Beauty Mark: Star Stylist Ella Stauber

I’ve been seeing my stylist Ella Stauber for about four years (of the seven she’s been styling) and I can’t tell you how many times during the past four years I’ve been stopped by complete strangers asking me who cuts my hair or where I get it cut or “Ohmigod, your hair is so cute!†I owe it all to Ella. I love experimenting and I’d never chop even one hair without her behind the scissors. Learn more about Ella and her tips for great style:
What made you want to cut hair?I was always really into the entire beauty industry. I absolutely loved going to the salon with my mom. She would let me do whatever cut or color I wanted. She never dictated how I was to wear my hair, she just wanted it professionally done. While my color would process I would ask if I could paint my nails, put makeup on, etc. I just loved the entire experience.
What’s one cut that will never go out of style?I think there are a couple of cuts that will never go out of style, one being the classic graduated bob. It’s flattering on such a wide variety of faces and hair textures. It can also be tailored to be longer, shorter, more or less layered and so on. Another is the pixie cut. You have no idea how many pictures of Jean Seberg and Mia Farrow are brought to me. These pictures are from the sixties and I’m replicating these styles – not altering, replicating. That’s how classic it is. But of course you need to be a strong, confident woman to wear this.
What’s one style you wish would go away?The Kate Gosselin haircut because now it’s been passed on to the male gender. It’s just gross.
When someone says, “Do whatever you want,†what makes you decide what you’ll do?I like to talk to the client about their styling abilities and what they are willing to do or not do each morning. I look at their face shape to determine if it needs lengthening or widening, their body shape, hair texture, and what their lifestyle and professional life are like. And probably one of the most important things to keep in mind when making a drastic change is maintenance – how willing are you to maintain your new style?
What’s the trendy cut for fall 2009?I wouldn’t say that there is one big hair trend for fall; I think anything goes for hair nowadays, much like the fashion industry. But it is important for people to be aware of their hair texture and work with it from there.
What are some of your favorite products?I think everyone should invest in a great shampoo, conditioner, and styling product. The right products can make such huge difference in your day-to-day hair maintenance. I’m loving Davines right now, especially the No. 1 Finest Oil Non Oil, Defining Glam Power Spray, and Lovely Curl Enhancing Shampoo.
Best hair tips:Don’t overwash or underwash your hair. Hair tends to work a little better when it’s not squeaky clean, but greasy hair is really unattractive.
Biggest hair no-no:Overgrown, fried split ends. Fried, fuzzy long hair is not pretty!
Ella currently works at: Trianon | Lincoln Park | 773.880.8401