbell AKA the Hair Architect, talking to Keith felt more like talking to a big brother or an old friend, than someone I’d never met personally. He’s not only incredibly talented but smart, charismatic, focused and beyond driven.

You hear these stories about people that have “made it” and sometimes you wonder if it’s true or some great story the artist’s PR team cooked up to make a great read. Though Mr. Campbell’s arrival to New York city does sound like a made for TV story, you just know that he’s really been through some things and triumphed over some adversities because despite his unquestionable talent and confidence he never comes off as cocky or self absorbed true to his Twitter bio he’s “Just a dude that loves the beauty game”

Keith proved that when he ditched his Midwestern roots after a only a weekend visit to the Big Apple. “…traveling through the Lincoln Tunnel for the first time, I don’t know what it was, but I knew I was home, I knew I had to get back there.”

Get back there is exactly what he did, within three months, Keith had settled his life back home and landed in New York City on a Friday afternoon with only $250.00 in his pocket and a job referral that would have to wait until Tuesday when the salons opened.





BEAUTYSCHOOLED! How long have you been in the industry?

Keith Campbell: I’ve been in the industry for 16 years.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! When did you know you wanted to be a hair stylist?

Keith Campbell: My daughter’s mom comes from a family of hairstylists and I used to hang out with them all the time, I was very fascinated by what they did.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! Other than a cosmetology school have you had any additional training or education that you believe has helped you to stand out amongst the sea of other hair stylist?

Keith Campbell: I’m a visual person so if you show me something once, I’m able to pick up on it just like that, so after taking a Toni and Guy class I bought all of their hair cutting dvds and practiced and studied the technical process of hair cutting.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! What was your first big break?

Keith Campbell: My first big break in the editorial world was when Sandra Martin (Essence Magazine) called me and told me to bring a model and do her hair for her.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! Would you say that you have a niche, or is there anything particular that your clients or industry peers would say you're known for?

Keith Campbell: It would have to be hair cutting.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! I get it, hence the name “Hair Architect”, tell our readers Keith, what’s a typical working day like for you?

Keith Campbell: Depending on whether or not I’m going straight to the salon or if I have a shoot a typical day could start at 6:00 a.m., I’ll pray/meditate and spend some time with my son (14 months old) before heading to the gym, if I need to be on set the day could start as early as 5:30 a.m. We have salon meetings on Mondays sometimes I’m meeting with my production team, or agents regarding other meetings for teaching or speaking engagements or inventory or other stuff like that.

This was a really long interview and I have so much more of my conversation with Keith that I want to share with you so stay tuned for Part II to find out more about his cutting classes, television show, books and why he feels that paying your dues is a must and why you will need to be more than just a fantastic stylist to achieve career longevity in addition to what it takes to land a gig with a mega beauty brand like L'Oréal.

Ciao for now…Class is dismissed!

Cooking with Kahlil - Celebrity Hairstylist Kahlil Oliver

So, I didn’t meet this Image Maker on Twitter. I know right, “what”?? Though I was turned on to him by Image Maker Sandy James as he hails from her agency Stilista Agency… seems that agency is running amuck with Beauty Supa Stars. LOL, and Kahlil Oliver is no exception as soon as Sandy sent his info and I saw his photos I was eager to reach out to him. Read the interview to find out how Kahlil went from doing hair in the kitchen to Hollywood, what he thinks it takes to stay on top and what a “typical” day in his shoes is like.




BEAUTYSCHOOLED! How long have you been in the industry?

Kahlil: I’ve been doing hair for the last 13 years and found my way into the industry side of it about 6 years ago.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! When did you know you wanted to be a hair stylist?

Kahlil: I first knew I wanted to be a hairstylist when I was about 15 years old with a full appointment book and no formal training. Quickly began to be the talk around town and I knew at that point I was an artist and hair was my clay.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! Love that analogy of the artist and clay. So, other than cosmetology school have you had any additional training or education that you believe has helped you to stand out amongst the sea of other hairstylist?

Kahlil: I think being a great hairstylist or anything that you choose to be great at requires constant training in your craft. Staying on top of the latest trends is a must. So to answer the question I like to keep myself involved in cutting and coloring classes, latest weaving techniques and constantly keeping myself involved with editorial photo shoots to stay up on my creative skills.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! When did all of that begin got really pay off for you, when was your first big break and what was it?

Kahlil: My first big break was in 2005 when I was requested by a local makeup artist to join the crew as a hairstylist on the set of "The Salon" a film starring Vivica Fox, Monica Calhoun, Taral Hicks and many more.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! I remember that movie, that’s a HUGE break! Kahlil, would you say that you have a niche, or is there anything particular that your clients or industry peers would say you're known for?

Kahlil: When it comes to hair I am very versatile in my craft. I am equally as good when it comes to white, black, long , short, classic or avant garde, so my niche would be great hair!



BEAUTYSCHOOLED! What’s a typical working day like for you, if there is such a thing as typical for you?

Kahlil: A typical work day for me starts at about 10 in the morning with my first client. I usually do about 15 clients a day that gets me out of the salon around 8 or 9 pm. At any given day I can receive a phone call from my agent sending me anywhere from DC to NYC to do a photo shoot, red carpet event, video etc.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! What would you say are the biggest misconceptions about the industry and hair stylists specifically?

