It's another #WeddingVendorWednesday, and today we're talking all about bridal hair and makeup with Clairissa Cioch, hairstylist and makeup artist at Hot Spot Salon and Spa in Herkimer, NY, also known as @clairdoeshair on social media. Clair has been in the beauty industry for 10+ years. Not only is she AMAZING at what she does, but she's also a really genuine, fun and down-to-earth person. It was really great to sit down with her and learn more about how she got into the beauty/hair business and learn some fun beauty tricks! We even put together a fun "styled bridal" shoot!
Rebecca: How did you originally get started with hair? When and Why?
Clair: Well, I didn't always know that I wanted to go into cosmetology. I always loved fashion and I originally wanted to go into a fashion career. At the time, I was in high school and my friends were all going to cosmetology school, so I signed up too. My mom had her cosmetology license too, so she kind of nudged me into that direction as well. I thought it couldn't hurt to have cosmetology as a backup. But then, once I started cosmetology school, I fell in love. I enjoyed everything about it and realized I was good at it too. Looking back now, I know I made the right choice and wouldn't choose to do anything else even if I had the chance to. It's been 10 years that I've been doing hair, since August 2016.
Rebecca: Wow, that's awesome! What inspires you the most as a hair stylist/makeup artist? Is there a certain stylist that you look up to?
Clair: Fashion definitely inspires me. I really enjoy watching other people in the industry. Also, when I'm working with a client and see their whole face light up and have a happy moment over the work that I've done, that is truly inspiring to me. As far as stylist in the industry that I look up to, I would have to say my two friends Molly and Doria. They're sisters from Scotia, NY; Molly (IG: @mollytbaby_hair) is a hair stylist and Doria (IG: @doriatlove) is a makeup artist and they are both SUPER talented. I've learned a lot from both of them.
Rebecca: How has education impacted you and helped your career?
Clair: Education has always been very important to me and has definitely given me many opportunities in my career. Besides educating for Goldwell NY and KMS, I also like to share my passion locally, so maintaining a relationship with the Herkimer BOCES cosmetology program where I went to school has always been a priority. I teach KMS classes there, I'm on the curriculum committee, andI guest judge for their classroom competitions. I also guest judge regional hair competitions.
Rebecca: What services do you have to offer brides?
Clair: I have a lot of services that I can offer to brides, including pre wedding prep such as hair color, hair cut, manicures and pedicures and also day of services such as bridal hair styles, bridal makeup and formal styles/makeup for the bridesmaids, mother of the bride and mother of the groom.
Rebecca: What is the best advice that you have for future brides?
Clair: When you come to your bridal hair/makeup trial, bring pictures of what you like/dislike. That helps everyone get on the same page and gives me a clear idea of what you're looking for. Be sure to come in on the day of your wedding with a clean face and dry hair. Keep in mind when choosing a hairstyle that it has to last all day, so I recommend picking a style that will stay looking nice all day. (For example, if it's a 95 degree day, don't choose long curls, because chances are they'll fall flat) Also, keep in mind that your makeup should be a little bit darker and more dramatic than you think, because photography tends to make it look lighter. And last but not least, don't forget to get some beauty sleep before your big day!
Rebecca: Do you have any hair/makeup tips or tricks that you'd like to share? Any favorite products?
Clair: One makeup trick that I use a lot is when you're putting on eyeshadow, put a card (can be a credit card, business card, or even just a piece of paper) under your eye, that way you'll prevent fall off and you'll get a nice clean line where your eyeshadow ends. Also, I recommend using setting powder to hold your makeup in place all day. For your hair, I recommend dry shampoo to extend your hairstyle. You should only be shampooing your hair every other day or if you have color treated hair, every three days because it will help make the color last longer and that's where the dry shampoo comes in handy. A great dry shampoo I would recommend is KMS Makeover Spray. I also love KMS Dry Extreme Hairspray and KMS Playable Texture.
Rebecca: What do you like to do on your free time when you're not doing hair or makeup?
Clair: I like to binge watch Netflix. My current shows on Netflix are Grey's Anatomy and The Office. I also like to research different vacation spots, because I love to travel.
Rebecca: What are your future goals and plans?
Clair: I definitely want to go to the academy in NYC for Goldwell and KMS. They have a bunch of different classes including color classes, updo classes, and pretty much everything you can think of regarding hair but on a HUGE scale. I also would possibly like to audition to become a guest artist for KMS, so then I could travel around the country and teach classes. I'm also in the market to buy a house, so we'll see where that venture takes me.
Rebecca: Well Clair, it's been really awesome talking with you and learning more about where you got started with hair and makeup and where you're going with it. You are truly talented and an inspiration to all entrepreneurs! For those who don't follow you yet and would like to get in touch with you, where can we find you? Are you accepting new clients and if so, what is the best way to book an appointment with you?
Clair: You can find me on Instagram and Facebook @clairdoeshair and you can also find out more about me at www.hotspotsalonandspa.com. I am accepting new clients but I do book out a few weeks in advance so the sooner the better when booking an appointment. The best way to book an appointment with me would be to either call Hot Spot Salon and Spa at 315-866-9113, text me, or message me on Facebook/Instagram. I also post my monthly openings on Facebook and Instagram and update them as often as I can!
Be sure to check out @rspweddings on Instagram for an awesome giveaway by Clair Does Hair!
Stay tuned, the 3rd Wednesday of each month, I will be featuring a different CNY wedding vendor for #RSPweddingvendorwednesday!
