Hi Taylor Marie, I’m so thrilled to get this exclusive interview with you! So you’re a global hair extension educator and work at Guru Salon in Temecula, California. Tell me, how long have you been in the hair care business and what inspired you to join this industry?

I have been in the hair care industry for 14 years. I joined this industry because I remember my younger years. Both boys and girls would bully, degrade, shame, and belittling my appearance which really affected my self-esteem. I wanted to make sure no one ever felt like I did. So, I vowed to make all clients feel beautiful from the inside-out which led me to do hair transformations. 

I’ve seen pictures of your amazing hair transformations on Instagram via @_itstaylormarie, and your application of hair extensions is very precise. What are some of the hair trends you’re asked to do the most?

I’m often asked to do Double Dutch braids and loose beach waves.

I absolutely love loose beach waves. Would you say you specialize in color, cut or style and do you style all hair textures and hair lengths?

I specialize in hair transformations and hair extensions on all textures and lengths. 

What type of hair extensions, like clip-ins, tape-ins, weaves, pre-bonded, fusion, and micro-link, do you use on a regular basis? Which brands do you like to use?

On a regular basis, I use I-tips, tape-ins, halos, fusions, and weaves. My preferred hair extension brands are HALOCOUTURE and Bellami.

Those are both exceptional brands, their hair extensions are worth the buy! What styling tools are your go-to?

My go-to styling tools are Hot Tools 1¼-inch barrel and Sutra Infrared flat iron.

Many of the A-list stylists I speak to also use those tools — they last long and the results are flawless. On a similar note, what products do you like to use on your clients?

Kevin Murphy products are the best and my go-to favorite product is Bedroom Hair, it’s a texture spray. Frankly, I love what Kevin Murphy and his brand are about, which is being mindful about our planet. He does so many things to make sure he doesn’t leave a large carbon footprint in the beauty industry. 

That’s truly incredible. You know, it’s not often thought of or spoken about, but the chemicals in hair products can be toxic to stylists’ health and the ozone. I’m amazed that his product line is eco-conscious. So, what beauty tip are you asked about the most?

I am often asked, “Are hair extensions going to damage my hair?” I tell my clients, if hair extensions are installed correctly and clients come in for their regular maintenance then their natural hair should be growing.

For me, the best compliment is when a client has to stop wearing hair extensions because their natural hair is so long. 

That indeed is a compliment. It shows that you’ve nurtured their hair to a healthy state that promotes optimal growth. Speaking of which, what vitamin or supplement do you recommend for thinning hair?

Bosely Strength Professional! 

Thanks for the recommendation. I’m curious, which hair dye brand is your favorite and in an emergency, which common drugstore hair dye brand do you suggest to use?

Wella’s color line has incredible shine, and here’s a fun fact, when Wella came out with Illumina they worked with Disney to create a different level of shine that the eye can see. 

As for drug store hair dye brands—only if it’s an emergency LOL—use Revlon Color Silk. It is ammonia free, offers 100 percent gray coverage and doesn’t fade.

That’s really good to know actually. While we’re chatting about hair care tips, what is your number one hair care tip or warning?

Please do not remove your permanent hair extensions at home. Go see a professional. 

That is a fantastic tip, and a topic worthy enough for an upcoming blog post! Out of curiosity, who did you train with and do you hold any certifications or awards?

I’ve had the pleasure of training with Nick Berardi, DJ Muldoon, Diego Raviglione, Greta Coston, Katherine Lewis, along with top educators at the Wella Studio. As for my educational background, I graduated April 2012 from Bellus Academy in Poway, California, after completing their 1900-hour Cosmetology Program. Then in 2014, I received an AA in Beauty Health and Management from the School of Business Communication at National American University.

I’ve been blessed to win the following awards:

• Business Award, Wella Studio Training presented by Richelle Evans
• Placed First-STAR, Nick Berardi Cut and Color Competition

I’ve also been honored with ‘Student of the Month,’ ‘Employee of the Month,’ ‘Top in Retail and Services,’ and ‘Best in Business’ awards.

Additionally, I hold certifications in Brazilian Blowout and Twisted Fringe. I’m also an advocate for learning and have taken extended education classes and completed numerous training programs for client communication, retail, and entrepreneurialship. Off the top of my head, the list is as follows:

• Attended the 150-hour Advanced Cosmetology Training with Advanced Academy
• Attended the 150-hour Makeup Artistry Course with Makeup Artistry
• Certified Train the Trainer Course for hair extension manufacturers and distributors
• Certified Educator for Kerratherphy, Bosley Strength Professional,
  HALOCOUTURE, HALOPRO, Dream Catchers Extensions, and HAIRLOCS
• Attended Wella & Sebastian Professional Training presented by Regional Rep Hillary Handshue
• Attended Nioxin Professional Training presented by guest artists
• Attended Advanced Product Knowledge by Kevin Murphy Retailing on How to Build Your Own Business

Wow, that’s impressive! Kudos to you! I was wondering, do you work out of the salon and are you available for on-location bookings, either locally or out of state?

Yes, I work out of the salon most of the time. I am available for on-location bookings all over the globe.

Very good to know. Okay, you have to tell me, what can we expect to see in the future from you?

I am so excited about the new things that are about to happen such as my own hands-on education classes offering duel certifications with some of the most influential artists I have ever met. I also am going to create a platform for girls, boys, teens, men, and women of all ages to have a safe non-judgmental place to learn about the beauty industry.

Oh my gosh, that’s a terrific idea, and let me say congratulations on launching an education platform that offers certifications — that’s an incredible way to give back to the community and beauty industry!

Taylor Marie, thank you so much for sharing your tips with me and best of luck with your upcoming education class hosted with Master Colorist Sarah Ritchey (@sarahdidmyhair) on May 20^th at the Sola Education Center in Upland, California, joined by guest influencers @luvekat and @foreveruntamed.

To register for this dual certification in hair extensions and vivid color—sponsored by Olaplex, Kera Color, Overtone, Monat and The Honey Pot—click here.

LuvlyLongLocks would like to thank Taylor Marie Boren for sharing her insights and tips. For more information about Taylor Marie Boren, visit her on Instagram via @_itstaylormarie.

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.