Beauty & History AN INTERVIEW WITH MELANIE ZEBRON
JEJ PHOTOS
Many beauty trends and styles have evolved over time, and for Melanie Zebron at Alkali, history is a huge inspiration for her work. She loves studying the past and analyzing how trends are reinvented throughout the years. It helps her create unique and incredible looks for her guests.
WHAT DREW YOU TO THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY AND HOW DOES IT TIE INTO YOUR LOVE OF HISTORY?
I honestly can’t remember a time when I didn’t love hair. When I was little, I would constantly beg my cousins to let me play with their hair. During college at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), I basically turned my dorm room into a mini hair salon for when my friends wanted to go out for a night on the town. I majored in history, and I’ve always had a strong interest in beauty and fashion from the 50s to present day. Entering this industry was a natural step for me. I started my journey in 2014, as a makeup artist for Sephora. In 2020, I completed cosmetology school and have been happily doing hair at Alkali ever since.
HOW DO YOU PERSONALIZE SERVICES FOR EACH CLIENT?
I personalize my services by learning about each client’s lifestyle. This way, I can make sure that the look they want fits into their daily routine. I think this is the key to clients really loving their hair. For example, if someone is a wash and air dry kind of person, a high maintenance look that requires a styling commitment may not be the best fit for them. By getting to know my clients, I can explain why a specific look isn’t a good choice and recommend alternatives that are better suited for their routine. Ultimately, I want my clients to love their hair. But if you walk out with a look that you’re unable or unwilling to style at home, you won’t be 100% happy, no matter how beautiful the color or cut is. I work with my clients to ensure this doesn’t happen. I’m also an advocate for product education. I educate my clients on which products are best for their hair type, color, and/or haircut, and
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show them how to use the products to style their hair at home, when I’m not there to style it for them.
WHAT’S YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITE SERVICE?
My favorite color service is balayage because it provides such soft, yet stunning looks that are also low maintenance. I also love razor cutting. It gives such fun texture and movement to the hair.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR AT-HOME HAIR CARE?
Invest in a good round brush and blow dryer. You’ll get noticeably better results when blow drying at home. If you color your hair, shampoo in cool water, it’ll help preserve your color!
OUTSIDE OF HAIR AND HISTORY, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?
I love baking, cooking, vegetable gardening, and traveling. I’m also a huge sports fan—especially when it comes to Duke basketball.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE YOUR CURRENT AND POTENTIAL CLIENTS TO KNOW?
I have recently been bitten by the travel bug! I didn’t have the chance to visit a lot of different places growing up, so I love hearing about my clients’ favorite travel experiences and trip recommendations—good food and good shopping is always a must! Are you ready for a beautiful new look? Book your appointment with Melanie today!
407 West End Blvd, Winston-Salem
studioalkali.com