Beauty Expert Q & A: Celebrity Hair Stylist Sally Hershberger

August 30, 2009 at 7:19 pm Shannon Nelson 2 comments

Celebrity hair stylist Sally Hershberger is an icon in the beauty industry. Her hands have transformed the hair of many A list celebrities and her product line has given women everywhere the ability to feel just as glamorous. I recently had the opportunity to catch up with Sally to find out what she is passionate about, which hair style she hopes never comes back and what’s next for this hair legend.

Shannon: Tell me about the day you realized you wanted to style and cut hair for the rest of your life; was there someone who inspired you, an image that captured your imagination or something else that ignited this passion?

Sally Hershberger: I began styling hair at eighteen when my mom told me it was time to get a job. At my friends’ urging I decided on beauty school. While I was still in training, I landed an apprenticeship in Los Angeles with esteemed hairstylist Arthur Johns. It was at this well-known Hollywood salon that I began working with celebrities and establishing relationships.

Shannon: In those first years working at Arthur Johns, what were some of your most memorable experiences?

Sally Hershberger: It was at Arthur Johns that I was given the opportunity to go on tour with pop singer Olivia Newton-John, where I was introduced to legendary photographer Herb Ritts. Over the next several years Herb and I combined our creative talents on numerous editorial pieces. Since then, I have worked with other well-known photographers including Steven Meisel, Annie Leibovitz, Helmut Newton and Patrick Demarchelier.

Shannon: Besides hair, what are some other things that you love and are passionate about?

Sally Hershberger: Photography and art have always inspired me. To relax, I love spending time at my house in the Hamptons. I am definitely an athlete- I’m really into surfing, water skiing, and tennis. My motto: “Play hard, ski hard, work hard.”

Shannon: What is one cut that you think will never go out of style? One trend that you hope never comes back again?

Sally Hershberger: Layers will always be sexy because they bring out the style of any cut. There are all different kinds of layers for every face shape and hair type. When they are done right and with the right products, they give amazing definition, and natural movement to the hair.
One trend that I hope never comes back is crispy 80s, overly gelled hair. Hair should move and should be styled with lightweight products. When I created my product line, this was the most essential thing.

Shannon: What does the future hold for you? Any big plans in the works or something you are currently working on?

Sally Hershberger: I am always thinking of what to do next. I am fortunate to have a business that is rapidly growing. Most of my time is spent working in my salons and on developing my product line. We are continuing to expand distribution and create new products to give women modern, sexy, natural style.

Sally’s salons are located in both NYC and LA. Find out more about her at www.SallyHershberger.com. Her products can be found at an Ulta, Target or Walgreens nearest you.

Entry filed under: Beauty Experts. Tags: celebrity hairstylists, Herb Ritts, Sally Hershberger.