Q&A: Expert Celebrity Stylist Cynthia Alvarez !!!

After only 5 years of what she calls ‘grinding’ in the hair world, celebrity hairstylist, CYNTHIA ALVAREZ has quickly become the go to stylist for some of the hottest celebs and hair brands in the industry.

As an expert stylist at HAIR FACTORY, the New York native has worked with ALICIA KEYS, KEKE PALMER, TONI BRAXTON, and LADY GAGA, to name a few.

Known for her expertise in hair extensions, promoting healthy hair growth, and creative coloring Juicy caught up with Miss Cynthia to get the word on everything from how to maintain your natural hair when you can’t live without your weave, her thoughts on closure pieces and wigs, and if Black women should really rock hair color.

Check out what she had to say ladies!

Juicy: You’ve styled some really big name celebrities in the industry, tell us how you got into celebrity styling?

Cynthia Alvarez: Well, I always did hair! I was literally the chick on the stoop braiding everyone up. I also have a lot of women in my family so I stayed styling their hair and would always try to create styles that I wanted to see on my own head. Then I got into the salon, assisted a celebrity stylist, met the right people, and just got hooked up from their. When I got the call from ALICIA KEYS that was it! And I ended up doing two world tours with her.

Juicy: You’ve been know to create flawless weaves for your clients, what’s the trick to maintaining a natural looking weave?

CA: You have to treat a weave like you would treat your own hair. It’s all about using moisturizers and good hair products to maintain your weave. Even a good weave will break and tangle if you don’t treat it right. I tell my clients to stay away from excess heat, keep your hair moisturized, and wrap your weave at night.

Juicy: What healthy hair care options do you recommend for frequent weave wearers who refuse to let their natural hair rest in-between installs?

CA: Honestly, I know there are a lot of women who can’t live without their weaves. Or in the case of celebrities they just don’t have the time to give their hair a break, so I recommend using astringent in-between the tracks to cleanse the scalp without rinsing. It’s a must to keep the scalp and natural hair clean if you want to see hair growth. You have to use some type of dry shampoo, oil treatments, or deep conditioners.

Juicy: What’s your take on wearing weave closures? A go or a no?

CA: You gotta do what you gotta do to get your hair to blend with the weave. And I think closure pieces are cool for people trying to maintain their natural hair. Plus closures look very natural these days with the silk tops. I say, if you can’t touch your real hair without damaging it, then lets use the closure. But I definitely prefer the natural look of having a leave-out.

Juicy: If you had to choose one over the other, weaves or wigs?

CA: Until recently I was definitely a weave girl. No way was I going with wigs, but honestly with the way wigs have made a come-up, I’m gonna have to rock with wigs!  I like the fact that their quicker than dealing with weaves and there’s no commitment. You’re able to switch up your hair color and hairstyles just like that.

Juicy: With Ombre being big this summer, do you think it’s healthy for African-American women to color their hair often? And what’s the best way to maintain color?

CA: Ombre is definitely going to be big trend. But it’s a great low maintenance style because you can leave your roots out. Look at RIHANNA’S overall look, it’s all about dark roots and bangs this summer, and she’s rocking it!

But color is a very tricky thing! I would say definitely go to a professional stylist to color your hair if your doing highlights or more. And If your going lighter and using a professional hair color I encourage you to use a low volume developer. Not all women need to use 40 volume developer because it’ll only lead to damage. With color you have to moisturize daily. I recommend using a natural hair oil like Extra Virgin Olive Oil or slab some Mayo on dry hair for 20 minutes with a plastic cap once a week, or as needed.

Juicy: Your currently working closely with HAIR FACTORY as an Expert Stylist, but what’s next for Cynthia Alvarez?

CA: You know people ask me that question all the time, and I don’t really know, I’m still grinding and hustling! I’m always focusing on building my brand and looking for the next best thing, which is why I love working with HAIR FACTORY, they have a great product! But maybe a hair care brand, a weave line, or an accessory brand may be in the works for me! We’ll see.

For more information on Cynthia Alvarez, visit www.epiphanyagency.com. Follow her @HairbyCynthia.

Chanel Robinson is both a writer and licensed cosmetologist residing in Chicago, Illinois. Her time at VIBE magazine allowed her to develop a hunger and passion for hair, beauty, and fashion. Currently a retail professional at ULTA Beauty, Robinson brings her first hand knowledge of trends and products. Follow her @Chanel_Robinson.

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