Alter Ego Studio Salon, a salon in South Jordan Utah, is brand new to the hair industry. Alter Ego opened in May 2013 with the goal of making everyone look and feel their best. Tim Muir is the owner and makeup/hair stylist behind the salon. Learn more about what inspired Tim to start his salon and his extensive career in the hair industry!

BANGSTYLE: Can you tell us about Alter Ego Studio Salon? What is the goal of the business and who are the clients?

Tim Muir: The goal of Alter Ego Salon is to achieve the best look for every client who walks through our door. We take the time to assess each person’s needs and offer suggestions on styles that will make the client feel and look like a million bucks. We style in a modern and high-end atmosphere that aims to make our customers feel comfortable and relaxed. Our clients range from stay-at-home moms to working professionals to local celebrities.

BANGSTYLE: When did you start Alter Ego and what was the inspiration behind it?

Tim Muir: Alter Ego opened in May of 2013. The inspiration for opening the salon came from my desire to bring out people’s true potential. Everyone has a look that they are curious about but are perhaps hesitant to try because they don’t feel like they can pull it off. By engaging in meaningful discussion with my clients, I am able to offer advice on how we can best achieve their dream look—or their alter ego’s look—and the look on the client’s face when they see that potential staring back at them in the mirror is always priceless.

BANGSTYLE: With your years of experience, what advice can you give aspiring stylists with the dream of owning their own salon?

Tim Muir: There is a lot that goes into owning a salon. One of the biggest aspects of achieving success in doing so is to know how to communicate with your clients and be able to translate their needs into a look they are proud of. Another very important piece is to make sure that you and the other stylists in your salon are continuing your education. It doesn’t stop with a license to cut hair. You need to be on top of your game and always be studying what others are doing, what is in style and how to manipulate colors to achieve the right look. Of course, you should always make sure your salon is clean and stocked with products that your clients may need or want. Running a successful salon takes a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice—but it’s all worth it.

BANGSTYLE: What were your experiences in the hair industry prior to Alter Ego Studio Salon?

Tim Muir: Prior to opening Alter Ego, I rented a booth at a salon for several years. I also traveled and worked as a freelance stylist and makeup artist; and had the opportunity to be featured as an artist educator at the Atlanta Bronner Brothers show and the IBS show in New York.

BANGSTYLE: We read that you are also a makeup artist. How would you describe your hair and makeup style aesthetic?

Tim Muir: I base my hair and makeup aesthetic on the event or occasion I am styling for. Whether I am doing exotic makeup for a runway show or styling a blushing bride, I always use the model or client’s face shape and skin to help me create the right look. When I go messy, I go big; and when I go smooth and sleek, I go clean and precise.

BANGSTYLE: How did you get your start in hair and how did you know you wanted to make a business out of it?

Tim Muir: I have always had a thing for hair. My grandmother, mom and aunt all worked in the beauty industry so I practically grew up in a salon setting. I am a very artistic person and thrive off of the creative outlet that being a hairstylist provides me. Hair styles and trends are always changing and there is always something new to learn. It’s never boring, and that is why I chose to make a career out of it.

BANGSTYLE: Who or what inspires the looks you create?

Tim Muir: When styling for a client in the salon, each look that I create is inspired by their desires. When styling for photo shoots or experimenting on my own, I am inspired by colors, nature, textures and culture.

BANGSTYLE: Do you have any at-home hair tips for our readers?

Tim Muir: Use your heating tools wisely. Hotter is not always better. You can achieve your look with your tool set to 350 degrees just the same as you can when on 450 degrees. The lower setting is much safer for your hair. Also, diet and vitamins have a lot to do with the health of your hair. Make sure you are taking the necessary steps to keep your hair at its best.

BANGSTYLE: What are some of the highlights of your career?

Tim Muir: Opening my own salon was a pretty big deal for me. But I have also had the opportunity to style for celebrities, which is a really fun experience. Some other personal highlights include: becoming a panel member for the international Hair Fashion Group, being featured in IN This Week, Beauty Links, and Coloristmagazines, working as the director for Image Studios South Jordan, and being featured onlinethrough beauty launch pad

BANGSTYLE: Any future plans or goals for your career and company?

Tim Muir: I intend to expand my education and business while continuing to try and put Salt Lake City, Utah on the map for the hair industry. We have a lot of talent to offer in Utah and I want to create awareness around that. 

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