Today we’d like to introduce you to Tessa Scissorhands.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always been interested in cosmetics. From a young age, I was always doing my friends’ and families’ hair, makeup, and nails. My first retail job at 16 was at LUSH Cosmetics (the soap store) and my love for ingredients and higher-end products grew. I had wanted to go to cosmetology school at 18 but didn’t understand student loans, so I waited.
When my technology job began to offer tuition reimbursement, I ended up going to school for a degree in American Sign Language. Fell out of love with it, and took a break from school. In 2018 I decided it was time to go to hair school finally, but my body had other ideas and I developed Lupus, a chronic auto-immune disorder that set me back in my plan for about 8 months.
So in the fall of 2019, I began hair school, was so excited, and then COVID struck in March of 2020 shutting the world and our school down for a few months. I went back when it was time and graduated in a parking lot in August 2020.
I began assisting for 6 months at a salon in Scottsdale before renting a chair for 8 months. That’s when I began growing as Tessa Scissorhands. Now I’m in my second salon suite, I’m a Platform Artist for PulpRiot Hair, a brand ambassador for MalibuC Pro, and working on some other secret projects with brands like Olaplex and Trionics.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Haha, not really. As stated before, COVID shut the school down and had us graduate in a parking lot. Working in a salon environment is not for everyone. It can be a lot of drama, and like high school all over again with women (typically) as the primary employees in a shop.
Being a salon suite owner can also be stressful as you’re in complete control over everything in your space. It’s amazing, but also you can’t depend on or count on a salon to bring you foot traffic or build your clients. Everything is on you. You do have to work quite hard in this industry, as you get out of it what you put into it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a hairdresser and hair artist. I am an educator, vivid color specialist, and extension specialist. I am known for my vivids, and for keeping my client’s hair healthy from start to finish. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve formed with my clients and the other stylists I choose to keep in my circle. Growing and learning are important for all of us so we’re all a sounding board.
What sets me apart is me! Much like you, I am a unique individual. My salon space is warm and inviting, with clean Halloween decor 24/7-365. I’m approachable and can talk with any person about anything. I care about my client’s hair integrity and the health of the hair and their scalp during a session, and I’m always educating them along the way on products and ingredients.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Be true to yourself. There is no one like you, so why would you try to copy anyone else? Also taking care of your body is a MUST. You cannot survive in this industry if your body doesn’t last.
Pricing:
- My color appointments are scheduled in multi-hour time blocks at $125/hour. Typically 3-5 hours is the average appointment time.
- Extension hair ranges from $500-$2500 for the hair only, and installation is anywhere from $395+.
- Treatments start at $95 and go up to $285 for a premier service like a Brazilian Blowout.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tessascissorhands.com
- Instagram: @tessascissorhands @technicolorsalon
- Other: tessascissorhands.GlossGenius.com
Image Credits
Technicolor Salon (2022-2023)
