Tell us about yourself.
My name is Angie Gilmore and I am a stylist at PURE Salon and Spa in San Diego, CA. I am a mother, wife, stylist and educator. I have been a part of the salon and beauty industry for over 16 years. In those years, like anyone else, I have gone through ups and downs. I can’t help but feel grateful for all of the experience I’ve gained through my journeys as a stylist, and especially for the relationships that continue to grow with each passing year in this industry. I have a passion for beautiful hair. Continuing education, personal growth, and the art of hair extensions, are just some of the things that excite me and fuel my passion.
What has been your biggest challenge as a stylist?
I strive for honesty and integrity at all cost, and feel this is so crucial in being a successful stylist. When I started to notice that some of my clients were experiencing damage from the hair extensions, I knew something needed to change. I informed them about the condition of their hair, but the majority of them didn’t care, they assumed that was the price they had to pay. They wanted longer fuller, hair at any cost. They were addicted to hair extensions! Could this be? Did I care more about the integrity of their hair than they did? I really struggled with what to do. Meanwhile, after years of growing my business and maintaining a full clientele, I got married and started a family all in the same year. Having my first son quickly made me realize I could not continue to work 6 days a week in the salon. I wanted to provide a healthier, safer service for my clients and not feel like I was spending more time in the salon than I was at home. I was in a funk as a stylist and questioning my career choice. What I needed was balance. I wanted to be there for my husband and kids, but how do I go from full- time to part-time and still make the same amount of money? I was really in search of a solution, and to be honest I didn’t think I would find one.
What was the biggest turning point in your career?
The greatest turning point in my career happened when I discovered the tape-in hair method. I went from spending 3-6 hours on a bonded full head application, to completing a full application in less than 1 hour using the tape-in method, saving me a lot of valuable time and energy. This method also allowed me to reach so many other clients who previously weren’t considered “ideal” hair extension candidates. I have offered many different forms of hair additions and extension methods such as the beaded-clamp, glued-in wefts, keratin bonded, none compare to the versatility of the tape-ins. I had found the solution I was looking for. As I left the salon at the end of each day I was elated, not exhausted, and so proud of the work I had done. Who knew tape-in hair extensions could change my life? For the first time in my career I was working smarter not harder, so not only was I able to go down from 6 to 3 days in the salon, I was also able to increase my average retail and service tickets. Having balance and more freedom allowed me the time to share my experiences, failures and successes with other salons and stylists. My passion for hair was reignited by having product I truly believe in. I am proud to be a stylist and so much more excited to be in the salon.
How have your clients benefited from hair extensions?
My clients that use the tape-in method no longer battle breakage, or the heaviness of uncomfortable bonds and clamps. They love the quality of the hair and the comfort of the flexible weft. Clients who were previously using the “one-and-done” bonded method are so happy they get to re-use the same hair. They save money and have a fresh look more often. Many of my fine, thin haired clients who were not “ideal” hair extension candidates, were now able to achieve the look they always wanted. Tape-in hair extensions aren’t just for people who want long hair, they are for everyone who wants to create color, or volume and fullness at almost any length. I now have happier clients because of it, they love the way they look and how it makes them feel.
How have hair extensions impacted your life?
I have a true passion for creating beautiful hair, and extensions are what fuels my passion. There’s nothing more satisfying to me than making people feel good about themselves and the way they look. Providing hair extension services has not only provided me with financial success and amazing client retention, they have allowed me to spend more time outside of the salon with my friends and family doing the things I love. It has also allowed me to travel more as an educator, sharing my experiences with other stylists, helping them to broaden their skill set, find more balance and achieve their goals. I absolutely feel that every salon professional should be offering their clients a hair extensions service, particularly the tape-in method. I feel so honored to have been selected as Hair Extension Magazines stylist of the month. Thank you HEM!
Angie Gilmore
PURE Salon & Spa
7710 Hazard Center Drive
Suite C
San Diego, CA 92108
(888) 683-6565
Every month, Hair Extension Magazine will feature a stylist of the month who has been impacted by the hair extension industry in a positive way. Whether it has benefited your business, social life, family life, etc., we want to hear about it!
