Melanie
SPECIALTIES
Hair textures from fine to thick. Vintage-inspired looks. Long sexy layers to avant-garde short cuts. Blondes, highlights + bold colors. Balayage + ombre.
Speaks fluent French (how do you say “I love my hair” en Français?)
EXPERIENCE
Licensed stylist since 2006. At VAIN since 2010.
Tell us about your haircuts.
I know how important a good haircut is, so I’m very detail-oriented. In addition to long layers and structured short styles I like asymmetrical bobs, either super smooth or with a lot of texture, and mid-length cuts that have versatility built into them. I also enjoy incorporating bangs into a haircut- they can create a whole different look.
How about color?
I love doing all over blondes but I also specialize in layering tones and highlights. For bolder colors, I like to create a unique look just by adding a single panel. Your whole head doesn’t have to be pink if you’re not ready for it! I’m also really digging balayage (painted on, natural-looking highlights) and ombre (graduated tones from darker roots).
What’s your secret weapon for great hair?
Finding the right cut and products to fit each individual’s hair, budget and how much maintenance they want to put into it. Starting out right is so important. That and mastering the DIY blowout.
What eras of hair inspire you?
Vintage hairdos from the 20s to 40s, particularly swing dancing styles. The hair-to-toe looks were so elegant and really had to hold up. I can’t believe they were doing their hair like that every day!
Describe your own approach to personal (+ hair) style.
Play with what you have instead of fighting it. It’s much more enjoyable in the long run.
You’re from Montreal. How has that influenced your approach to hair + style?
Montreal is always in my heart. It has such strong European and artistic influences and so much diversity. People really create their own styles there. I see a lot of that in Seattle, too, which I love. It makes me want to be part of that creative process for my clients even more.
What’s your approach with new clients?
Establishing good communication first. If you don’t know exactly what you want right away that’s no problem, we can talk about it and figure it out. Overall I want my clients to trust that I’m there to help them get the look they want. Getting your hair done should be a fun and relaxing experience!
Life/interests outside of VAIN?
Swing dancing! If I’m not on the salon floor you’ll find me on the dance floor, performing and competing. I’ve been doing it for over 10 years and I love it.
