She lives and breathes hair, and her passion truly shines through in her work. In fact, it was a post on Instagram that made me stop and take notice of Kristine. Here is my interview with Ottawa hairstylist Kristine Robichaud.

Kristine Robichaud
Master Stylist and Salon Owner
Instagram: @frenchgirlhair
French Girl Hair | Ottawa, ON

Everyone has a reason why they choose a particular path in life. What drew you to pursue a career as a stylist?

I started working in a hair salon when I was 12 years old as an Assistant, mainly washing hair, folding towels, scrubbing baseboards etc. I always loved doing hair and was a quick learner – I knew I had a natural talent. Hairstyling always seemed like a fun and very social job – it never felt like work. It was somewhere I could unleash my creative side.

Social media is a great tool for clients to get hair inspiration but do you find it creates unrealistic expectations of what is and isn’t possible?

I have to say that social media has been bittersweet for hairstylists. On average I will have 2-3 new clients per week alone from social media more specifically Instagram. It has been a great marketing tool. It’s our job as a hair stylist to educate clients on what is achievable and how many session it takes to get there.

Often enough, there are filters on pictures and sometimes a client’s underlying pigments will not allow you to get past a yellow/orange. In this case you never over promise. When a new client wants platinum balayage, I always say – I can’t promise you anything, but we will do everything in our power to get you to your desired colour.

Also platinum hair doesn’t suit every client. If a client has a warm complexion platinum is not your best option.

If you could offer one hair tip to everyone what would it be?

The health of your hair and scalp is by far more important than any dream colour. If it’s going to damage your hair to point of no return, DON’T do it!

I think staying current is so important in this industry. How do you keep on top of all the latest trends, techniques and products?

I constantly research online and I keep up daily with influencers to stay on top of the game. I am constantly reading hair blogs, looking at hair inspo online, mainly Instagram. I watch multiple hair tutorials per day. I would say 90% of my social media content is hair.

I live for hair.

I choose two different hair course per year to keep adding to my education. Typically two areas that I feel I need to grow in. This year I have decided on two international courses. I love traveling and more so when it has a purpose. Stay tuned.

I like that you try to include little educational tidbits in some of your Instagram posts. Does education play a part in your appointments with clients?

Absolutely. I’m a hair nerd. With every client that sits in my chair, I will explain in detail what I am doing, why I’m using a specific technique to achieve the desired look, etc. I also educate clients on what products I use and what they need to do to keep their hair looking healthy. I also give a quick hair styling tutorial to every client; either for curling or quick styles to go to work or events.

As an artist, where do you find inspiration?

I find my inspiration all over the world and love getting my hair styled when I’m traveling. I find inspiration by learning what techniques are used in various cultures. I live and breathe hair.

What are some of your personal hair and make-up must haves?

I’m a strong believer that in order to have healthy luscious hair, you must first have a healthy scalp.

Pre-cleanse – to promote healthy scalp: Rene Furterer – Complex 5

Wash: Pureology Purify Shampoo

Wash: Kerastase Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin

Treat: Kérastase Lait Vital Conditioner

Protect: Kérastase Nectar Thermique

Finish: Kérastase Nutritive Oléo-Relax Oil

I’m a very natural girl and I rarely wear any make up. My skincare game is STRONG and I take pride in having healthy skin.

Face wash: Eminence Stone crop cleansing gel

Toner: Wild Hill Toner

Exfoliant: Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant

Serum: Laurel Anti-Inflammatory Facial Serum

Night cream: Eminence Mango Night Cream

What do you love most about going into work every day and being behind the chair?

Trying out what I learned the night before on social media and applying it the next day!

Always, always learning.

Finally – what three words describe you best?

Creative. Passionate. Explorer.