Hey Nikki Lynn, I’m so glad to get this one on one interview with you. I’ve been following you on Instagram via @nikkilynndoeshair, how long have you been in the beauty industry and what inspired you to specialize in hair care?

I have been in the beauty industry since 2012. My mom always had me doing her hair, so I guess you could say I just gravitated toward it — it was a talent that came naturally.

What are some of the hair trends you’re asked to do the most at the highly rated Capelli Salon in Las Vegas?

The two looks I get the most requests for are lived-in color and vivid hair, however, I do styling, color, relaxers; you name it, I do it. Most of my clientele are either balayage looks or unicorn hair. 

I absolutely love unicorn hair! So then, would you say you specialize in color, cut or style and do you style all hair types, hair textures and hair lengths?

I specialize in color services, especially hair transformations. I have a few short hair clients, but the majority of my clientele has long hair. I’m comfortable with all textures. As a matter of fact, I have a variety of textures in my chair varying from fine to coarse and straight to curly hair. 

That’s awesome! I’ve seen your hair transformations and they really are inspiring. Do you happen to use hair extensions on a regular basis?

I don’t have any extension clients at this time, but I do weft extensions. Additionally, I am getting certified with Bellami this July and will be adding hair extensions to my service menu. 

Brilliant! I love that you are proactive about attaining different certifications, and Bellami’s hair extensions are a preferred brand too. So, what styling tools are your go-to?

I use BabylissPro tools, and often reach for my 1-inch or 1¼ inch Nano Titanium Marcel Curling Iron. 

I have to know, what products do you like to use on your clients?

My go-to products, the ones I use the most on clients, are Olaplex number 6 and Unite mousse. Olaplex 6 is a smoothing cream that works like a dream. I love it for everyone.

Plus, Unite mousse is great for all hair types. I have curly hair myself and still use a mousse when I round brush my hair. My blowouts last longer because mousse gives that density and texture at the root. 

You know what, since I have mildly wavy to straight hair, I don’t use mousse. It’s helpful to have a better understanding of its function. On a similar note, what beauty tip are you asked about the most?

I would say I get asked most about getting curls to last longer. My tips for achieving long lasting curls are:

1. Start at the root or mid-length and work the iron down the section. Not at the ends and roll up.
2. DO NOT touch the curl until it cools off. Curl it all, let it cool, THEN run your fingers through to break it up. 

That’s an awesome tip! Which hair-dye brand is your favorite and which drugstore hair-dye brand do you recommend for touch-ups at home?

I love Pulp Riot and L’Oreal professional. That’s all that’s in my color locker. I was trained on L’Oreal and know it like the back of my hand. I didn’t start to try other brands until August 2018.

Then, I fell in love with Pulp Riot. I love the consistency of the product and I love that it isn’t a huge line. The tonality is amazing. I use the entire line and keep a full inventory on hand.

After trying other acid demi-permanents, I ultimately went back to L’Oreal dialight. I wasn’t getting the results I expected from other brands. There’s nothing like Dialight. 

As for touch-ups at home, I do not recommend at home color at all. 

Gotcha! Every A-list stylist that I’ve spoken to, including you, do not recommend at home color at all, and I can understand why. What is your number one hair care tip or warning?

Invest in quality salon professional products that your stylist recommends. Why spend all that money on a beautiful color, then use cheap drug store products? I don’t recommend products for my financial gain; I recommend them because I want your hair to be the best it can be. 

Such a great point! It’s so important to use quality products on your hair, especially if its color treated. I’m curious, do you work out of the salon and are you available for on-location bookings, either locally or out of state?

At this time, I only work in the salon. However, I would be open to on location bookings. 

Your vivid color work and balayage is fantastic, who did you train with and what certifications do you hold?

I trained at Gene Juarez Academy of Beauty. I also received advanced training at Gene Juarez Salons and Spas, specializing in color and texture services.

Then, when I moved to Las Vegas, I took a step back to assist since I came from a departmentalized salon. I trained under Liubi and Chita Beseau at Square Color Salon in Las Vegas. Happy to note, Chita is now independent at My Pink Hare Salon Suites.

As for certifications, I am Brazilian Blowout Certified and soon will be Bellami Master Certified. Plus, I’m an Ambassador for Shark Fin Shears. 

Okay, last question, I promise. What can we expect to see in the future from you?

I hope to become a color educator with Pulp Riot. For now, I’m focused on perfecting my craft. I’m always striving to be better than I was the day before. 

Cheers to that! I love your positive attitude and go-getter mentality, I know it will continue to take you far — perhaps even the moon. Nikki Lynn, thank you so much for chatting with me and for sharing all those amazing beauty tips.

LuvlyLongLocks would like to thank Capelli Salon Stylist Nikki Lynn for sharing her insights and tips. For more information about Capelli Salon Stylist Nikki Lynn, visit her on Instagram via @nikkilynndoeshair.

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.