Featured Stylist: Nick Stenson

Nick Stenson has reached the epitome of success in the hair industry with many titles and awards under his belt. He is the artistic creative director for JCPenny Salons where he helps direct, advise, and train the 14,000 stylists at 950 salons of JCPenny. But that role isn’t all that Stenson is involved in; he is also an artistic director for Matrix. He has had the opportunity to work with some of the best stylists in the country and was recognized for his work with two nominations at NAHA 2012. Find out more about Nick Stenson’s career in our interview!

BANGSTYLE: What made you become a hair artist, and how did you get started in the industry?

Nick Stenson: I grew up in the industry. My mom did hair for 34 years and had her own salon. I basically grew up in the business, and I love its creativity.

BANGSTYLE: What are your career highlights?

NS: Most recently, my two nominations for the most prestigious awards in our industry – the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) – has been a decided highlight. It’s always a thrill to see your editorial work on the covers of great magazines – Modern Salon, Matrix Magazine, and in issues of American Salon, Highlights Magazine, Beauty Launch Pad, Woman’s Day andVogue. My Matrix video education series, as well as the education series we’re currently producing for JCP, have both been uniquely rewarding. I’ve loved developing color portfolios for Matrix and leading trends for the new JCP collections. There’s always something new and exciting around the bend, which is why I’m so passionate about this industry.

BANGSTYLE: What about your career are you most proud of?

NS: It’s a hard question to answer because I have had so many moments in my career when I’ve asked myself whether I was dreaming or not! “Is THIS my life?!” I was proud to own my own salon, then to become a director for Matrix, later to become a director for JCP — and now to become a NAHA finalist! It just keeps getting better!

BANGSTYLE: What are you inspired by?

NS: You never know where the next inspiration will come from! I keep my eye on European influences, but also on amazing art and on the newest fashion on the runway.

BANGSTYLE: What is your favorite part about being a hair artist and why?

NS: The ability to touch so many lives and to be part of all the most important times in a person’s life.

BANGSTYLE: What do you specialize in?

NS: I like to do it all; but if I had to pick one thing, it would be color.

BANGSTYLE: What do you think is next in hair?

NS: Lots of volume. Back to spending more time to get the perfect polished look.

BANGSTYLE: Tell us about what it was like being nominated in the Haircolor and Contemporary Classic categories at NAHA 2012—preparing for your entries, finding out you were a finalist, etc.

NS: Entering NAHA is one of the most exciting and nerve racking things a hair designer can go through. I used to say that I would never enter because I was afraid of not being nominated or of not winning. But the truth is that entering was the best thing I’ve ever done! It has pushed me – and continues to push me – to improve my personal best. I am already gearing up for 2013!

BANGSTYLE: What would you like to see happen in the hair industry in the next 5-10 years?

NS: I’d like to see industry quality improve and attain a whole new high water mark. There’s a lot of bad hair out there; and with all the new advances in education, there’s really no need for it. I’d love to see all stylists truly educated in delivering the best client experience in all aspects of cut, color, and style. We owe it to our customers to be the very best we can be. A good stylist NEVER stops learning.

BANGSTYLE: What are some hair cut, color, and style trends many of your clients come to you for?

NS: The biggest thing right now in cutting is probably long shattered layers and in color, tone on tone ombre coloring. Hot, hot, hot!

BANGSTYLE: What is an at-home hair tip—something you recommend to your clients?

NS: Before ever touching a brush to the hair while blow drying, rough dry the hair 80%. Get all the water out first, and only then use the appropriate brush to finish. This technique will lessen the drying time and be better for the health of the hair.

BANGSTYLE: How long have you been working in the hair industry?

NS: 16 years

BANGSTYLE: What hair trends do you see on the horizon?

NS: We’re going retro with a modern edge. There’s a delicious twist on the 50’s and 60’s right over the horizon.

BANGSTYLE: What are your favorite hair color trends?

NS: I’m an artist, so I love anything unique. Hair color placements should always look customized, not like a design was manufactured or followed a paint-by-number plan.

BANGSTYLE: How would you describe your ideal client?

NS: Someone who says do what you want. What artist doesn’t want a blank canvas? Clients who are open to a style, cut, or color that enhances their natural beauty are always the most fun to delight! And who doesn’t want to make a client happy?

BANGSTYLE: Do you have any advice for new hair artists starting out in the industry?

NS: Yes, have a little patience. Keep doing it again and again and again until it is perfect. Then do it again.

BANGSTYLE: What are you doing to push the boundaries in the hair industry?

NS: Beauty is timeless, but there’s always room for a delightful modernization in keeping with what’s on trend. I’m in the midst of taking classic shapes and reinventing them for the next generation. What I’m doing in the industry has roots, but also has room to reinvent itself.

BANGSTYLE: Words to live by—hair motto?

NS: I know this one from experience: Successful people do all the things that unsuccessful people aren’t willing to do. Bottom line? Do the hard work – it pays off!

BANGSTYLE: What are your future goals?

NS: I’d like to leave my mark as a respected professional voice and face of the industry, one known for challenging each stylist to a personal best.