An Interview & How-Tos with Hairstylist Thy Mai

After graduating from the prestigious Sassoon Academy in Los Angeles, Thy Mai quickly became the Art Director of the highly regarded Chop Chop salon and has made appearances on MTV’s “Made” and the E! channel. In addition, she art directed and co-sponsored fashion shows for Dress Right and is contributing work to several upcoming movie and TV projects. Thy was named one of Bumble and Bumble’s “Top 20 Network Educators.”. She now works independently, on set and with private clientele. She regularly blogs about hair, fashion and culture at ThyMai.com and you can view selections from her DIY Hair channel on Youtube (and see a few selections below).

Often I’ve seen clients come to their hairdresser (do you prefer the term stylist?!) with a photo or two of a celebrity whose hair they want. Though, given their hair’s texture or their age or personality, that style may not be possible or ideal. On the other end of the spectrum, I often find myself intimidated and afraid to speak up about a new trend or style I might want to try out. Do you have any tips on how we can best research styles that might work for us and how to communicate with our hairdresser?

Hairdresser is fine to me. I have never been too hung up on titles. You are correct in saying that hair texture or age affects whether a look may work. I, often, advise that my clients look for options worn by people whose hair type is close to their own. Pictures help as it is not, always, easy to articulate an image in your mind into words. If the choice presented to me is far off the gamut, I will ask my client why he/she is attracted to the look. Usually, it is because they think the look is either more edgy, bohemian, fun, sexy, spunky, handsome or sophisticated. Then, I will work on a variation to bring out the same mood from their hair. The way your hair looks directly affects your image and how you feel. You don’t need to always be technical when expressing your desire, just more in touch with how you want to feel, i.e. soft and flowy or strong and tailored. (Inspiration for new seasons in the fashion world are, in fact, modeled after mood boards.)

Can you name some celebs whose hair choices you admire (and why)?

Well, there are, always, the classics that are constantly recycled and are staples in the hair world. For instance: Louise Brooke’s bob for film noire sophistication, Mia Farrow and her pixie cut for Rosemary’s Baby, Brigitte Bardot for sultry sexiness, Grace Kelly for Old Hollywood glamour, Audrey Hepburn for that gamine, French sophistication…Marilyn Monroe took Platinum, shorter hair to another level, Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra heavy fringe still intrigues and signals mystery, Betty Page and her pin-up fringe, Rock Hudson with his slick hair, James Dean’s pompadour is still what tough guys are made of, Mod Cuts on the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix’s Rock N Roll Fro, etc.

Modern twists on these Classics seem to be worn at least once by all celebrities, depending on the photo shoot or red carpet outfit. Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwen Stefani, Linda Evangelista, and Naomi Campbell have all embraced many colors and styles in their extensive career and have embodied the spirit of the look, wholeheartedly with each persona.

As an actor I’ve always felt I need to keep my hair ‘neutral’ or very versatile so I can change it up as the role requires. But sometimes I just want to chop it all off and put giant blonde chunks in it…do you have any favorite ways to temporarily spice up a hair style?

With the advent of knowledge of the “magic behind the curtain,” the public is no stranger to the use of extensions and wigs. You can purchase clip on wefts of hair in a whole range of colors. Clipping them in will give you that non-committal splash of color. Updo’s, ponytails, curls and braids can give you a new look almost instantly. And, why, not wear a wig? Just tuck your real hair under a wig cap for a more neat look.

What are your favorite old standards and new finds for products and tools?

You definitely need a good hair dryer. It will dry faster and last you longer under warranty than a drugstore one. I like using the Elchim or Solano. GHD makes a styling iron that not only straightens, but curls and has an international plug. Great for travel. With those two tools and a nice Mason Pearson boar-bristled brush, all styles are within your reach. I love finishing it off with a spray of L’Oreal’s Elnett Satin hairspray.

Anything else you’d like to tell our readers about your profession or how to make the most of their look?

My profession can be tough. Sometimes, telling someone that their hair can’t do what they’d like, because naturally it’s too different, is grounds for major execution of the messenger. Acceptance is always key. Whether it be that your hair is thick, curly, thin, bone straight, just try to work with what you have and let your stylist give you a cut that suits your personal texture and look.

Custom always fits best in clothes and the same rings true with hair. You will, always, look your best when you bring out your own attributes versus copying another’s style. The key is to know yourself and the truth about your hair. If you know you don’t like to spend time styling, ask for wash and wear. There are treatments available to permanently straighten or curl your hair, as well. If you do processes on your hair you may want to pick to do color or a straighter versus both, which can damage your hair.

Once your feet are on the ground, then you can dream away about your own hair’s potential. Referrals are the best way to find a new stylist. Take time to look around at people in your area. If you see someone whose hair you like, don’t hesitate to ask them who does their hair. That way you know you are already a fan of the hairdresser’s work.

Guys, if you’ve never had a cut all by scissor, give it a try sometime. While the initial price tag seems expensive, the growout is nicer. Most offer neck clean-ups in between. You may find that the cost becomes comparable if you are going to get it cut every two weeks, anyhow. And you get to enjoy variations of styles in between cuts.

To learn more about Thy and her work and learn her tips and influences, visit her blog.