My journey into hairdressing was an accident,” admits Lori Zabel. Now she holds multiple roles: Educator, Redken Global Artist, Creative Director and Master Stylist at Dop Dop Salon.
She’s inspired salon professionals around the world with her approach to hair. Zabel worked alongside the best of the best hair artists backstage at NYC Fashion Week and partnered with designers, photographers and models.
The talented hairdresser and educator goes into depth with us on her profession, her signature style, the importance of education and coaching, what Redken means to her, to name a few.
• Lori, can you share a brief summary of your career and your recognition in the hair industry? Where did you train, and did you ever think you were destined to be in the hair industry?
My name is Lori Zabel, I grew up in Saskatchewan, Canada. My journey into hairdressing was an accident. Fresh out of high school, I wanted to take a classes in photography, makeup and fashion. My uncle helped me with the applications and when he did he filled them all out so I would end up taking hairdressing. I thought, “Hairdressing??” However, I was immediately hooked. I went to every hair show possible and became school president. A couple years in, I found myself stagnate and craving more. I moved to Victoria British Columbia to work with the absolute best in the country, Chris Baran. He had me start from the bottom and assist all over again. Meeting him was the best thing that happened for my career. He pushed me and signed me up to become an educator for Redken. Since then, I have had so many opportunities to travel the world, learn, teach, and continue to be inspired. I decided it was time for another shift in my career. I knew of Bennie and Tracey Tognini from Australia and off I went. Another incredible mentoring experience.
I currently split my time between teaching for Redken and being behind the chair in NYC at Dop Dop Salon, where I have had the distinct honor to work next to Jo Blackwell-Preston for the last 14 years. My life as a hairdresser is more than a profession, its my obsession.
• As a Redken Artist and Master Stylist at Dop Dop Salon, how would you describe your typical day/ week at work at the same time educating students?
My typical week in the salon is full and fun. I work with a great team they are not only talented and a bunch of hair nerds but they really like each other, so its a great environment to be creative. I am not in the salon every week so when I’m there it’s busy! Sometimes I just drink pressed juice all day cause I don’t leave my chair unless I’m checking a color. I try to pre-book my clients 2 appointments ahead so they can get the appointments they want. I have maintained a great clientele that really allow me to do “my thing” on their hair, I feel like I have a lot of creative freedom with them, some days I feel like I play all day. As an educator, there is nothing like being in a class and seeing things click for others. I like to think, as a facilitator, I simplify things but in a humorous way. The little things that make my day better are usually the biggest take aways I can offer.
“I would describe Redken as an amazing culture. It was designed to empower hairdressers using great products and educating them to know what and why they use them.”
• What does Redken mean to you? How would you define it? What image/vision do you see on a woman when using Redken products, colors etc.
To me, Redken means Education and Family, oh yes and Products!
I would describe Redken as an amazing culture. It was designed to empower hairdressers using great products and educating them to know what and why they use them.
• When creating a new look, what are the key areas of complementing the perfection of color, cut, style and makeup at the same time executing the image for the client?
When I am working on a look I don’t always accentuate the bold pieces or areas in a cut with color. Sometimes they need to speak for themselves. I think of the balance between the two, you need a vision for the end result. Simple and High Impact.
Within my execution for the client my vision needs to include: consultation, suitablity, skin tone, products and their skill level to recreate style at home.
• You have worked alongside some of the most amazing hair artists, worked backstage at NYC Fashion Week and partnered with many world-renowned names, designers ,photographers and models. What was your most memorable experience during these runway shows and campaigns?
All of my experiences with Fashion Week have one thing in common. No matter who I’m with in the room, whether it be Guido Palau or Giorgio Armani, we are all working toward the same goal. It’s incredible to see and be a part of the effort that goes into just 10 minutes of show.
• Describe your signature style of hairdressing, the look and building yourself as a brand?
I like strong shape with some quirkyness an unexpected asymmetrical piece either within the shape or the color – extreme differences with some balance. I enjoy the discipline of color with a minimalist approach that makes a bold statement.
• Tell me the importance of coaching and personally investing in your team. How do you think this impacts your team?
There is an acronym we use N. I. C. E. not interested to care enough. When you care about your team, coaching is a must, but we are all different and you must learn how to coach to their individual personality.
• How vital is it for clients to be comfortable during the consultation process in addition to listening, talking and advising between the hairstylist and client?
I like to think that I am dating my clients. I’m told that in a good relationship you need to listen to the other person. I also think you need to like similar things. If you are a full head foil every six weeks person we may not be compatible.
• What are your thoughts on aspiring hairdressers considering a career in hairdressing? What is the demand and challenges in hairdressing today compared to when you started?
My advice to aspiring hairdressers is to surround yourself with people you want to be like. Keep evolving, continue learning, and be open to change.
I think the biggest demand and challenges I have found would be social media. I personally am not the best at it but I recommend to definitely learn how to use it to your advantage.
• What advice can you give coloring and cutting short hair vs coloring and cutting long hair? Is there anything that we need to be conscious about?
I think suitability is really the best thing to remember. Look at the ears, and the hairline as well as neck and back profile (this goes for both long and short). Consider the natural texture and movement and of course the skill level of the wearer.
• What is the hardest part of what you do? What is your favorite part of the job?
The worst part is not having a life outside of hairdressing. The best part is having a life in hairdressing, most of my friends and family seem to be in the industry and I do love what I do.
“I like strong shape with some quirkyness an unexpected asymmetrical piece either within the shape or the color – extreme differences with some balance. I enjoy the discipline of color with a minimalist approach that makes a bold statement.”
• Is there anything about the hair industry that you dislike or trend that you never wanted back?
I don’t like to say never. I usually say” I currently don’t enjoy” because you never know what you may like down the road. When I’m teaching I may say that dots aren’t what we want however the next time I teach them I may say that is that’s exactly what’s in style .
• What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you wake up?
I’m not a morning person so you’d have to ask me in an hour or so.
• What has been your proudest moment and biggest accomplishment so far and explain to us the feeling of creating a new look.
I am most proud of having assisted others in their careers and watched them become amazing hairdressers and educators. My biggest accomplishment has been the opportunity to travel the world meeting and training with other hairdressers.
• Who inspires you and which creative hairdresser/hair artist do you follow? If they asked you to change their hairstyle, what would you do?
Out of the many industry greats I am most inspired by Chris Baran, Bennie Tognini, Kris Sorbie and
Angelo Seminara. Well I have styled three out of the four, so I would have to have a quick consult with Angelo first.
• What are your thoughts on social media? How important is it to your business and to build a personal, online presence?
I find Social Media interesting, I take the opportunity to to keep in touch with people and things that are happening right now. I don’t let it consume the majority of my spare time taking away from researching what I want to be doing next.
I learned to always have a business card on me, I consider this the newest way to do it, and show the world who you are and what you can do.
Instagram: @lorizabel
Credits;
Images;Lori
Interview;Romy