Kahlil: That it’s all fabulous, fortune and fame. You really have to have a love for it. It is many long hours, very picky clients, very fast paced a lot of traveling, and working out of a suitcase, but it’s all worth it.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! It seems that every up and coming makeup artist and hairstylists wants to work with celebrities. What advice do you have for someone new who is trying to break into the industry and wanting to work with celebrities?

Kahlil: That the road is long and hard but if working with celebs is what your ultimate goal is, you should never give up. Success doesn’t happen over night.


BEAUTYSCHOOLED! Do you hire assistants, provide mentoring for young stylists or provide workshops or training?

Kahlil: I do hire assistants when needed and I am always willing to give a helping hand and words of encouragement to up and coming hairstylist.

Thanks Kahlil! For more information on Kahlil and to see more of his work visit his website or for booking information visit his agent’s website.

Ciao for now… Class is dismissed!

All That Blings is Crystal! - Celebrity Hairnista Crystal Oliver

I discovered Crystal Oliver (pictured below) on Twitter, after reading a tweet from La La Vasquez former MTV VJ and fiancée of pro basketball player Carmelo Anthony suggesting that we (fellow Twitters) should follow her hairstylist Crystal.

So of course I did, and was instantly smitten by her. Crystal’s obviously a very busy lady despite the demands of being a mom and tending to the tresses of her celebrity clientele, and hitting the books, she still finds the time to play resident hair expert to fellow Twitters, doling out advice on a variety of topics from hair weaves and relaxers to healthy hair care.

I had the opportunity to catch up with Crystal to find out what inspires her, what she feels has given her a competitive edge and why thinks education is paramount.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! How long have you been in the industry?

Crystal Oliver: I've been doing hair for almost ten years and I've been a Celebrity stylist for 5 years.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! When did you know you wanted to be a hair stylist?

CRYSTAL OLIVER: I started out at a Los Angeles Performing Arts High School as a Dance major. I became a mom at 16 years old. So to me that meant it was time to stop playing around and get serious with my future plans. What started out to be a way to express my style and make a few bucks, became a passion of mine. I've been styling hair and developing my career ever since.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! Other than a cosmetology school have you had any additional training or education that you believe has helped you to stand out amongst the sea of hair stylist?

CRYSTAL OLIVER: After school I went to Sebastian seminars, Wella cutting classes, and I shadowed Kimberly Kimble for two years. Finishing cosmetology school is like completing high school. Yes, you can get an ok job after, but your options will be limited. It's important to continue education because this industry is ever changing and growing and it will pass you by if you don't update your skills.



BEAUTY SCHOOLED! Are you a freelance stylist or do you work in a salon?

CRYSTAL OLIVER: I do it all, lol. I freelance by way of referrals from friends and clients. I work at a Salon in Los Angeles, and I'm in the works of joining an Agency, which manages Hair, Wardrobe, and Make-up Artist, I'm really excited about that.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! Would you say that you have a niche, or is there anything particular that your clients or industry peers would say you're known for?

CRYSTAL OLIVER: Some people tell me I'm somewhat of a perfectionist. I tend to stress myself out by being this way, but that’s what drives me to strive for excellence.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! So you're know for your perfected coifs, nice! Crystal, when was your first big break?

CRYSTAL OLIVER: I was 20 years old when I got the opportunity to braid Janet Jackson's hair. That was a dream come true for me. Who would have thought a girl from Compton would have had the chance to meet Janet Jackson, let alone to be able to braid her hair.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! Wow that’s amazing! So, what inspires your work?

CRYSTAL OLIVER: Any time I do a job, whether it’s for a photo shoot or a client looking to spice their look up, I tear out photos from magazines for inspiration. Photo tear sheets help the stylist, client, producer or photographer to finalize the look and vision for the image we are trying to accomplish. So if at any time you see a hot photo in a magazine, tear it out, save it, and recycle the rest.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! What would you say are the biggest misconceptions about being a hairstylist, especially working with celebrities?

CRYSTAL OLIVER: One big misconception is that we are limited to doing hair of the same ethnicity. Well, to me, hair is hair. If a stylist is able to be skilled in styling one texture of hair then they can also learn to be skilled in styling every texture of hair. On a larger scale, producers and photographers need to see work that can appeal to a variety of audiences. So it’s important to show diversity in your portfolio.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! What advice do you have for the cosmetology students and the new stylists who are hoping to one day work with celebrities?

CRYSTAL OLIVER: Be patient, pay your dues, have follow through skills, be humble and keep chit-chat to minimum. Celebrity clients need to know that you can be trusted with their image as well as their personal space. It's ok to have fun and be easy going, but do as Big Mama said. " Only speak when spoken to." It sounds a little extreme, but practicing this will take you a long way. Hairstylists get a lot of perks and become popular, but never forget who the star is. If you do, then more than likely you may not get rehired. It’s best to start developing these habits with your devoted clients. Do not neglect them as they are the foundation to your of your business and they should not forgotten.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! Lastly ,before we wrap up, Crystal do you do any type of mentoring or training classes?

CRYSTAL OLIVER: I have not given any classes or mentored anyone yet, but within the next year I will be doing seminars at cosmetology schools and salons. Also, hopefully I have helped someone with this interview.

Despite the fact that this Hairnista's destiny is as high as the farthest star her feet are planted firmly on the ground. You have to love that! Follow Crystal on her Twitter to find out when those seminars launch.

Ciao for now...Class is dismissed!