Hi Shannon! Thanks so much for chatting with me. I’ve been following you on Instagram via @daymakerschair and absolutely love your hairstyles! How long have you been in the hair care business and what inspired you to join this industry?

I have been in this industry for about nine years. I was inspired by wanting to work with people and help them to feel good about themselves. I also found it artistic. 

I agree with you, styling hair is definitely artistic. I love your hairstyles because they exude a whimsical attitude. So I have to know, tell me more about your role as a Daymaker, what does it entail?

My role as a Daymaker is to make people look and feel better about themselves. Some may not realize that we have a huge (sometimes life changing) impact on the guests that sit in our chair, and that we may be the only people they can visit, talk to, or interact with for a long period of time. Being a Daymaker, means to make someone’s day with an intentional act of kindness, whether that be just simply helping to give them confidence with a new style, listening to them, or being a positive role model. I enjoy the personal aspect of being a hairstylist and knowing that I am able to be there to brighten up someone’s day.

“Being a Daymaker means to make someone’s day with an intentional act of kindness, whether that be just simply helping to give them confidence with a new style, listening to them, or being a positive role model.”

This is really cool and it’s so true about the impact stylists have on clients. I especially like the aspect of intentional acts of kindness. You work at New Outlooks Salon and Spa located in Lunenburg, Massachusetts, what are some of the hair trends you’re asked to do the most and what are the current themes this season?

My most popular services offered are balayage and bridal hair. Currently the most popular services seem to be leaning toward golden tones, glam hairstyling, and layered haircuts. 

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 feel very well rounded in all of these categories and enjoy all of these things, but at the top of my list is balayage and bridal hair which I like to say I specialize in. 

Gotcha! I was wondering, what type of hair extensions, like clip-ins, tape-ins, weaves, pre-bonded, fusion, and micro-link, do you use on a regular basis? 

I currently do not offer extension services, however this might be something on the horizon for me.

May I suggest clip-ins, they’re safer for hair and one of my favorite brands is Hairdo. Okay, so your hairstyles are flawless, what styling tools are your go-to?

My go-to styling tools consist of Olivia Gardens Multi Brushes, Hot Tools 1-inch curling iron, and my hands!

Ah yes, a stylists most valuable tool — their hands! What products do you like to get your hands on to ensure a flawless look?

I am a huge heat protectant advocate. My favorite is Neuro Protect by Paul Mitchell (or anything Neuro for that matter) and I LOVE Paul Mitchell’s Awapuhi Shine Serum because it makes the hair very silky without weighing it down. 

Thanks for that recommendation! I’ve been searching for a good heat protectant spray, so I’ll try that out. I have to know, do you have your own line of hair or beauty products?

I don’t as of yet! Who knows, maybe this will be on the horizon also.

I’m all for it! I can see you with a beauty line that when used, will always bring a smile to your face! While we’re on the subject of beauty, what beauty tip are you asked about the most?

I am always asked about styling advice and preventing damage. My tips for the people struggling with these: Olaplex is a Godsend for damage, and it’s so important to protect your hair before heat styling with a protectant spray. As for styling, volume is always beautiful and practice makes perfect, it won’t be amazing the first time you do it! 

That makes sense, and practice does make perfect. What vitamin or supplement do you recommend for thinning hair?

Extra potent biotin works miracles! Pay attention to your dieting habits and if nothing is working, ask your doctor for a blood test about what you may be lacking. 

Extra potent biotin is a great suggestion. I swear by this vitamin, it has helped me grow my hair quickly. Which hair-dye brand is your favorite and why? Which common drugstore hair-dye brand do you recommend for touch-ups at home?

I use Paul Mitchell in salon, but also love Oligo and Joico because of the options, lift, and health of the hair. I don’t recommend drug store brands for touch ups. We are licensed to mix your color for a reason. Nobody knows what is exactly in those drugstore colors and most likely if you use them, the result will not be what you were looking for. And your stylist may not be able to fix the damage done. 

Yikes! I really like your point about stylists being licensed to mix color. What is your number one hair care tip or warning?

Don’t mess around with color at home and please use a heat protectant spray or serum. Also, get products that are professional and recommended. You already spent the expensive amount of money on your hair; don’t ruin it with a $2 bottle of shampoo, and when it comes to styling—practice, practice, practice. 

You have a good point. It’s so important to invest in your hair; it’s the crown you never take off. I’m curious to know, who did you train with and do you hold any certifications and/or awards?

I originally trained with Joico, then with Aveda then with Paul Mitchell and received many certifications with each line. Along the way I have received education from many “insta famous” stylists at various classes and events. I have received recognition and awards for my updos. I am also Keratin Complex certified. 

Okay, that’s really cool! I love that you’re Keratin Complex certified. Plus, your training is very impressive. 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 do, and I’m always willing to travel. 

Great to know! Before I let you go, what can we expect to see in the future from you?

Expect to see lots of hard work, dedication and more beautiful hair and happy smiles. I have many exciting opportunities coming up, so we will just have to wait and see.

I can’t wait! I’ll be excitedly following along and practicing my hair-styling abilities in the meantime. Shannon, thank you again for all of the wonderful information you shared and for the smiles along the way!

LuvlyLongLocks would like to thank Shannon Demont for sharing her insights and tips. For more information about Shannon Demont, visit www.newoutlooksdayspa.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.