Braeden
“Let’s find a way to LOVE who you are and what you have. Diversity is beautiful.”
Specialties
Long & layered cuts. Creating amazing volume & body. Textured & razor cuts. Natural-looking color (by consultation). Styling, blowouts & customized updos for all occasions.
Experience
At VAIN since 2011. Licensed stylist since 2011
The secret’s out about your amazing styling skills. Tell us about that.
I enjoy styling AND showing people how to do it themselves. I find that many people get overwhelmed with the idea of styling their hair at home. I teach clients quick and easy tricks that won’t take them hours but will help do justice to the cut and color they just spent money on. Creating amazing body, wave, and volume through styling is also one of my fortes. Giving someone a stunning blowout or updo makes my heart skip a beat.
People love your haircuts! What are your specialties?
I specialize in a range of haircuts. First, I love cuts built to grow out beautifully. We have all walked out of a salon with much shorter hair than we had planned. I understand how devastating this can be to someone trying to grow their hair out. I work with clients to get/keep their hair healthy and growing with a flattering shape. Creating volume and body for those with fine, limp, or thinning hair is another specialty of mine. The right haircut can really give the illusion of much more hair than you have. Finally, I LOVE creating edgy looks for clients with medium to short length hair. That’s where razor cuts come in. But razoring is a great way to add texture if your style is a little more mainstream, too.
What’s your secret weapon and/or advice for having great hair?
No surprise that my secret weapon for hair is the same in life. BALANCE AND MODERATION. You can’t go wrong with healthy, shiny, and strong. Working with one’s natural texture, instead of against it, is half the battle.
How does your own hair influence your personal style?
My hair gives me the liberty to express myself in a very unique way. My style doesn’t put me into a neat little box or mold- I love that! Hopefully it encourages people to imagine their own lives without the expectations that the world places on them; free to be themselves, without judgment.
What advice do you have for someone who wants a hair change but isn’t sure what exactly to change?
Change doesn’t have to be a drastic makeover. Sure, doing something radically different might be fun for me, but it might not be practical for you. Subtleties are greatly underestimated. It’s my job to help you find a look that fits your hair, lifestyle and personality. Everyone has qualities that make them uniquely beautiful- it’s all about enhancing what nature gave you and tweaking a few details to make you feel your best.
Any notable hairstyling experiences? What inspired you to become a hairstylist?
Maybe not as glamorous as a celebrity hairstyling encounter, but my personal experience of how I became interested in becoming a hairstylist is just as notable to me. My mother survived a severe brain injury and she lived with me for many years. Every morning we had our routine; I would do her hair and makeup, even if she didn’t have anywhere to go. Not only was it our quality time together, but it was rewarding for me to know that she felt at her best and somewhat “normal” again. Helping her feel more beautiful gave her the confidence to face the day. She would often tear up and say “I think you missed your calling as a stylist.”Little did she know that one day I would become one.
Life/interests/hobbies outside of VAIN?
I’m always working to bring better balance into my life. I spend a lot of time outdoors with my dog, reflecting and regaining focus from a busy urban life. Yoga, fitness, and hiking/backpacking keep my body and mind fresh and ready for a new week. Formerly a professional in the pastry industry, I still enjoy much of my time in the kitchen as well. If you think my haircuts are good, you should try my croissants.
