Alfredo Lewis is the talented and charismatic Global Director of Education for Brazilian Blowout. With countless years in the hair industry catering to numerous celebs and clients around the nation he has a world of knowledge in styling and trends, and knows the best way to keep your color healthy and color vibrant.
Tell us more about you, how you became a stylist and your favorite thing about hair.
I have been doing hair for 25 years. I got my first job at Cristophe Salon in Beverly Hills. We did a salon visitation there and at the time he was doing the Clinton’s hair when Bill was president. I decided that I wanted to work there so I went in as soon as I was licensed. They didn’t want to talk to me, so I just sat there all day until Cristophe himself finally came out and spoke with me. He was impressed with my determination. I assisted for 3 years and then worked there for the first 8 years of my career. It was cool because I got to work on a lot of celebrities and learn from the top colorists and stylists of the time.
How has it enhanced your styling abilities by working for BB/B3?
When I first started with BB 9 years ago I was a color specialist. I came to work at the Argyle Salon in the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood. The owners of the salon created BB so they kept asking me to use it. Honestly, I was afraid to because I wasn’t the best stylist. I was used to specializing. I finally went to a class and was so blown away by what the product could do and the energy in the room. I could tell that the product was going to be HUGE and I wanted to be a part of it. The rest is history.
What is your current favorite hair color trend? That is a tough one. I am so inspired by everything that I am seeing right now. I would probabally have to go with the color melting and smokey metallic colors that are happening right now. I get to work with so many Instagram giants like Linh Phan @bescene and Rickey Zito @hairgod_zito and they teach me how to do things I never really thought of doing before. They are such inspirations to me that now I seek models to do. It’s a lot of fun.
How has the release of Demi-Permanent conditioner changed the outcome of your color services?
It is a definite game changer. It is a totally new product category being that there has never been a Demi Permanent Conditioner before, so to have something that repairs the hair from the inside out and actually lasts for 12 washes is life changing. It just takes my colors to a whole other level.
What’s your guilty pleasure? Hashbrowns
What artists inspire you?
They all inspire me. There is a shift in the industry right now. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you live. You can make an impact and share your work through social media and inspire others. I think it’s a beautiful thing. Jenny Strebe inspires me @theconfessionsofahairstylist. She is the real deal. She has incredible talent and business savvy. She does everything from social media to her own Youtube channel and App. She’s doing runway shows in New York and Europe. She is able to adapt to all situations. That inspires me. I just had the chance to meet Mark Bustos @markbustos and wow that guy is inspiring! What he is doing out there is phenomenal. He travels to poverty stricken areas and gives free hair cuts to people in need and so much more. I couldn’t even begin to say how much that inspires me, a true hair artist humanitarian.
What brings about that inspiration?
I am inspired by these artists who share their passion and knowledge with others, with the intent to inspire.
What trend do you wish would be over?
Reverse Ombre’
Do you think hair color for men will ever be mainstream? If so, what styles in particular? In my opinion, hair color for men is mainstream now. Especially fashion colors like Silvers. But I will take a George Clooney or Anderson Cooper any day! I love when a man let’s his true grey show.
When and how did you know you wanted to be a stylist?
I wanted to be an actor. My idea was to do hair for film and make contacts that way. I ended up falling in love with hair color. It was so fun for me to transform people with color. I never looked back.
Tell us about your first hair “fail” and what did you learn from it?
My first hair fail was my first live client…hahaha. I was an assistant and at that time the person that I was working for was…let’s just say unpredictable. They left me to my own devices and my model had yellow hair with bleed spots all over her scalp. It was horrendous. The top colorist at the salon saw me panicking and she came over and saved me. She taught me how to fix it. I started working for her two weeks later.
Want to learn even more about B3 Brazilian Bond Builder and Brazilian Blowout? Be sure to stalk them and Alfredo to see their latest tips and tricks!
