Hotheads Stylist Interview: Vicki Casciola

Vicki Casciola is a nationally recognized hairstylist with over 10-years of experience. Her work graces the covers of some of the world's best magazines and her expert advice is featured in the top beauty and lifestyle publications. Vicki is also a regular contributor to network television.

Known for her versatility, Vicki is a master at both cut and color. She is also a well-known extension artist and flies from coast to coast for her private clients. She is currently a lead platform artist for Hotheads Hair Extensions, the world's leading tape-in extension line, and she trains salons and stylists how to use this revolutionary product. Vicki's personality is infectious and in 2009 she was scouted by CBS to compete in the network's hit series "The Amazing Race." Casciola's team finished an impressive fourth.

A Las Vegas native, Vicki started cutting hair in junior high school "I remember constantly getting in trouble in class for doing my friends hair" says Casciola, "It's always come naturally to me and I love it now as much as I did back then." Vicki was so dedicated to her career that she graduated from high school well ahead of her peers, having already earned her cosmetology license. In college, at the University of Nevada Reno, Vicki started styling hair in her dorm room and launched a thriving business there. She returned to Las Vegas and has been a top stylist ever since. Vicki's passion can also be measured by her numerous awards and certifications, including first place in Hair Wars 2007 and 2009 and first place in Skills USA VICA for two consecutive years in 2001 and 2002. She is also certified in Great Lengths, Hair Dream and SOCAP, in addition to being a Hotheads educator.

HH: When did you discover that you wanted a career in the beauty industry? 

VC: I was literally 3-years-old when I realized my mom was hopeless at doing my hair. She just didn’t know how to style it right so I grabbed the brush and did it myself. Today I do hers.

HH: What your favorite Hotheads Hair Extension color? 

VC: #7 and #23 are my go to colors because the tones are similar to most peoples’ hair. They are neutral and natural and blend with everything.

HH: Is there anyone that you would like to work with whom you haven't yet? 

VC: Oribe because he is so passionate about hair and Vidal Sassoon if we were still alive. He literally invented the modern hair industry and I would have loved to work with him.

I’d love to work with Selena Gomez and any of the Disney girls. They are still finding their style and will take some risks because they aren’t set in their ways yet. I love to play with hair and I’d love to get my hands on them.

HH: Do you think this is a skill that successful beauty professionals are born with or is it one that can to be cultivated and perfected? 

VC: You are definitely born with it. You have to have an eye for color and the skill to cut. Some stylists excel at one or the other but a true hairstylist has mastered both.

HH: How can young men and women who are aspiring to work in the beauty industry begin their journey? 

VC: They need to take continuing education classes and make sure they stay inspired. Watch movies, surround themselves with people who are artists of all kind, whether it’s painters, fashion designers or tattoo artists - anything that inspires you for hair.

HH: What are some career goals that people should set for themselves before attempting a career in beauty?

VC: Definitely decide what city you see yourself living in so you can build your client base and your reputation. If you love fashion you should choose a city known for that, if you love movies and entertainment L.A. is probably the place. Decide how many hours you want to work each week and what kind of clients you want to attract.

HH: What is the hardest part about working in beauty? 

VC: The hours, the clients and the personalities. You always have to be a people pleaser and you always have to be supportive, understanding and kind.

HH: Is beauty school a necessary step to take toward a career? 

VC: Absolutely. You need to have a license to go forward, but most importantly it’s the foundation you need to grow.

HH: Who has inspired you the most throughout your career in beauty? 

VC: Disney and Hollywood - I was always infatuated with beautiful people. I love making people look and feel good.

HH: How can girls highlight their best features without going overboard? 

VC: I always say less is more. I’ve been known to talk people out of getting too many extensions - and in Las Vegas that says a lot! You want just enough to accent your hair - the more natural the better. With color you want to highlight your skin tone and bring out your eye color. Hair is supposed to bring out your best features. You don’t want to be a blonde just because you think blondes have more fun.

HH: Why do you think you decided to become a hair stylist? 

VC: I wanted to help make people look and feel good - plus my mom was terrible at doing hair! I knew ever since I was little that I was drawn to hair. I would get in trouble at school for braiding hair in class. My parents built me a hair salon on the side of the house when I was 13 and I was in beauty school by the time I was 15. When I went to college I ended up doing hair out of my dorm room so I realized it was time to move back and start working at a salon.

HH:What inspires you? Who inspires you? 

VC: People. I can look at someone and know exactly what I’d do to improve their look. I also love art and fashion and have always been drawn to the 50’s and 60’s. Elvis and Marilyn are my idols. He was the first to have a pompadour and the first to experiment with his look. Marilyn’s bleached blonde color and dark eyebrows made short hair sexy.

HH:What are your favorite Hotheads hair products! 

VC: The Silky Smooth Masque and the Clean Shampoo!

HH: Which styling tools do you use most often? 

VC: My Twin turbo 3800 hair dryer, my YS Park Round Brush and my Cortex Oil Infused Flat Iron.

HH: What are some good tips for young people trying to break into the industry? 

VC: To always be yourself and trust your instincts. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and make sure to do plenty of people watching. Read the fashion magazines, look at Instagram and social media for inspiration and remember practice makes perfect. Friends and family can be walking advertisements!

HH: How do you feel hair relates to personal style?

VC: Hair is everything. It makes or breaks your look. It can make you look younger, it can make you look healthier, It can make you look soft or serious. It’s a reflection of how you feel and speaks to your personality.

HH:Did someone inspire the new look you have given her?

VC: People are most inspired by Hollywood. Every client has brought me a picture of an actress or model asking for a specific color or cut. It’s my job to guide them to do something similar that will flatter their specific features.

Thanks Vicki for being part of the Hotheads Family!

Find & Follow Vicki on Instagram|Twitter| Hotbox Website

For the latest

Hotheads updates follow us: