INEKE CLIJSTERS
Can you tell us a little more about you and your styling background?
I’m Ineke, from the Netherlands and originally a high school English teacher. I’ve always loved doing my own hair and started to experiment with that more last year (2019), sharing my looks on Instagram and doing short tutorials. I got asked to do people’s hair every now and then, so I decided to order a mannequin to practice on. Then Covid-19 happened and I got stuck at home with my dolly. I practiced more and more and then decided I loved it so much that I wanted to make a business out of it. I just started my business last July (2020) so I’m super new to this world! I’m so excited because it’s brought me so much already and I can’t wait for all good things to come!!
What bridal trends are you loving right now?
To be honest, I just did my first bride (August 2020), so I can’t really say a lot about the brides here in the Netherlands. General trends I’m loving are pretty much all boho type styles with lots of braids and twists: low buns, half updos and down styles. I’m also loving the glam waves!
What new trends can we look forward to?
I feel like artists are getting so creative on Instagram that I’m looking forward to seeing those unique type of styles incorporated into bridal hairstyles. I also think the bridal pony might become more popular. Also hoping the boho looks will stay popular!
How do you stay inspired?
Instagram!! This is where my hair obsession started and where it still continues to grow. During lockdown, so many hair artists started sharing their work, doing lives/tutorials (thank you Angela!), online classes etc. I’m never uninspired, because there’s so much to find and learn! So grateful for this amazing community!
What advice would you give to a bridal hairstylist just getting started?
I only just got started myself but I’ve already learned that working hard pays off. Investing in education and dedicating your time to it really helps in growing your confidence without wasting too much time trying to figure everything out yourself. Also, don’t be too hard on yourself when you don’t get things done the way you want right away. I’m still learning that it’s a process and you can’t just jump from 1 to 100 overnight. Believe in yourself and learn from your mistakes.
Best advice to a bride regarding her hairstyle?
There are so many things that can contribute to finding the perfect style. But something that I think is very important is the bride being comfortable with it. If she always wears her hair down, she might not feel comfortable with her hair up and the other way around. So keep that in mind. Also work WITH the hair and not against it. Some hairstyles just aren’t for certain hair types. Let your hairstylist advise you in this and believe them when they say you need extensions 😉
What is the one product/tool you can not live without?
Osis Tame Wild and Osis Soft Dust. I use both in almost every single hairstyle. Also love my Hot Tools Pro curlbar.
Best advice you have ever been given in the hair industry?
Treat your business like a business (@bridalhairbykatelyn), work hard and invest in education. Also basically everything Renee (@styles_by_reneemarie) teaches in her online courses. Get yourself a mentor like that!
What do you love to do outside of work?
Playing tennis, reading, watching Netflix (Friends, Gilmore Girls and Modern Family are my favs!), seeing family and friends, playing board games, going to amusement parks, traveling.
Guilty pleasures?
Chocolate(!!), Harry Potter, 90’s music (I used to be a die-hard Backstreet Boys fan), watching Love Actually for the gazillionth time and crying EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Oh, and you can wake me up for sushi in the middle of the night.