Amoy Interview

If you don’t know who Amoy is, you will soon. She is a hair stylist to the stars. Her clientele includes: Naomi Campbell, Alicia Keys, Sheryl Crow and Selita Ebanks to start with. She has also styled for fashion house Christian Dior! Amoy has made such a name for herself and has launched an AMAZING career, becoming a sought after hair stylist in the fashion industry.

She sets herself apart from all the rest with her hands on method she uses to develop her techniques.  Her first booking was the Christian Dior couture collection in 1998, she then styled John Galliano’s after which he began requesting her as his personal hairstylist. After that Donatella Versace came calling.

Amoy has graciously agreed to take time away from her busy schedule to answer some questions about hair care, celebrities and what this journey has been like for her.

Thank you, Amoy, for agreeing to do this interview for Fashion 24/7.

Amoy, you were mentored by Odile Gilbert, who is an award winning stylist and industry icon.  First, how did it come about you working with her? Second, what was it to work with someone of her caliber? I met Odile through a mutual friend. After a trial run, she hired for me a job for Vogue in the Hamptons. She loved my work and invited me to Paris to work with her during couture season. Working with her was so inspiring. She was easy-going and I felt that we were equals; no pretension or drama. She trusted you as hairstylist.

What was your first show in Paris like? Styling John Galliano’s hair for his final bow, were you nervous at all?

My first show was Christian Dior couture and it was a ‘20s inspired: finger waves and lacquered looks. My talent was immediately apparent, and I was able to work on two of the entertainers performing at the show. Word of my talent spread and John Galliano approached me to do HIS hair as well.  I was more excited than nervous when doing the work. After the look was completed, my nerves kicked in. After seeing the overwhelmingly press afterwards, I felt so good…and humbled.

Let me ask you about natural hair care. More and more women are choosing to go natural.  First, why do you think this is? And with there being so many products out there to choose from, which ones are the best for natural hair?

Right now, I think there is a certain backlash against fakeness, and for many women, weaves are seen as not being your true to yourself. And on a more basic level, there are economic considerations as well. Naturals are thought to be much less expensive to maintain. Along with the growing popularity of the natural, products have come along for the ride. One should always look for an alcohol-free product. Alcohol is so drying to hair, especially coarse hair. I am a fan of essential oils, including shea, grapeseed, and Moroccan. Products should be as nature-based as possible because those added chemicals tend to simply coat the cuticle and weigh the hair down.

Youtube will drive you crazy with everyone trying to tell you how to care for your natural hair. What are some natural hair care tips you can give my readers?

I tell my clients who maintain a natural to always make sure their scalp is clean and moisturized. A good scalp scrubbing not only offers relaxation, but also breaks down oils that can clump together and prohibit hair growth. Secondly, hair should be washed (with a moisturizing shampoo) and conditioned at least once a week. It is a myth that natural hair doesn’t have to be watched often; your hair and scalp should be clean. Lastly, as mentioned before, instead of using lots of products, essential oils should offer all the moisturizing your hair needs. Simply finish with a lightweight style serum, and your look is done.

Ok, Amoy, you have made quite a name for yourself, building a very impressive clientele list of some household names such as Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Kerry Washington and MJB just to name a few. What has it been like working with these big names?

Working with top celebrities and models has been a humbling experience because they have so many stylists they could choose from, and they keep coming back to me. However, I don’t get my professional life confused with my personal life. I realize that I am providing a service for these celebs, and I have to make sure not to cross any boundaries. And at the end of the day, my famous clients are as “normal” as my non-celeb clients. In my chair, they can let go of their daily issues, and relax.

I have been asked by a couple of friends of mine, how to care for bi-racial hair. It’s too coarse, too thick or too frizzy. What do you suggest they do? Are they certain products they can try?

Bi-racial hair can be difficult to tame; often, it is neither completely curly nor completely straight. When clients have that mixed texture, I recommend the Brazilian Blowout. It is a keratin (protein) treatment that straightens the hair, but still allows curls when you want them. It makes your texture consistent. In terms of products, I love the Mixed Chicks line. It is so moisturizing without being heavy.

Can you give us a preview of what trends to expect to see this season? What colors will be hot for the Spring/Summer season?

I think the ombre (darker on top, lighter on bottom) color will be big for spring.  And thanks to Rihanna, Crayola red will definitely be hot for spring. My assistant is currently rocking the color, and she looks fabulous. In terms of cuts, I love shaggy bobs. Frankly, any type of short cut is on my radar, especially sharp, Vidal Sassoon-inspired looks.

Why is it important for you to try out your styling techniques on yourself before you apply them on a client?

I like changing up my look often, so trying different styles on myself give me a chance to see what works (is it easy to maintain, wash, etc) and what doesn’t. And I get to  keep my own look fresh.

Now, one of your most sought after styles are extensions. Why do so many want extensions?

I love extensions. They allow you to protect your natural hair while at the same time experimenting with different colors, textures, and cuts. A properly laid extension should also allow your natural hair to grow even faster.

What techniques do you use for extensions? Or is it a well kept secret?

I have no secrets! LOL. I do several types of extensions, but the most popular (and the one I recommend) is sew-in extensions, by which I cornrow your natural hair and sew the weave onto the braids. No glue!

How long do you recommend someone keep extensions in?

I tell my clients to come in for a tightening after six weeks and to redo the extensions at 12 weeks. We only offer the best hair available, so you can reuse the hair for up to 3 different extension applications.

What are a just a few of your favorite must have on hand, products? Why?

My go-to products are the Rene Furterer Naturia dry shampoo, their Karite serum, and my own Amoy Couture Hair curly balm. I also need my Mason Pearson and Croc flat iron.

Amoy, you have had such a blessed journey thus far and I know you will continue on doing what you do. Can you tell my readers what this journey, so far, has been like?

Well, I am still on this journey! I have been so, so blessed, but have put in some hard work to get where I am. I have never compromised on my vision, and made sure to surround myself with people who have my best interest at heart. I am consistently humbled and I never take anything for granted. I still love coming to work every day, and I cannot WAIT to see what the future holds

Well, there you have it!  Again, thank you Amoy for taking time from your busy schedule.  It has truly been a pleasure.

To keep up with all updates, promotions and all things Amoy check out her website www.amoycouturehair.com. Also you can become a fan on facebook: www.facebook.com/amoycouturehair, as well as twitter: www.twitter.com/amoycouturehair.