Young Americans: Kelsy Osterman

Kelsy Osterman

 

Kelsy Osterman, a stylist at Cutler Salon in New York City, is always in motion, sharing her vision and energy for hairdressing nationwide, from Los Angeles to New York. Osterman treats styling hair as an art form, and has been recognized for her talent by industry influencers, whom she’s worked with on editorial shoots and at fashion shows for icons like Gwyneth Paltrow and Badgley Mischka. “I’m trying to spread awareness and open minds within the artistic medium of hair, with my new project, ‘Hair is Alive,’” she says. “Nature is my biggest inspiration because you can never predict its next move, and that’s about as original as it gets.” ✂ —Kristen Heinzinger

 

 

 

 

 

AHA MOMENT

Hairstyling wasn’t my childhood dream; I always loved textiles and fashion, but didn’t want to work behind a desk. Someone suggested I check out the Aveda Institute Minneapolis.

IN TRAINING

I studied cosmetology at the Aveda Institute Minneapolis, and received advanced training at Juut Salonspa. Currently, I work at Cutler Salon, where I continue to grow.

STYLE PERFERENCES

I love things from 1960s London—mini skirts, bobs and rock ’n’ roll. Singer Marianne Faithfull is my favorite woman of that time, with her blonde, iconic fringe and lived-in locks.

BEAUTY MUST-HAVES

I can’t live without my Mason Pearson brush, a paddle brush and flat clips. I rely on Davines Moisturizing Balm and Fatboy Putty to build volume in men’s and women’s hair.

MY MENTORS

Peter Gray—I assisted him on my first Vogue shoot—Rodney Cutler, and Margaret Menke Ayache at Juut Salonspa, who taught me how to give an amazing consultation.

BIGGEST CHALLENGES

I’ve always taken a more fine-arts approach to hair. To make a place for this, I’m creating an education program that focuses on balancing everyday styles with more editorial shapes.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I EVER GOT

American artist James Turrell said, “My work is more about your seeing than it is about my seeing, although it is a product of my seeing.” It’s about celebrating an open mind.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

Taking a risk by moving to New York City, and continuing to grow every day.

NEXT STEP

I’m creating my own class (for information, see klohair.com). It will be a sensory experience to help stylists find their voice and how to translate it into something tangible. If no one questions their own taste, we will create a cycle of creating things that have already been made.