JOCELYN EMERSON

Can you tell us a little more about you and your styling background?

I went to a local career center for cosmetology while in high school with the hopes of learning how to style my own hair better, and having a job I could always fall back on. I worked in a small local salon for about 4 years after high school, taking the occasional bride that we had come in, along with offering many other salon services. During the years I did hair coloring, and building an amazing clientele that I adore, I never truly loved doing color. I married my high school sweetheart and left the salon when my oldest daughter was born in 2012 and stayed home to raise my 2 daughters. During this time I kept up with my license and worked on a few friends and family at home. What a blessing it was to be able to spend those years with my kiddos! I helped friends on weddings occasionally over the years, but not often enough to feel confident in my styling. At the start of the pandemic, I ordered myself a nice mannequin and invested in some virtual classes with some of my favorite stylists around the world. I also religiously watched the live education provided by Beyond The Ponytail with many incredible stylists, and practiced the many techniques that I learned. I remember a time that I felt something click inside of my head to stop overthinking my styles and utilize these simple, dependable techniques I had learned. I spent countless hours on practice during the shutdown, and continued to do so after. Styling my mannequin throughout the shutdown not only helped me to mentally survive that time, but it also helped me to build up and start my own traveling bridal hair business! I now have more weddings booked over the course of the next year than I had probably done in the entirety of my career pre-pandemic, and for the first time ever I can say I love my job!! Invest in yourself & follow your dreams guys!! 

What bridal trends are you loving right now? 

I absolutely love when a bride chooses a big, boho braid or a low, romantic updo! I am also a big fan of all of the texture that brides have been requesting lately! 

What new trends can we look forward to?

I foresee that the boho, effortless styles will become even more popular! I would also love to see more real flowers used to accessorize bridal hairstyles, and more people embracing their natural textures!

How do you stay inspired?

I stay inspired by learning new styles and by following so many amazing stylists all over the world on Instagram! My saved folder is jam packed with so much inspiration! 

What advice would you give to a bridal hairstylist just getting started?

Invest in your dream classes, and get yourself a good mannequin! Practicing on a mannequin is zero pressure, and you actually get the chance to create styles that you dream up, not just what your client wants!

Best advice to a bride regarding her hairstyle?

Choose a look that your stylist is showcasing in their portfolio! Each bridal stylist has their own strengths and weaknesses so make sure you are utilizing their strengths! Also, if your stylist tells you that you need extensions for the style you want- believe them!

What is the one product/tool you can not live without?

Just one!? I have been using Sexyhair Powder Play a ton lately along with the micro crimper by Lalas Tools! I have so many other favorites you can read about in my captions on IG!

Best advice you have ever been given in the hair industry? 

Never stop learning!!

What do you love to do outside of work? 

I love traveling, being outdoors, hiking, snowboarding, cycling, or just being home with my family! 

Guilty pleasures? 

Local coffee shops!! If you know where I live you know where to find me!