First Look Fridays Interview Series: Hairstylist Wendy Vario

You know that feeling when you find your hair soul mate? That's how it was when I discovered Wendy Vario. During the year and a half I spent in Pittsburgh, I made Wendy WORK. We went red, we went blonde, we went brunette -- we ran the gamut, all while she kept my hair looking and feeling CRAZY healthy. (It's my own fault that it broke off, since I cheated on her once with a different stylist and bleached my hair against Wendy's wishes. Oops.) In any case, Wendy is super talented and the nicest person to boot! I always loved visiting her at Studio Booth, not only because I knew my hair would look incredible, but because hanging out with her was just such a treat. Read on to find out how she first started getting involved in beauty, the hairspray she can't live without and so much more. (And get a glimpse of alllll the different colors she created for me, too!)

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I'm from and currently living in Pittsburgh. After high school, I moved to Orlando, where I attended Paul Mitchell The School For Hair. I currently work at Studio Booth Salon and Spa. I am an upstyle wedding hair specialist and love balayaging long hair.

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to become a hairstylist?
I was 13 and on vacation with my friend Julie at her aunt's cabin on the river. It rained and we had to stay inside. We were bored, so her aunt gave us a bag of bobby pins and told us to do each other's hair. I twisted and pinned Julie's hair into an updo. Her aunt was so surprised and amazed at the work I did that she told me that I needed to make a career of styling hair. From then on I styled hair for friends for school dances and the cast for high school musicals, and eventually went to school to learn more.

What are your top 5 hair essentials?

Kevin Murphy FRESH.HAIR. This non-sticky dry shampoo not only smells amazing but it makes this working mama's 5-day-old unwashed hair look fresh!

Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray. Who cares if it even works -- it smells like angels! But it does work. It's a workable hold, so you can run your fingers through it all day long and your style will shine and hold throughout the day.

A curling iron. My 1/2" barrel iron gives me waves, curls, messy texture ... endless possibilities.

Olaplex. This amazing product is my magic wand! It takes your dry broken hair and bibbidy bobbidy boo, it's brand new!

A teasing brush and bobby pins. Never leave home without them. You just never know!

In case you can't tell, I made Wendy WORK VERY HARD during my 18 months in Pittsburgh! I can't believe she did all of this and my hair still remained healthy!

What are your top 3 hair tips?
1) Don't pull your hair back when it is wet. Pulling your hair back wet will stretch your hair to its max, causing breakage. Try a braid instead.

2) Use dry shampoo instead of washing your hair every day. It's a huge time saver, and your scalp's natural oils are nourishing to your hair.

3) Invest in a good leave-in conditioner or moisturizing product. Just like your body, your hair needs to be hydrated!

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
Styling brides for their weddings. It makes me feel so honored to be part of the best day of their lives and to make them feel even more beautiful than they already are.

One of Wendy's bridal updos.

Being a hairstylist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
I love spending time with my daughter, husband and our families. In the winter, my husband and I snowboard. In the summer, we go kayaking and hiking. I also enjoy playing the piano and recently started learning to play the guitar.

How can The Beauty of Life readers find you on social media?
You can follow me on Instagram.