She has a Way About Her
Having great hair can be a lot of work. It takes time, patience, and often a good amount of funds to achieve that greatness.
If one is lucky enough to walk the catwalk or be a part of the celebrity world, they may have been graced with the presence of Amoy, the hair designer extraordinaire. Known by her signature single name, and for her signature style—extensions—Amoy does the hair of a multitude of famous faces and names, like Naomi Campbell, Maggie Riser, Mary J. Blige, and Sheryl Crow. Who wouldn’t want her magic hands improving their tresses?? Amoy has covered the fashion beat for years, working on the collections of some of the biggest names in the business (like John Galliano, who wanted her alone to do his hair!).
Now, ordinary mortals will get the chance to sit in the chair of the anointed one, as Amoy opens the doors of her full-service beauty salon in Manhattan’s Upper East Side this spring. Book your appointment now ………
Q. Who was your first inspiration?
A. My mom. Growing up, I always looked up to her for being so stylish and always having her hair done. She used to even have me help in styling her hair, which is how I became interested in the field and saw that I could do this. And, of course, all of the dolls I would receive as gifts from her were like my very first clients!
Q. Your signature style is extensions. That’s pretty complicated stuff. How did you master it?
A. Time, patience and learning. Like anything else, the more you practice, the better you are. I’ve spent a lot of time practicing my techniques on myself and I’m always looking for new ways to perfect it. I love learning new methods to complete the style that no one has yet adopted in the industry; it’s how I give it my signature!
Q. Whose hair have you transformed with your extensions?
A. Almost every one of my clients has been styled with extensions-from celebrities to my everyday clients—and they always tell me they feel totally transformed.
Q. Have you launched any other signature trends or ways of styling that people now follow?
A. I’ve used a signature part in the middle, as well as bangs, for a long time now. Both are classic styles that clients ask for when they see me with the look.
Q. I read that you practice your styling techniques on yourself before applying them on clients. Great idea! Does this work well for you?
A. It’s the best! Sometimes it may be a little bit tiring, but it works every time.
Q. You’ve worked on some of the biggest models and stars in the world—Naomi Campbell, Rihanna, Sheryl Crow, Maggie Riser and Alicia Keys, and can count Iman, Kerry Washington, Mary J. Blige, Joy Bryant, Selita Ebanks and Maggie Riser among your clientele. Is there any one person who lets you experiment more than any other?
A. I love working with each and every one of my clients. I definitely enjoy styling Naomi Campbell’s hair. We have a lot of fun together and there’s no need for too much experimenting because she always knows what she wants, which I love about her!
Q. Tell me some insider knowledge: What are today’s leading looks and tomorrow’s trends?
A. Natural, clean, classic hair is today’s leading look. A “less is more/back to basics approach is definitely in—no over-the-top colors or hair accessories.
One of tomorrow’s trends is clip-in/separate hair extensions that allow for natural-looking highlights, or crazier colors, if you like, without the risk of damage from a chemical treatment.
Q. What are the biggest style mishaps people make?
A. Applying chemical treatments and relaxers. It’s so damaging!
Q. You had your first big break working on the Christian Dior couture collection show in January 1998. Galliano himself asked you to do his hair! What was it like working with the king of French fashion??
A. Amazing! It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’ve learned so much from him; he is the best-of-the-best, and I’m so thrilled to have worked for him. He is an unbelievable, amazing person, very down-to-earth and one of the most amazing designers alive today.
My experience with him inspired the name of my salon and product line-Amoy Couture Hair-because of the high-end, one-of-a-kind, Haute Couture quality of work that he’s done.
Q. And Donatella Versace then hired you to work with her?? Was it on her shows, or in what capacity?
A. I worked with Donatella in a personal capacity, styling her hair, though I would attend her fashion shows. She is also incredibly amazing and has such a big heart!
Q. What other fashion designers have you enjoyed working with?
A. Karl Lagerfeld, Jean Paul Gaultier, Olivier Theyskens, Donna Karen, Christian Lacroix
Q. Do you still work on anyone’s show(s)?
A. Not at the moment; I worked on shows for eight years but wanted to take a break to concentrate on building my salon, product, and clientele.
Q. You’ve worked worldwide, on editorial, fashion shows, bridal, celebrities, and on good old cuts and color. What’s your favorite?
A. I love it all. I just enjoy creating. This is my passion; I could breathe, eat, and sleep hair styling!
Q. We hear you’re opening a new salon this spring on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. Will you keep your original salon in the East Village as well?
A. No, the Upper East Side salon will be the sole location. More details will follow soon ….
Tagged in: high fashion, hair stylist, amoy, celebrity hairdresser, extensions,
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