Hi Sarah! I’ve been following you on Instagram via @beautymarkedbysarah and I’m so thrilled to have this one-on-one interview with you! I absolutely love your braid styles, and was wondering, how long have you been in the hair care business and what inspired you to join this industry?

I have been a licensed cosmetologist for a little over six years. I had wanted to be a hairstylist since I was 7-years-old. My cousin owned her own salon and I would come with my grandma every week to the salon. I would see how people would leave the salon with more confidence so I decided I was gonna do that for people one day too! Hair has always been my passion.

You know what, every stylist I speak to, says the same thing—that hair has always been their passion. I think it’s wonderful that you’ve pursued your childhood dream. I know you style tons of people, so what are some of the hair trends you’re asked to do the most and what is your signature hairstyle?

I’ve been asked to create big fluffy braids for most of my guests, I would consider that my specialty.

I noticed all of the amazing braid styles on your Instagram page and I’m totally enamored by them! I especially love that many of your braid styles are decorated with Pink Pewter’s jewel-embellished hair stickers—their line of hair jewelry and accessories are to die for! So, would you say you specialize in color, cut or style and do you style all hair types, hair textures and hair lengths?

In the salon I do it all, color, cuts, and styles. I embrace every color, texture, and length. It’s what keeps me on my toes. I love a good challenge with hair and live for a great transformation on my guests.

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 brand is your favorite?

I love to use either tape in extensions, a halo band for my braids as well as clip-ins. I don’t prefer one over the other. It just depends on the needs and wants of the client. My go-to brand is Hot Heads hair extensions. Because they offer all the type of extension I need and have a great selection of colors as well as lengths to pick from.

You know what, I’ve heard really good feedback about Hot Heads’ extensions from other stylists too. What would you say are your go-to styling tools?

I love and can’t live without rolling pins to keep my styles in place, my Sexy Hair Crumper, and Topsy Tail tool.

I love Sexy Hair too! Their Slept-In Texture Crème creates a smooth, shiny, luxurious finish when blow dried in. Speaking of which, what products do you like to use on your clients? Why?

I love to use styling paste from Sexy Hair on my clients to give them clean braids that are still touchable, and Powder Play Lite from Sexy Hair as well. It gives all my clients instant texture and fullness in any style they desire! 

In addition to advocating for Sexy Hair’s products, do you happen to have your own line of hair or beauty products?

I do not have my own hair care line. 

Hmm, I predict you may come out with a line of beauty products or hair accessories—that’s the fortune teller side of me speaking. So, I have to know, what beauty tip are you asked about the most?

I’m asked the most how to achieve big, full, fluffy braids.

That’s a good question actually. Every time I try to puff-out my braid, it just looks messy. Well, what is your number one hair care tip or warning?

My number one hair care tip is to always use a heat protectant! 

I’m so glad you mentioned that! There’s an article on my blog where I share my top five reasons why heat protectants should be used, these sprays really help to prevent your hair from damage. By the way, your bridal and braid styles are really amazing, who did you train with and do you hold any certifications and/or awards?

I have learned from Lala’s Updo’s she is my idol! I have not won any awards yet but was a Behind The Chair nominee for the past two years and a Licensed To Create Awards nominee as well. This year I’m hoping and working really hard to win one of the two or get nominated again!

Well, I’m definitely cheering for you! Currently, you’re at Bella Si Salon in St. Clair, Missouri. Do you only work out of the salon or are you available for on-location bookings, either locally or out of state?

I travel out of the salon frequently for my bridal guests or educating for sexy hair. I love it. Traveling for work is my favorite thing to do!

For sure! Traveling, combined with doing something you love is awesome. I really like that you’re an educator. It’s great that you give back in that capacity—knowledge is power. Last question, I’m super curious to know, what can we expect to see from you in the future?

You can expect more ‘how to’ videos from me and more bridal and braid hair inspiration in picture and video form! This year I really hope to grow my skill set even more and find and push new boundaries in myself so I can reach the next level in my career and goals!

That’s fantastic! I’ll be cheering you along on the sidelines and can’t wait to watch more of your video tutorials!

LuvlyLongLocks would like to thank Sarah Malinda for sharing her insights and tips. For more information about Sarah Malina, visit her Instagram page @beautymarkedbysarah.

This interview was conducted by Avni Parekh, LuvlyLongLocks CCO. 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.