While many of us have taken scissors to our own hair as children, most of us didn’t see that as a sign to pursue a career in the hair industry. D’Arcy’s mother suggested cosmetology school after seeing her daughter grow up cutting and coloring her own hair from a young age, and it turned out to be the perfect path for her. Now D’Arcy Harrison is working at Emerson Salon in Seattle’s Capitol Hill with her company D’Arcy Hair Design and was awarded with the Top Stylist name bySeattle Metropolitan Magazine.
Before she reached this point in her career, D’Arcy faced some bumps in the road which taught her a lot about being a self-employed stylist. Straight out of school, she began leasing a chair at a hair salon, and there she found out the importance of establishing a good base clientele prior to leasing a space. D’Arcy suggests getting a base clientele of 100 regulars for a good start. As a self-employed stylist, not only do you have to have styling talents, but it also takes a business savvy person to reach success.
One of D’Arcy’s career highlights has been the award given to her by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine. They noticed her work after she began styling a local Seattle rapper, Katie Kate. D’Arcy gets to work with her for her shows and press which gives her plenty of opportunity to try out trendy looks. D’Arcy loves working with her because she went from client to “creative partner.”
With her experiences in the hair industry, D’Arcy has gained plenty of sage stylist advice that is great for all the aspiring stylists out there. As for client interaction, she advises listening to what the clients want and what would fit their lifestyle, not your own, which is a great thing to remember because while you may want to create a piece of art, it is the clients who need to go home and style it for their everyday needs. D’Arcy also says to be punctual and professional– there’s nothing worse than a flakey hairstylist, especially when your hair is in serious need of damage control.
Of course we had to ask D’Arcy for some hair tips that she shares with her clients. She insists that people use professional grade products that don’t contain ingredients like parabens and sulfates. D’Arcy also suggests Moroccan Oil to moisturize and condition hair. “We can’t expect to grow long, luscious locks without taking care of its condition.”
Both education and inspiration are important to keep a stylist’s career exciting. D’Arcy continues to educate herself by taking classes and hopes to enroll in a Vidal Sassoon cutting course in London. For inspiration, she shares her ideas with coworkers and looks to “magazines, movies, music videos, vintage looks, runway, or just stylish people on the street!”
Check out D’Arcy‘s BANGSTYLE profile for more of her looks!
