Exclusive Interview - Celebrity Stylist Dana Gibbs

Interview by Akua Boakye for Makeup and Mane

Celebrity hairstylist Dana Gibbs has worked her magic on the manes of Vanessa Williams, Lauryn Hill, Corrine Bailey Rae and Rihanna. In an exclusive interview, she tells Makeup and Mane readers how they can keep their tresses in tip-top shape and look their best this season.

MM: How did you get started in the beauty industry and acquire celebrity clients?

DG: I got started in this business when I moved to New York and built a portfolio doing test shoots with a photographer and makeup artist. I took several years to put my book together well enough for an agent to take me on. Meanwhile, I worked in different salons to build my clientele and sharpen my skills.

Celebrity Stylist Dana Gibbs - Photography by Jeff Gamble

MM: What are some of the hottest hairstyle trends for Winter 2008/09? Which styles should we ditch?

DG: Short cuts are still hot during this season and will probably be until next summer. Bobs, pixies and asymmetrical cuts are all the rage. Ditch the super long weaves. Shoulder length and shorter are the hot new weaves and extensions.

MM: Which hair colors will we be seeing more of this season?

DG: Browns are very in right now. All shades, caramel, copper, mahogany and chocolate, and the more colors woven in together the better.

Hairstyling Dana Gibbs - Photography by Jeff Gamble

MM: How can readers ensure that their tresses stay in tip-top shape during the colder months?

DG: With it being winter, our hair and skin tends to get dry from the heat and the cold, make sure you add some leave in moisture, as much as possible, during this time. Also, stay away from too much protein as this tends to dry your hair out as well.

Stay away from wool hats and scarves, which have woven fibers that will pull moisture from your hair and also pull your hair out. Keep scarves on the outside of your coat and if you wear a wool hat, wrap your hair up in a silk scarf before putting it on your head, doing this will also help you avoid hat hair. Also be careful of turtle necks sweaters.

Hairstyling by Dana Gibbs - Photography by Jeff Gamble

MM: What are your ‘top product picks’ and in your opinion, which types of products should be avoided and why?

DG: I have to say that my top product pick right now is my leave-in conditioner call SMOOTH ME. This product is so wonderful. Not only does it moisturize and condition the hair, but when used with the heat of the blow dryer, it makes the hair so smooth and silky. I rarely have to use any more products when I am styling the hair.

I am also introducing a line called dana’s loft HAIR. The products are available at my salon and will be on our website, http://www.danasloft.com . In the line we have shampoos, conditioners and styling products. This line is for all hair textures, naturally curly, naturally straight and chemically treated hair.

As far as a product to avoid, I would have to say, leave the protein and the reconstructors to the professionals. This is some intense stuff and if not used properly it can do more damage than good.

dana’s loft HAIR products

MM: Which celebrity styles are you absolutely loving at the moment?

DG: I am really loving Rihanna right now, she has started a whole fashion trend from the bob to the boy cut, and I love that! Also I love Kelis, she has always been ahead of the curve and she never gets credit for it.

MM: What is the #1 hairstyling tip you would like to give our readers?

DG: My tip for your readers would be to leave the chemicals to the professionals. Sometimes when we want to save a buck or two we will try to do the chemicals ourselves, but some things are just best left to the pros. In the end, you might save some money but your hair will suffer in the long run and it’s truly not worth it.

DD: I just opened a new boutique salon on the Lower Eastside in New York City, so I have been spending a lot of time there making sure it comes together.

I am also going to start taping instructional DVD’s very soon. I will be teaching such things as haircuts, colour techniques and weaving/extension techniques; they should be launched next year and will be for sale on our site as well as available in libraries.

UPDATE: The dana’s loft hair  website has recently been revamped and her hair and body products are now available for sale here .