Hotheads Stylist Feature: Alicia Iannone

Now a Hotheads Educator/Specialist & Platform Artist Alicia can take her talent and love to new heights; now she am able to give clients the hair they have always dreamed of. When she turns a client around to the mirror to show off their finished style, there is no better reward then the smile and excitement on their face. "Working in this industry gives you such satisfaction and nothing can compare to that. I am committed to this with all my heart; it’s not a career, it’s a lifestyle. In order to be successful I truly believe you need to live this as a lifestyle. My work does not stop when I leave the salon. I am very passionate about being a hairstylist.. I absolutely LOVE what I do!" - Alicia Iannone

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

AI: I have always had a niche for art & design. My mom is a graphic/interior designer, my dad owns a restaurant and my brother majors in Interior Design & Architecture. I have been surrounded by art & inspiration my whole life. I have always been interested in doing hair; I was always the one styling my friends’ hair in highschool and playing around with color! I always knew this was what I wanted to do; when I look at people.. I see hair, and ideas start to run through my head. “I would add highlights to her/ Hmm, she needs bangs! / She would look great with extensions!” This feeling never goes away; I am continuously looking for ways to enhance people’s hair/image. I am so lucky that I get to transform clients & build their confidence each and every day. 

HH: What your favorite Hotheads Hair Extension color?

AI: I love to combine multiple colors to create a dimensional look! Right now I have #6, #8 and #27 in my hair and I am obsessed! These 3 colors can be intermixed with most others colors to create amazing contrast!

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

AI: Our salon has just been picked to be a ‘VIP Oribe Salon’; we now carry his full line of luxury products. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him once before, but I would DIE to be able to actually spend a day working with him! He is a true inspiration!

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?

AI: Everyday is a learning opportunity. You can never stop learning. I do believe those of us with God given talent should definitely be pushed even farther to heighten our abilities!

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

AI: I suggest to get yourself into a mentoring program. Do your research and find a salon that sparks your passion; find out if they offer a Mentor Program where you can learn & assist with their top stylists.

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

AI: I believe students should first figure out which route they are going to take. 1*Get your chair at a high volume walk-in salon (Hair Cuttery/Great Clips) So you can begin to get real life practice. Or 2*Assist at a high-end salon and build a plan with your manager to eventually set you up with your own chair.

With either decision, write a goal for yourself – (ex: In 2 years I will have a chair. In 3 years I will have increased my service totals by 30%. By the end of the year I want to have completed 5 continuous training classes/certifications) Always have a plan in mind.

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

AI: In our salon, it is mandatory for us to wear heels! We look fabulous but we can't feel our feet after about 5 hours!

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

AI: Yes of course! It is state mandated that you need to have a Cosmetology License and complete the required hours for your state! Learning never ends; invest in a master program & continued classes!

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

AI: My boss, Martino Cartier, is a HUGEEE inspiration to me. He is one of the busiest men I know and always has a smile on his face. He is extremely talented and very smart and savy when it comes to branding his business. I could go on and on about the amazing things he has done but at the end of the day I truly need to be thankful because he gives us so many opportunities and constantly takes us to classes & major industry events. Take a minute to check out our charity’s website & you will truly be inspired. (friendsarebyyourside.com)

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

AI: Pick one feature you would like to accentuate and just focus on that! Less is more!

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

AI: I believe that everything happens for a reason and you know where your passion lies. I was destined to be a part of this creative industry. I have always had a passion for this and I was willing to do whatever it took to get where I wanted to be. I am so thankful to work for such an accredited & talented salon, along with now being a part of the amazing team at HotHeads!

HH: What inspires you? Who inspires you?

AI: To me, everything is an inspiration.. it could be a piece of art, a plate of food, nature, or a picture. Ideas are constantly running through my head. I like to people watch; sometimes bad hair do’s spark my inspiration to create something bigger & better! Celebrity hair stylists are definitely a huge inspiration to me because I hope to have that opportunity one day.

HH: What are your favorite Hotheads hair products?

AI: The Hotheads Shampoo (Clean) & Conditioner (Smooth) are the BEST for maintaining the quality and shine of your extensions! And everyone is in LOVE with the smell!

HH: Which styling tools do you use most often?

AI: CURLING IRONS! You can create so many different textures with different sized irons. Instead of using a wand to create waves, I just wrap the hair around a 1’ curling iron; perfect results every time! Lock in your style with Sebastian Shaper Feirce HairSpray for an all-day hold!

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

AI: Look for inspiration in everything. Never say never. The sky is the limit.

Take as many classes as you can. Take advantage of every opportunity.

But most importantly… BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

How do you feel hair relates to personal style?

AI: “The best accessory a woman could have is a GREAT hairstylist.” It is totally true! Your hairstyle/color/cut is a direct reflection of your personality. When women decide to drastically change their hair, it’s because they are going through a change in their life. You can tell a lot about someone just by their hair! I have a big bold loud personality and my hair definitely reflects that; it is long, multi-dimensional and always styled big & teased high!

HH: How do you think that hair relates to a person's confidence?

AI: I believe that when you are in love with the result of your hair, it gives you such amazing confidence. I want to be able to give women hair that they always dreamed of; hair that they are completely obsessed with; hair that exudes confidence and makes them feel sexy! I am so thankful to be able to work for Hotheads and provide such a high quality product to my clients. The look on their faces after I have completed their extensions is the reason why I love my job. I give my clients the opportunity to have the prettiest, shiniest, healthiest & longest hair they have always wanted; using Hotheads Hair Extensions is an ultimate confidence boost!

Find & Follow Alicia on Instagram | Twitter | Martino Cartier Salon