Meg Kowalski is a stylist at Evolve Hair Studio in Toronto. From a young age, haircutting was a true passion for Meg. She aims to give her guests haircuts that not only looks great when they leave the salon, but also looks great when they come back. She was recently certified with Great Lengths and we are so excited to get to know her!
Tell us a bit about you and your career! How did you get your start, and what has led you to where you are today?
Hair has always been one of my biggest passions. Growing up I was that friend; always testing out new styles and trends on friends and prepping their hair before a big event. There was no question, I was going to spend my life doing hair. I was born and raised in Winnipeg where I attended hair school and then moved to Toronto shortly after graduation. Being in a city that is fashion forward, where people are always experimenting with the latest trends has helped my career immensely. I have learned from some incredible leaders and well-established talent in my own back yard! I am very grateful for a career that allows me to connect with such amazing clients and colleagues.
How long have you been working with Great Lengths, What was your inspiration to join the GL network?
I’ve only been working with Great Lengths for 6 months!
I’ve always loved using extensions to transform my own hair, and I wanted to create that same magic for my clients.
What impact has being a Great Lengths Artist had on you and your business?
Great Lengths has had a significant and positive impact on growing my clientele and helping me reach my full potential! For the client that isn’t looking to lose length with a haircut, I now have the skillset to help them achieve their goal hair.
What do you love about Great Lengths?
What I love about Great Lengths is the ability to customize the bond size; always maintaining equal density between my client’s natural hair and the extension strand. Because Great Lengths are installed strand by strand, there can be very few installed simply to correct a hole, or hundreds installed depending on the client’s needs. I love this intricacy! The ability to create highlights or balayage by combining multiple strand shades is another huge advantage. This achieves a customized and more natural blend, unique to every client.
3 bundles of 20” GL fusion extensionsWhat is your personal favourite hair trend right now? Why do you love it?
As a stylist who specializes in cutting, I especially love bobs; cropped, blunt or lived-in. Recently, I’ve loved using Great Lengths to help build density, giving my clients more confidence and giving their short haircut a stronger shape. Extensions aren’t only for long hair!
Do you have any colour or style predictions for Fall 2019?
My style prediction for Fall 2019 is thick, healthy hair. I believe at any length, we get confidence from having full bodied hair. Don’t see the need for extensions? Think again! Volume installations have been my favourite. Distributed only to build a little extra body and volume, a smaller than usual amount of bonds can make a huge difference!
Do you have a style icon? Or a hair hero?
My style icon and hair hero would definitely be Julianne Hough. From the red carpet to traveling the world with her hubby, she’s always stylish and comfortable. Julianne is iconic for her blonde locks that she experiments with at many different lengths. My personal favourite was her short look, coloured a rich natural, auburn shade. Gorgeous!
If you could pick a celebrity, a public figure, anyone- whose hair would you love to work on?
If I could pick a celebrity whose hair I’d like to work on, it would be Katy Perry. Her ever-changing hairstyles would be an extension artist’s dream! From platinum, short textured haircuts to high-shine glamorous long locks, she can do it all! She is all in when it comes to hair transformations.
What or who do you look to for inspiration?
I’m constantly looking at my Great Lengths’ peers via social media for inspiration. Their work inspires me and helps push my boundaries.
What personality traits do you feel are most beneficial to your success?
I think my attention to detail is key! Especially with Great Lengths, I am meticulous; I keep my work clean, organized and easy for my clients to wear comfortably.
What advice would you offer newly certified stylists to best take advantage of their GL skillset?
Start the conversation! Your current clientele comes to you to solve their hair struggles every day. Great Lengths could be the solution.
Do you have any Great Lengths do's and don’ts?
Do: keep your sections clean and organized. Use lots of clips. Personally, I love using no-crease hair clips to help hold away hair fallen from my larger clip. Don’t: rush the process; both you and your client will benefit from a tidy and meticulous application.
What is your approach to social media for advertising your skills and business? Do you have any social media do’s, don’ts or guidelines you follow?
I try to educate my current and potential clients; providing before and after photos, explaining the process. With Great Lengths, I always love to showcase their versatility.
Two bundles of Great Lengths fusion extensions for strong bob
What is your favourite part of being a stylist?
My favourite part about being a stylist is being able to give my clients the hair they never thought was possible. I love giving clients their dream hair while maintaining (retaining) the integrity of their natural hair, or even helping it to grow.
Do you have a favourite mantra, a quote or a saying you like to keep in mind?
Your hair is an extension of yourself.
What are your goals and aspirations moving forward?
I want to be well established in the Great Lengths community; I’d love to have the majority of my clientele be GL clients!
