Joy LaMay

Passionate is defined as “having strong feelings or a strong belief about something,” and that sums up how Joy LaMay feels about hairstyling. “I’ve been styling for 10 years and have loved every minute,” LaMay says. A firm believer that knowledge is the key to success, LaMay constantly challenges herself with continuing education to hone her skills. “I believe that a client’s trust is a big responsibility and shouldn’t be taken lightly,” she says.
✂ —Kelley Donahue

 

What inspires you?
History—the past has always interested me. I love drawing inspiration from the great hair artists who camebefore me. 

AHA MOMENT
From an early age, I knew I wanted to be in the arts and sciences and was obsessed with meteorology, biology and art. At one point, I saw myself as a scientist in a lab or in the nature arena performing experiments. That all changed when I enrolled in beauty school. One week of creating with my hands and I was hooked. Doing hair has provided me with so much more than I could have ever imagined. 
 

IN TRAINING

I attended Bellus Academy in El Cajon, CA, then worked at Michael Nelson An Image Studio and Fringe Hair Studio in Southern California before settling in at C the Salon in Studio City, CA. Along the way, I’ve taken classes with Wella and TIGI. 

STYLE PREFERENCES
The iconic look from the 1890s—I love me some Gibson Girls.

BEAUTY MUST-HAVES

Sebastian Professional Re-Shaper hairspray—it helps me achieve endless styling options.

MY MENTOR
I’ve been welcomed into the Wella family and I’m now friends with talented stylists who’ve been mentors to me. Having the personal mentorship of Wella Education Associate Manager Paula Rufo and C the Salon owner Claudio Lazo is invaluable.

​BIGGEST CHALLENGE
Striking a balance. I give 110 percent of myself to my family and building a clientele.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I EVER GOT
On my way to my first job, my mom told me to “Listen, watch, and don’t say ‘Yeah, I know.’” She was teaching me to be humble, respectful and to always have my mind open to learning.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
Professionally, it was winning the Hairdressers at Heart Vidal Sassoon Scholarship and the overwhelming response to the video I submitted to win the accolade. In my personal life, it’s being married to my best friend and raising our daughter.

NEXT STEP
Continuing to work and grow with Wella and my new family at C the Salon. Education is a passion of mine, so I know my future plans will include it in some way, shape or form.