how it began:
When I look back to how I started this amazing and quite humbling journey, I recall being 12 years old, walking down the sidewalk when a thought came to me, “I want to be a hairdresser and style celebrities’ hair.” I ran home, found my little sister, and turned on the television. We’d watch Audrey Hepburn movies, and then I’d practice “styling” my little sister’s hair based on what I saw on TV. In my young heart, I knew my calling and my future. I knew in my heart I would be a celebrity hair artist and work in the film industry.
After attending art classes in Sacramento, CA for two years, I realized that it would be challenging to support myself solely through art. Despite enrolling in beauty school, I didn't want to pursue a career as a hairdresser. At the suggestion of my instructor, I decided to explore cosmetology and decided to take courses in hair restoration. I was accepted into Federico Beauty Institute and earned a degree in cosmetology. Just before graduating, my best friend became my manager and helped me secure my first major job, doing makeup for the Super Bowl halftime show in Oakland, CA in 1984!
I was inspired by Jheri Redding in school. He was the first to start manufacturing professional hair care and was a pioneer in the science of restoring hair to its natural state with high-quality ingredients. I've always loved chemistry and how ingredients interact with our hair and skin.
Throughout my years of working with clients, my goal was not just to style their hair, but to also create the look they desired and then educate them on how to maintain it with proper hair care. This approach also applied to my makeup and skincare clients. It was this philosophy that made me reputable in my industry. I believe in educating my clients so that the investment they make in their hair yields the desired look, lasts longer, and helps to restore their hair, all while maintaining its integrity.
I have had the honor of working with greats such as Steven Spielberg (designing Alfalfa for the Little Rascals movie in 1996), Oliver Stone's JFK film, Baywatch, Blossom, and promoters like Dick Clark and Don King. I became an expert in the "pageant look" and have worked with several pageant winners in both Miss America and Miss USA, as well as five Hawaiian Tropic winners. I've also worked with models from the Ford Modeling Agency.
lisa may original
Lisa May Original products are designed to restore and maintain the original healthy appearance of hair for both men and women. These products contain no harsh chemicals and are suitable for thinning, stressed out, and overprocessed hair. Lisa May Original uses essential oils, such as Rosemary and Cedarwood, to create a fresh and herbal fragrance.
Lisa May Original took me 15 years to develop. Five of those years were spent figuring out how to get my shampoo to foam without using chemicals. All Lisa May products except for Sea Salt Spray do not contain water because water can promote bacterial growth. Instead, you use the water from the shower to activate the product. My products consist of natural ingredients derived from nature, not natural ingredients derived from chemicals. With my products, you won't need to shampoo as often because they won't dry out your scalp and hair with chemicals. I use essential oils instead of chemical fragrances and I carefully selected ingredients that complement nature. Lisa May Original products are truly inspired by nature.
MR. M:
In January 2020, I took my product to a professional cosmetology conference in California. I was shocked at what had happened to my beloved industry. I cried for two days because it was so commercial-focused instead of quality and design-focused. However, I did notice one thing—men were purchasing the product instead of women. I learned that men care about grooming, and if you give them a good product with a little direction, they will buy it, use it, and love it. I knew this was the area to focus on.
I used the same original formula from Lisa May but created the Mr. M fragrance (using essential oils) to make it more manly. The Mr. M Fragrance is infused with Spicy Citrus and Black Amber fragrance oils to promote confidence with its sharp and pleasing scent.
Mr. M products are designed for men who aim to maintain a clean, masculine, and modern appearance. They are created to control thinning and unruly hair and beard without using harsh chemicals that cause breakouts and dryness. Mr. M products can be used for hair, face, beard, and body, and they help with acne and razor burn.
CONCLUSION:
My goal is to uplift cosmetologists and barbers by providing education that will enhance their work and introduce revitalizing products that breathe new life into their clients' hair.
Here I am, 30 years later, having become a celebrity hair designer and internationally published makeup artist in the 1990s. I was also a member of the NCA committee from 1988 to 1992 and worked as an educational provider in production hair and makeup. Additionally, I spent 15 years designing Lisa May Eco Hair Care and Cosmetics. What a journey it has been!