Elevating Your Salon Experience: Sabrina’s Unique Approach to Styling at Kate Kandel Salon
At Kate Kandel Salon, every stylist brings their own unique flair to the craft of hairdressing, but Sabrina’s approach stands out for its exceptional blend of artistry and personal connection. Sabrina believes that understanding each client’s vision and preferences is crucial to creating a look that’s both personalized and polished. Her commitment to this detailed process ensures that every client’s needs are met with precision and care.
Sabrina’s styling philosophy goes beyond just technical skill—it’s about fostering a meaningful connection with each client. Her focus on dry cutting, combined with her passion for client education, transforms every salon visit into a tailored experience that reflects her dedication to both artistry and customer satisfaction. To get a deeper understanding of Sabrina’s approach to styling and how she ensures a unique and fulfilling experience for each client, we sat down with her to discuss what you can expect when you’re in her chair. Here’s a closer look at Sabrina’s personalized approach and the principles that guide her work.
Q: What should a client expect to experience in your chair?
Sabrina: “They should expect a conversation. My favorite part of the appointment is before we even start. I love having the consultation and really figuring out what people are thinking and why they're thinking that way. A lot of times, people come in and don't quite know what they want, or they think they want something but don’t know why. So, we break all that down with a thorough consultation, ensuring we’re on the same page about what’s realistic. I find people interesting, so I genuinely enjoy this part. I'd love to say I'm incredibly awkward and hilarious, but you can’t call yourself funny—but I am hilarious!
When it comes to hair cutting, I primarily cut dry. Dry cutting is precision cutting; unlike wet hair, dry hair doesn’t stick together, so I can cut one or two hairs at a time. This allows me to work in much more detail and customize the cut at every single appointment. Even if someone asks for exactly the same thing as last time, I might approach it completely differently, depending on where they are in their life that day and the canvas we're starting with.”
Q: What should they not expect?
Sabrina: “They should not expect me to be super chatty while I’m cutting because I get zoned in. They also shouldn’t expect a quick, one-question consultation like, ‘You just want layers? Great.’ And they should definitely not expect a bad haircut—no choppy, uneven cuts here! A good haircut is one that doesn’t require much effort to look great; it grows out nicely and holds its shape.”
“I hope someone feels heard. Of course, I want you to feel beautiful, but even more than that, I want you to feel like you’ve had a personalized experience, not just a cookie-cutter one. ”
Q: How do you hope someone feels when they leave your chair?
Sabrina: “I hope someone feels heard. Of course, I want you to feel beautiful, but even more than that, I want you to feel like you’ve had a personalized experience, not just a cookie-cutter one. It’s important to me that we have the same expectations for your hair and that you leave with some new information. I love educating my clients on how to style their hair in a way that feels comfortable for them. It’s not about adding 10 extra steps to your routine; it’s about simplifying things by using the right products in the right way. My goal is to make your life easier, so I hope you leave with some knowledge or tips that you didn’t have when you walked in.”
Q: What do you look for in a client?
Sabrina: “What I look for in a client is someone who feels comfortable being honest. It's important for me to understand their expectations, what they like and dislike, and their at-home hair care routine. I also value clients who are open to two-way communication—both listening and talking. As much as I'd love to make every single client happy and give them exactly what they want, that’s only possible if we work together and communicate effectively. Lastly, I look for clients who truly value their hair and the work that goes into it. I take great pride in what I do and continually seek to improve my skills. I hope to work with clients who appreciate the time and effort I put into my craft and who prioritize having great hair.”
Addressing Post-Haircut Concerns
Q: What’s your advice if someone gets a haircut and doesn’t love it once they get home?
Sabrina: “If you’re not thrilled with your haircut, give it a couple of days. Sometimes it takes a little time to adjust and see how it fits into your daily routine. After two days, if you still feel unhappy, don’t hesitate to reach out to your stylist. Call them and explain your concerns—often, it could be something as simple as a different styling technique or a small adjustment. If the issue is more significant and needs fixing, a professional should be willing to help. Remember, hair stylists aren’t perfect, and mistakes can happen. The key is to communicate openly and promptly. Just like dating, finding the right stylist is a process of learning how you both communicate and address concerns. Handling it maturely and within a reasonable timeframe usually leads to a better outcome for everyone involved.”
Sabrina’s meticulous approach to styling ensures that every client leaves not only looking their best but also feeling valued and understood. Her commitment to personalization and precision makes each salon visit a unique and enriching experience.
