Celebrate Hilton Head_Business Profile

Julie Parsley, Hairdresser

The Art of the Good Hair Day

BY LINDA S. HOPKINS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT | DESIGN BY FRAN SHERMAN

Good hair days don’t happen by accident. They happen when you have the right color, cut and style for your face, your hair, and your lifestyle. It’s as simple as that, but yet not so simple.

There’s no denying the power of hair and its ability to transform the way you look and feel. Why, then, are so many women walking around with tired color, brassy highlights, or hair that’s misbehaving? Maybe because they haven’t met Julie Parsley.

“You don’t miss what you haven’t had,” Parsley said, describing her brand of hairdressing as an art. “I feel like I have something different to offer.”

What sets her apart, Parsley said, is her willingness to take the time to perfect her styles and exceed clients’ expectations. She draws inspiration from music, from

nature, and from the world around her— street looks to editorial looks. And she attributes much of her success (and her clients’ happiness) to her innate artistry along with her fiery passion for her chosen profession. “It’s not a job for me. It’s art,” she said.

New to the Lowcountry, Parsley comes with 34 years of experience, including 15 years as a platform artist and educator with John Paul Mitchell Systems and 30 years of salon/spa ownership. Over the years, Parsley has stayed abreast of what’s new, traveling, training, and teaching within the U.S. and abroad (freelancing in London, England and Berlin, Germany), continually merging her strong foundational skills and years of experience with the most current styles and styling techniques. Along the way, her

What sets her apart, Parsley said, is her willingness to take the time to perfect her styles and exceed clients’ expectations.

work has been featured in Modern Salon and other national salon magazines. “It’s a career to me. I’m not a production-line hairdresser,” she said.

YOUR HAIR, HER CANVAS

Think of yourself as a living, breathing work of art, because that is what Parsley sees when you walk in her door. “I am an artist. Each client comes in with a canvas, and the texture is the fabric,” she said, doe eyes dancing as she describes the thrill she gets when customers walk away from her chair with a sassy new look and fresh air of confidence. “Hair should be an expression of your individuality—where the inner you meets the outer you. Your color and style should ‘talk’ and make you feel good about yourself.”

Service begins with a thorough consultation, laying the foundation for the professional relationship and inspiring a level of trust. Parsley starts with a facial analysis to determine what potential styles and color(s) will enhance your best features. She asks pertinent questions: ‘What is your lifestyle? How much work do you want to put into it?’

“I think hair should be easy. Once you have the right cut, the right shape and the right color, it shouldn’t take a great deal of time to style your hair,” she said. She also asks about your specific hair challenges and concerns. This is where Parsley shines: She hears you and makes recommendations accordingly. She communicates clearly and honestly and makes sure you are comfortable with the plan before she begins.

Parsley specializes in transformation.

“I do elevations and angles when the hair is wet. But when it’s dry, that’s when the magic begins,” she said. “I think what sets me apart the most is my dry shaping (or hair carving as they called it 20 years ago).

It’s like whittling a piece of wood to make a shape or a sculpture. That’s all done after it’s been styled, and that’s when the beauty and finessing of the haircut takes place. You can’t teach somebody to do that. You have to have an eye for it. You have to watch through the mirror. I don’t even know how much I have to do. I just keep doing it until it falls into place.”

TESTIMONIALS

“I am thrilled with the new look Julie created for me. Her attention to detail resulted in a truly flattering color and cut. And she even sculpted my eyebrows when I was at the wash station.”—Jennifer Pfuhl, President, Blue Sky Processing

“Julie brightened up my drab color and gave my long, heavy hair a nice shape. She understands fashion and beauty. She knows color, cut and product. She’s spot on!”— Mary Lou Kayser, Former NYC Model

“Julie is an artist. With her skill and technique, she can transform an ordinary hairstyle and color into a personal masterpiece. She sees and brings out the superstar in every client, because she’s that good.”—Allison Reed Davis, Strategic Planning Manager

“Julie Parsley is truly an artist with an eye for detail, a gift for styling, and a heart for serving. Talk to her. Then relax and trust her. She’ll make your hair look amazing!”—Linda Hopkins Writer/Editor

“Julie completed my hairstyle with much more detail that I have ever had, which let me know she had something different to offer. I feel truly blessed to have found her.” Dr. Courtney Davis, Pediatric Dentist

Hair should be an expression of your individuality—where the inner you meets the outer you. Your color and style should ‘talk’ and make you feel good about yourself.

To tie is all together is the color, she explained. “Color is by far the most important. I can give you the greatest hairstyle on earth, but if you don’t have the right color, it doesn’t show it off.”

Currently performing her magic at Deo Volente Salon on Bluffton Rd., Parsley believes fabulous hair is achievable for everyone, no matter your age or stage of life. She has the skills, tools and products to work with the texture of your hair (or change it) and to make it your own personal work of art. “Age is insignificant when it comes to having flirty, sexy hair,” she said. “I want you to feel like a movie star. You are my guest, and I’m here to serve you.”

Parsley comes to Bluffton from her hometown of Bridgeport, West Virginia; she’s excited to bring her expertise to our area while building a new life for herself in the sunny South. Whether you’re looking for a total transformation or a tiny tweak, bring your “canvas” to Julie Parsley and experience a whole new level of hairdressing. Because good hair days don’t happen by accident. 

Julie Parsley is a private operator at Deo Volente Salon, located at 68 Bluffton Rd., Suite 3, Bluffton, SC. Schedule your appointment by calling (304) 677-4968.