First Look Fridays Interview Series: Hairstylist Jan-Marie Arteca

The year was 2009. My hair hadn't been colored in almost 10 years. I happened upon hairstylist Jan-Marie Arteca, who was at that time working as a colorist at the Ted Gibson Salon. And, from the very first instant she laid her hands upon my hair, magic was made. We started small -- a highlight here, a lowlight there -- and then, as the years went on, started experimenting with blondes, reds and ombres. Jan-Marie is beyond skilled -- her color technique is masterful. She knows exactly how to make every color look like you were born with it, no matter how crazy or out there it may seem. I'm beyond thrilled to bring you my interview with Jan-Marie today. Read on to find out what led her to become a hairstylist, her tip to avoid hair breakage and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I'm a born and raised New Yorker hailing from Queens. I attended the Carsten Institute after going to FIT for a year for beauty school. I have been doing hair for nearly 15 years. Most of my career has been spent working in salons in Chelsea, the West Village and Soho. I specialize in color, extensions and keratin treatments. I am a mother of two boys and they have added so much love and perspective to my life!

Jan-Marie hard at work.

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to become a hairstylist?
I started becoming interested in hair in high school. Braiding, flat ironing my friends hair, et cetera. I was also into fashion. So when I was waiting to hear back from colleges I had applied to, I started to think about beauty school. When I got into FIT, my mother said, "Give me a year of college, if you still want to go to beauty school then you can go after." Turns out I completely failed out of school (blame the NY club scene) and worked retail for a year before I finally went back to school for cosmetology. I wanted a career and I've been blessed to have one.

What are your top 5 hair essentials?

1) A cream cleanser. I switched to one, so I would say that is #1.

2) Hair serum. I love to apply it after I wash my hair.

3) A 1" curling iron. I almost never blow dry my hair anymore -- I usually air dry and then touch up my curls with a curling iron.

4) Flexible hold hair spray. Done.

5) A no-pull hair band. I'm an on-the-move mom, so I like to put my hair back in a bun or ponytail.

What are your top 3 hair tips?
1) Wash your hair 1-2 times a week.

2) Braid or loose bun your hair when you sleep to avoid matting/knotting of your hair and breakage. Bonus tip: try sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase!

3) Please don't assume everyone is a hair expert. The best person to ask about hair issues is your stylist or a dermatologist. The worst thing you can do is take hair advice from someone who doesn't do hair.

A gorgeous braided look by Jan-Marie.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
The relationships you have with your clients because that's what it's about. 20 percent of what we do has to do with hair. The rest is about you and your client. I'm always the first to know about a pregnancy or an engagement or a tragedy. Whatever you tell your BFF, you tell your stylist. That is the most rewarding part of my job.

Being a hairstylist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
I always try to inspire myself and my art. If there is a new exhibit at the MET or MoMA I try to go see it. I try to catch a movie or read a book. I'm also a mother and a wife, so I spend as much time with my family as possible. My husband and I love trying new restaurants and seeing the latest show or immersive theater presentation. My sons love the zoo and the park. My spare time is spent living.

How can The Beauty of Life readers find you on social media?
You can follow me on Instagram and Facebook.You can also check out my website here.