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Gabrielle Berntein of Marshall’s Chair

Cover hair by Marshall Lin /Photo by Chloe Crespi


The relationship between a hairstylist and his clients goes beyond the superficial. Longtime clients, who have become also become dear friends, get in Marshall’s chair to talk hair, life, careers and about what beauty ultimately means to them.

In the first Marshall’s Chair column, motivational speaker, author and TV personality Gabrielle Bernstein talks about why she entrusts Marshall with her hair and her brand new book, The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith, which in this past week reached Number 1 on The New York Times best-seller list.

Do you remember how you met Marshall?

I was desperately looking for someone to cut my hair, and so I asked my friend Andrea Lavinthal, who is the style and beauty director at PEOPLE Magazine , and she said that the only person you can see is Marshall. This was about seven years ago. Now I see him every three months for a cut and he’s done four out of five of my book covers.

So apart from just a recommendation, what made you trust him with your hair?
From the first day that he cut my hair, I knew he was my guy. It’s his confidence and certainty in what he’s doing that makes me feel very safe, and more importantly, he listens to me. I’ve been to other people before and I don’t feel that same sense of certainty.

So apart from just a recommendation, what made you trust him with your hair?
From the first day that he cut my hair, I knew he was my guy. It’s his confidence and certainty in what he’s doing that makes me feel very safe, and more importantly, he listens to me. I’ve been to other people before and I don’t feel that same sense of certainty.

You coined this term “spirit junkie” several years ago, but what does it really mean? 
It’s someone who chooses to see their life through the lens of happiness, so they can have a better experience. To relate this to beauty, beauty begins from within, the happier you are, the more confident, secure and beautiful you are.

What are your goals for your “spirit junkie”?
I don’t focus too much on goals. I just try and enjoy what’s happening in front of me and allow it to get better.

Tell us a bit more about your new book, The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith.

It’s about changing your perceptions, so that you can feel more confident and comfortable in your life. (Editor’s note: You can shop the book here.)

You coined this term “spirit junkie” several years ago, but what does it really mean? 
It’s someone who chooses to see their life through the lens of happiness, so they can have a better experience. To relate this to beauty, beauty begins from within, the happier you are, the more confident, secure and beautiful you are.

What are your goals for your “spirit junkie”?
I don’t focus too much on goals. I just try and enjoy what’s happening in front of me and allow it to get better.

Click the picture to learn more about “Judgment Detox”

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