Vanessa Price‘s laidback approach and unpretentious attitude may not be what you expect from a hair stylist with such a prominent clientele. Styling some of the most recognized names in the music industry (Justin Bieber ring a bell?), Price says she was lucky to have had music and film industry connections when she began working as a freelance hair artist. These connections could be the reason she wisely advises aspiring stylists to “network, network, network.” Learn more about Vanessa Price’s career, her inspirations, and aesthetic in our interview!

BANGSTYLE: Can you give us a bit of background on your career?

Vanessa Price: I have been a hairstylist for 12 years. I moved to Los Angeles in 2001 to attend the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica and pursue a career as a hairstylist.

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

Vanessa Price: I only briefly worked in a salon before being introduced to the freelance life. I had a friend who worked as a freelance Hair and Makeup Artist and needed an assistant. I was a quick study and got hooked on the work. I was very fortunate that I knew a lot of people in the Music Industry. It didn’t take long for the word to get around. I often get called to work with bands either here in Los Angeles or on the road.

BANGSTYLE: Do you have any advice for aspiring stylists?

Vanessa Price: My advice for aspiring stylists is to continue your education throughout your career, it will keep you from being lazy and will inspire you. And NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK. No one remembers a face that they don’t see.

BANGSTYLE: How did you develop such a top-notch clientele?

Vanessa Price: I was very lucky to know a lot of people in the film and music Industries. I’ve been around artists my whole life, so it was only natural that I work in that environment.

BANGSTYLE: What are the benefits of working as a freelance session stylist?

Vanessa Price: Being a freelance stylist has its ups and downs, but it is always an adventure. Everyday is like the first day of school, you get to go to a new environment and meet new people. That can be scary but you learn a lot about yourself.

BANGSTYLE: What are some of your career highlights or memorable experiences?

Vanessa Price: I’m very fortunate that I have been able to travel around the world with my job. How many people can say that they get paid to see the world???

BANGSTYLE: Who or what inspires the looks you create?

Vanessa Price: I find most of my inspiration on the street. Street fashion is where it’s at. That and history. History repeats itself in fashion, I love the challenge of reinterpreting looks from the past and making them more modern.

BANGSTYLE: How would you describe your style aesthetic?

Vanessa Price: I would describe my aesthetic as laid back. I would never give anyone a style that they couldn’t do themselves. I love the Vidal Sassoon philosophy of “wash and wear.”

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

Vanessa Price: I like to encourage people to experiment with their hair, that’s truly the only way you will find your own personal style. It’s only hair, it’ll grow back.

BANGSTYLE: Any future plans or goals with your career?

Vanessa Price: I am looking forward to doing a product line. I will let you know.