We recently connected with Melrose Bessenroth and have shared our conversation below.

Melrose, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

I feel the main issue with cosmetology school is it is in encompasses everything; Hair, Skin and Nails. So there is a lot to cover with the laws, sanitation and learning the technical aspects of each area. So what happens is when you finally take that test and get your license, you start working at a salon with little to no experience.

I was lucky enough to start at a salon with an education system in place, but unfortunately not all salons in south florida have this available to students right out of school. I feel if the schools could partner with local salons to provide early training with technical skills, these salons would be able to utilize the students quicker, train them
faster and get them productive and making money on the salon floor. This way the students are more informed, have some experience with salon culture, customer service and have the ability to assist technicians with whatever they might need.

Melrose, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got into the hair industry really by fluke, I was a professional dancer looking for another creative outlet and a way to supplement my income. It was through a mutual friend of mine in Los Angeles who told me to give hairdressing a shot. It sounded crazy, but I was young and bold enough to try it. I fell in love with this industry and have been in the salon now for 20 years.

I do all things encompassing hair including Haircutting, Haircolor, Styling, Extensions and Editorial work. I really am known mostly by my Extension work and have many clients that fly from all over for this speciality. My favorite extension company to work with is Great Lengths Hair Extensions. I am most proud of that work, being able to work with clients from all over creating a seamless blend of extensions that are color blended, comfortable to wear and non-damaging. This specialty has taken many years to
perfect and my clients can feel the difference with how I apply and color match.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The ability to make a mistake, admit it and work towards fixing it without giving up is what creates growth.

I remember when I was a hairdresser in training, working on a graduated bob haircut, this haircut was one of my harder styles to get right. I had a live model (not a mannequin) and was working on this with my educator. I completely butchered this haircut, I was mortified, felt defeated and wanted to give up. After taking a moment in the bathroom for a quick pep-talk and clean up, I returned to my model to watch the educator fix the haircut I messed up. In that moment, I learned where I went wrong and what I needed to fix. This was an amazing learning experience for me, seeing my mistake and knowing how to fix it gave me confidence. I continued to practice this haircut until I finally nailed it. This is now my most favorite style to cut.

I feel that largest obstacle for young hairdressers coming up in this industry is that learning a craft is not like ordering Amazon Prime. Becoming a well trained hairdresser takes time, takes making mistakes and then learning how to fix those mistakes.
You have to work your way up in this industry and maybe do things you believe is below you, remember to check that ego, and take direction from the successful hairdressers around you.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think the largest thing that has helped build my reputation is consistency, reliability, working well with others and whenever I have missed the mark on a clients target look…the ability to fix it and make it right.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Melrosehairdesign.com
• Instagram: @melrose_hairdesign

Image Credits

Tara Inc Photography

John Ciambrone photography