Hi Sarah! I’m so thrilled to chat with you. I’ve been following you on Instagram via @sarahdidmyhair and I love your color work! Your salon, Sarah Did My Hair Studio, is located in Upland, California. How long have you been in the hair care business and what inspired you to join this industry?

The older sister of my best friend growing up did hair, and since I only had brothers, I thought she was the coolest person I knew! I would walk down to her salon after school and sweep or answer phones. I just loved being in the salon. So when I was 16, I applied for beauty school and never looked back. I have been licensed since 2007.

Wow, she really had a huge impact on you. I’m curious to know, what are some of the hair trends you’re asked to do the most and what is your signature hairstyle?

I’d say most people who go to me for their hair want to be blonde and dimensional. I don’t know if I really have a signature style so much.

That’s totally fair to say. So would you say you specialize in color, cut or style and do you style all hair types, hair textures and hair lengths?

My clientele is pretty diverse. It ranges from dimensional blondes to fashion colors, haircuts, and platinum and gray touchups. I am most passionate about fashion colors and would love it if more of my clients wanted them. 

Your fashion colors or vivid color work is really amazing. I must say, it definitely takes guts to try colors that are a bit drastic from natural-colored hair. I’m always in awe at how good vivid colors look but prefer less hassle. That’s why I stick to fashion color clip-in extensions. Since we’re on the topic, which brand of hair extensions is your favorite?

My favorite brand of hair is The Hair Shop. My go-to choice is their Smart Tabs but I have also used their clip-ins and have clients who I use their I-Tips on. 

Which brand of styling tools are your go-to and what product brands do you like to use on your clients?

I am obsessed with Sutra tools, it’s pretty much all I use. I use a wide range of styling products but my main product lines that I use are Truss, Living Proof, and Design Me.

Love, love, love Design Me products! Do you have a favorite hair-dye brand? Also, which common drugstore hair-dye brand do you recommend for touch-ups at home?

My favorite color lines are Redken and Pulp Riot. I never recommend coloring your hair at home but there are awesome sprays to help blend your grays between appointments, and shampoos like Fanola to keep blondes bright. 

Great suggestions, thanks! Redken seems to be a highly preferred brand among the A-list stylists I’ve spoken to. So what beauty tip are you asked about the most?

Most of my clients ask me how to extend their color. There are so many ways to do this. Wash your hair less with great products, use cold water to wash your hair, dry shampoo should be your best friend, turn the heat on your tools down, and invest in pigmented shampoos and conditioners. 

More great suggestions! What is your number one hair care tip or warning?

If you don’t trim your hair, it won’t grow!

I have to say, I’m guilty of going six months without a trim. Since you have such great recommendations, what vitamin do you recommend for thinning hair?

I tell my clients that biotin will help their hair grow in stronger but if they are dealing with significant hair loss it’s best to see a dermatologist.

I have to say, Biotin is definitely highly recommended among the A-list stylists I’ve talked to! I was wondering, do you work out of the salon and are you available for on-location bookings, either locally or out of state?

I spend most of my time working in my studio but I do travel for photoshoots, weddings, and I occasionally teach classes. 

I love that you teach classes. It’s so important to pass on knowledge. Since, you see the value in teaching, from your perspective, why is it important to take continuing education classes?

I take many classes every year because it reignites the passion and creativity. 

That’s a very good reason to keep learning and one that bears validity. After all, styling, cutting and coloring hair all require immense creativity, vision and passion. So, what can we expect to see in the future from you?

I am currently trying to get into doing more education. I love sharing my knowledge and learning with other passionate hairstylist. So keep your eyes out because this year you will definitely be seeing some education classes coming your way! 

That’s really cool, I can’t wait to watch! Sarah, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me. Cheers to staying on the up and up!

LuvlyLongLocks would like to thank Sarah Ritchey for sharing her insights and tips. For more information about Sarah Ritchey, visit her on Instagram via @sarahdidmyhair.

This interview was conducted by Avni Parekh, LuvlyLongLocks chief creative officer. LuvlyLongLocks has affiliate partnerships and may earn a commission if you make a purchase through the link at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, only products that are known to yield high results are recommended.