The Mane Event…
Beautiful locks feature largely during fashion week and in life. Hairstylist Michele Pritchard talks about her experiences working shows in New York and what styles will make it from the runway to the streets.
WRITTEN BY GEORGIA JACOBS
Michele Pritchard is no stranger to the beauty industry. With more than 18 years of experience, over 200,000 followers on TikTok alone, TV appearances on Good Morning America and Business Insider, mentions in top magazines, stints at New York Fashion Week, and a commitment to mentoring a new crop of hairstylists, she is at the pinnacle of her career, making an impact at her salon - Michele Pritchard Hair in West Chester - and in the community. "My passion for hair, thankfully, keeps me lifted up," she said on Instagram. "I truly feel like work is not work."
Known for hair color, styling, and extensions, Michele set out to create a salon that makes the entire process enjoyable and flexible for her clients, whether they need to work from the chair or take a relaxing timeout away from the kids.
"When we're finished and you're in love with your new look, show off your new confidence and celebrate your style with a photo in front of our custom selfie wall," she says. "It's our HAIR tradition."
Another tradition is Michele's participation in New York Fashion Week. "I once only dreamt of styling hair at NYFW," she says. Ten years ago, she finally got her wish when she made her first appearance behind the scenes at the event.
But she wanted more. "My biggest dream was to be a lead stylist at New York Fashion Week, but I didn't think it would actually happen." In February 2019, she styled hair for the NYF W Cushnie show, one of the major shows of the season, and the Christian Siriano show. "Words can't describe the energy I felt during this experience," she posted. Then in 2021, her fantasy of being a lead stylist came true when she was offered the role for the Monique Lhuillier Bride show.
"Dreams come true. Work hard, and never doubt what you're actually capable of," she added. Her new goal is to attend NYFW every year.
Michele is just as committed to helping assistants and clients as she is to furthering her career. She mentors upcoming stylists in technique as well as business skills so that one day they can have their own chair. "I'm obsessed with continuing education," she writes. "I believe to teach is to learn and am a big believer in giving what you receive. We are all here to help and inspire one another."
Her dedication to hair education extends to her clients. Her website, Instagram, and Facebook pages are filled with videos and advice on hair care and styling. Michele and her team want patrons to feel confident and comfortable with a new hairstyle.
"Small changes are big changes," she explains. "My goal is to help clients not to just like their hair but love their hair by custom creating looks that are simple and easy to replicate at home, and hair colors and cuts that are easy to maintain."
As for upcoming trends, Michele keeps her finger on the pulse of the industry. "Expect to see soft, layered haircuts with baby bangs that flow into the rest of the hair," she predicts. "Bouncy blowouts and side parts will also be big. Expect hair color to get brighter for blondes - think champagne tones, and deeper for brunettes - think rich espresso tones. Reds will have more of a mahogany moment."
Fueled by daily M&Ms, espresso, and her two young boys, Michele manages to do it all, pushing through the harder days and staying true to herself and respecting others. "We all have our own artistic approach, and no two people's way of sharing a message can ever be the same. We all have our own unique voice."
