All Columns in Alphabetical Order


Wednesday, June 17, 2009

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Erica Bennett, Hair Stylist


As a hair stylist and makeup artist, Erica Bennett’s work can be seen on the heads and faces of many around New York, including Peachy Deegan. Originally from Oregon, she began her career in 1995, working in some of Portland’s top salons. She moved to New York in 2004, pushing herself to learn new techniques and excel at her craft. Her first stop was Robert Kree Salon in the West Village. She then moved on to Eva Scrivo, working at both the Meatpacking and NOHO locations. Erica now can be found at Damian West Salon, back in the West Village, where she loves coming to work every day.

For hair cuts, her specialties include texture cutting, straight razor, and scissor over comb methods while her coloring abilities encompass baliage, multi-dimensional foiling, permanent/semi-permanent, conditioning glaze, and corrective color. Erica also specializes in blow-outs and special occasion up-dos.

Additionally, Erica has participated in salon fashion show styling, Locks of Love and several local charitable auctions. Whom You Know previously rated her under Outstanding Service:
http://www.whomyouknow.com/2009/06/outstanding-service-hair-by-erica.html

Erica also excels in make up, offering both application and lessons. She has been featured in Ladies Home Journal, NY Daily News, beautynewsnyc.com and we are pleased to present her as our latest Mover and Shaker!

Peachy Deegan interviewed Erica Bennett for Whom You Know.

Peachy Deegan: What inspired you to enter the hair industry?
Erica Bennett: I originally was going to go into fashion, but a friend of mine persuaded me to check out beauty schools while I was waiting for that to happen. I did and never looked back to fashion.

What are your favorite styles to do?
I love both coloring and cutting, yet no particular style. I love it all.

What do you like about your profession?
For me, [I am] always looking for ways to learn and hone my craft so that my work is better, therefore clients look better.

What is the biggest mistake women make with their hair?
Getting in a rut and staying there.

What is the biggest mistake men make with their hair?
Waiting too long between appointments.

What are your favorite hair products and why?
While there are a lot of things that I like from many different lines, I'd have to say that my favorites right now would both be by Davines, #1 Fist Oil Non Oil and #10 Universal Polishing Coat.

What aspects of your job are the most challenging?
Corrective color. While challenging, it's like a puzzle to me that I have to solve!

How do you successfully teach someone to replicate the work of a professional?
A professional has taken years to develop themselves, but we can teach a client how to do their own hair with tools and products that will make it easier for their particular hair.

What is your favorite place to be in NYC?
I have lots of favorite places, but one of them is Central Park. Being from Oregon, I love the trees!

What is your favorite shop?
Darling, 8th Ave & Horatio

What is your favorite drink?
It's called a Hasselhoff, only found at Saucebox in Portland, OR. Consists of watermelon vodka, muddled cucumber, served over pebbled ice.

What is your favorite restaurant?
Right now, Commerce in the West Village

What is your favorite NYC book?
Don't have one

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC that you can do nowhere else?
Being as individual as you want, as well as allowing others the same.

What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Underrated--How nice and helpful New Yorker's really can be. It's definitely a myth that New Yorkers are all mean. Overrated--the cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery. But love their banana pudding!

What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I'm very much a perfectionist with my work and always strive to make each individual happy with their hair.

How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
I have a fan page on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Erica-Bennett-Hair-StylistMakeup-Artist/71134127461?ref=ts
where I can be contacted as well as fans wanting to stay up to date. I can also be emailed at elbnyc@yahoo.com.

Whom You Know and Peachy Deegan just LOVE the work of Erica Bennett!

Back to TOP