Hey Jeannie! I’m thrilled to have this exclusive interview with you. I’ve been following you on Instagram via @thehair_jeannie and love your color work, cuts and styles! 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 beauty industry for about five years. Believe it or not, I was not the girl who always knew what she wanted to do.

I attended community college and thought that would be it. But surprise, I hated it and knew I was destined for something else – something more creative and personable.

So I guess in a way I inspired myself, and once I became a part of this amazing industry I have been inspired by stylists all over the world.

You know, I think it’s great that you figured out what made you excited to get up in the morning. I’ve learned that the conventional way of life is often devoid of real fun. Okay so, as a senior stylist at Paramount Pampering Salon and Spa — a top rated salon in Somerville, New Jersey — what are some of the hair trends you’re asked to do the most?

My favorite hair trend has definitely become “lived-in-color.” Balayage, foilayage, babylights, painting, teasylights – I love any technique that gives me that dimensional lived in look. I almost always finish my looks off with loose beachy waves to give that casual, laid back feel.

Speaking of which, would you say you specialize in color, cut or style?

My specialty is color. I have really fallen in love with color over the last few years and have focused all of my education in that area.

I’ve seen your color work and it really is all that! I’m curious, what type of hair extensions do you like to use?

I would have to say, I am an “all natural” girl. I am not a fan of extensions. I love natural, healthy, long hair and I do anything and everything to help my clients achieve that.

I love that you help your clients achieve natural, healthy hair. Frankly, I only recommend clip-in hair extensions because they are safer for the hair and you can take them out. So, what styling tools are your go-to?

I always use my BaByliss Pro Italia Brava 2000w blow dryer and finish with either my BaByliss 1-1/4” Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron or my Hot Tools 1-1/4” 24k Gold Extra-Long Barrel Curling Iron.

Those are all some of the best of the best tools, and that shines through on your hairstyles — they look flawless! What products do you like to use on your clients?

For lightener, I always use Coiffance Multi Deco 8 Powder Lightener. For my toners, glazes and gloss, my go to is Paul Mitchell The Demi or Redken SEQ.

As far as styling products, there are so many that I love! I have been using DesignMe Fab Me and Power Dry Me for basically every single client before I blow dry them.

For finishing, I am a huge texturizing spray fan so there’s a few that I love including IGK Beach Club, Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and Redken Wind Blown.

Okay, I have to buy those products ASAP! I absolutely love DesignMe, Redken and Paul Mitchell products, they always do what they’re advertised to do. I was wondering, what beauty tip are you asked about the most?

Almost every single one of my clients wants longer hair (of course). My number one tip is always to come see me every 8 to 12 weeks for a trim. You have to love your hair at home for it to grow, that means using professional products, weekly hair masks and treatments, washing your hair every 3 to 4 days, and most importantly, have realistic expectations when it comes to your color. Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Ha-ha, good point. And you’re right, good hair maintenance starts at home. What vitamin or supplement do you recommend for thinning hair?

Biotin, biotin, biotin! I love SugarBearHair. I have seen a big difference in my hair when I started taking those. Keep in mind, it takes about three months to see a difference.

SugarBearHair supplements are a great suggestion for growing hair. They contain a high dosage of biotin which is a key ingredient to optimal hair growth. Which professional hair dye brands are your favorite, and is there a drugstore hair dye brand you recommend for touch-ups at home?

I have a few different hair dye brands depending on what I’m trying to do. If I’m looking for grey coverage or all over color, I love Paul Mitchell XG. For my demi colors, I love Paul Mitchell The Demi and Redken SEQ. If I am doing a vivid color, my go to is always Pulp Riot. I never suggest a drugstore hair dye — ever.

You know what, every A-list stylist I’ve spoken to including you don’t ever recommend drugstore hair dyes and that says a lot. It’s better to spend the money getting your hair colored by a professional than doing it at home yourself. So, what is your number one hair care tip or warning?

My number one tip would have to be to always have realistic expectations. Do a lot of research on your stylist and put all your trust in them. We know what is best for you hair and we are always looking out for the health and beauty of your hair.

Well said, I fully agree with you. So, you mentioned earlier that you enjoy learning and teaching, who did you train with out of curiosity?

I have learned from and trained with Gina Bianca (@the_hair_doctor), Ryan Weeden (@ryan.weeden), Olivia Smalley (@omgartistry), Mireya Villarreal (@pinkpewter), Jessica VanDerWouden (@jleighwebdoeshair), Farhana (@xo.farhana.balayage), Sue Tyrrell (@suetyrrellstylist), and a bunch more!

Wow, that’s very impressive! Do you happen to have your own line of hair or beauty products?

I do not have my own line of hair or beauty products.

Well, who’s to say what the future holds, there are so many possibilities. Do you work out of the salon only or are you available for on-location bookings?

I work in my salon only.

Before we wrap this up, I have one last question, what can we expect to see from you in the future?

In the future, I hope to have my own product line and who knows, maybe I will become an educator. But as of right now, I love my place behind the chair, continuously learning and keeping my clients on their toes!

Touché to that! I’m a firm believer that anything is possible as long as you put your mind, body and soul into what you do, and I know you do that. I’ll be following along and rooting for your continued success Jeannie!

LuvlyLongLocks would like to thank Jeannie Jacklets for sharing her insights and tips. For more information about Jeannie Jacklets, visit her on Instagram via @thehair_jeannie or http://paramountpampering.com.

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.