If you for some reason happen to find yourself at the next movie premiere, award event or international film festival and you happen to catch a glimpse of either Nicole Kidman, Sophia Vergara, Kristin Stewart or Lucy Boynton, then you very likely will have seen the work of Kylee Heath, in demand editorial hair stylist to the stars and purveyor of amazing hair.
Having landed on the L.A. hair scene at the tender age of 19, Kylee is now a fixture on both coasts and seemingly everywhere in between. A peek at her instagram page will reveal that she has cleverly mastered what the rest of us can never seem to get just right: that undone, unfussed, effortless hair-do. Those "beach waves for days," very polite low slung buns that rest just above the nape of the neck (a la Margot Robbie) or half-up buns with a slight twist and a single bobby pin for security. This along with endless variations of her go-to personal favorite, the humble braid. Why? Because -according to Kylee- they are versatile, simple and anyone can pull them off.
We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Kylee about her oeuvre and all things hair.
Nicole Kidman for Instyle magazine. Hair by Kylee Heath.
What led you to a career as a hairstylist and have you always been interested in hair?
As a little girl I always wanted to do my own hair. I would tell my mom she “was doing it wrong”. I learned to French braid by the time I was 10 and always braided my friends hair. When I was a senior in high school I did cosmetology school two days a week after school. And decided to go to Paul Mitchell in Orange County when I graduated high school. I moved to LA when I was 19 and started in a salon and things have grown from there.
What do you think are some of the biggest misconceptions regarding hair care and hair health?
Margot Robbie. Hair by Kylee Heath.
What is your take on the all the fads such as coconut oil masking, baking soda shampoo and those who are abstaining from washing for weeks at a time?It depends on the person and the hair type. Someone with super thick/curly hair may be able to go 5-7 days without washing their hair. Some people do great with coconut oil where others dislike it. I would assume baking soda would be very drying but I have not tried it!
What are some of your current favorites in terms of hair products?
I can’t live without my Shelia Stotts hair brushes. I love Iles Formula shampoo, conditioner and serum! They smell amazing and leave the hair feeling clean, fresh and not heavy. I also love Klorane powder dry shampoo. I also love Hair Therapie’s The Fortifier mask :)
Kylee with Sophia Vergara.
Most people focus solely on what they put on their hair. How important is the internal aspect when it comes to hair health?
I really believe that drinking water and eating healthy makes a big difference on your skin and hair health! If you’re eating good healthy fats and drinking lots of water I do think it will help you have your healthiest hair.
You’ve styled many big names such as Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Kristen Stewart and many others. Where do you look for inspiration when it comes to creating new looks?
I love looking to Pinterest. I spend time pinning looks that I later refer to. Sometimes the stylist sends me a picture of the dress so I can brainstorm. Sometimes the client or stylist has an idea of what they think the hair should be and we can collaborate together. I love the whole collaborative process!
-HT
