Talking all things hair with Singapore-based beauty website Beauty Gazette
This interview with originally posted on Beauty Gazette.
Marshall Lin’s story is the kind of story that makes you believe dreams do come true in the Big Apple.
Like so many others, he moved to NYC from Hong Kong with his family when he was 14.
At 15, he found himself apprenticing in a salon. He lied that he was 16 – afterall, age is just a number to be manipulated – just so that he would seem old enough.
“I was young, wild, active, creative; I love to meet girls. All the right elements to be a good hairstylist,” he says.
And meet girls he did.
Today, Lin has a long waiting list; and has groomed and styled A-listers such as Kate Bosworth, Olivia Palmero, Christina Aguilera and Coco Rocha.
With more than two decades of experience backstage and on editorial shoots, Lin is now known for his signature effortless #wokeuplikethis #coolgirl cuts.
What, in your opinion, does a good hairstyle look like?
A good haircut should show off and frame your bone structure, this includes the bone around the eye socket, the cheek bones, jaw line and collar bones. The angle of the cut should highlight and flatter the contours of your face. A good cut can also strategically soften the features you like less. For instance, the shadow of a mid-length fringe can hide a razor-sharp cheek bone, while a bob that ends at the jaw line can make a round face look more defined.
A good hairstyle and a good haircut are two different things. A good hairstyle makes you feel confident with the way your hair looks so you’re not afraid to show it off.
Which is better? Sticking to a signature hairstyle that defines you? Or experiment all the time?
Always try to have fun with your hair.
As a professional hairstylist, I always keep two things in mind – beauty and trends.
I always consider what looks good on the person sitting in my chair because not all trends are suitable for everyone. With that said, trendy elements can be important to help one look fresh and fun.
Any tips on how one can get a good hair day, everyday, but without too much fuss?
Many people apply tons of haircare products, but still complain that they don’t see any results. One reason is the condition of their hair cuticles. Think about the pores on your face, and how you would apply an astringent toner to tighten them after you’ve washed it.
Similarly, after you’ve washed your hair in the shower, rinse your locks with cold water to seal the cuticles, so that your hair will retain whatever conditioning products that you’ve used. I guarantee that you’ll notice silkier hair.
Also, find a styling product that works for you. If you hair needs more texture, find some good light wax for that extra touch. If you want more volume, look for a good dry shampoo or light hairspray for more lift.
That said, less is more. If you have a good haircut, you don’t have to fuss too much over your hair. So be loyal to a good hairstylist. And love the natural texture of your hair.
As Diane von Furstenberg once said: “What makes you attractive is being yourself, being natural, being unaware.”
Which is better? Sticking to a signature hairstyle that defines you? Or experiment all the time?
Always try to have fun with your hair.
As a professional hairstylist, I always keep two things in mind – beauty and trends.
I always consider what looks good on the person sitting in my chair because not all trends are suitable for everyone. With that said, trendy elements can be important to help one look fresh and fun.
Any tips on how one can get a good hair day, everyday, but without too much fuss?
Many people apply tons of haircare products, but still complain that they don’t see any results. One reason is the condition of their hair cuticles. Think about the pores on your face, and how you would apply an astringent toner to tighten them after you’ve washed it.
Similarly, after you’ve washed your hair in the shower, rinse your locks with cold water to seal the cuticles, so that your hair will retain whatever conditioning products that you’ve used. I guarantee that you’ll notice silkier hair.
Also, find a styling product that works for you. If you hair needs more texture, find some good light wax for that extra touch. If you want more volume, look for a good dry shampoo or light hairspray for more lift.
That said, less is more. If you have a good haircut, you don’t have to fuss too much over your hair. So be loyal to a good hairstylist. And love the natural texture of your hair.
As Diane von Furstenberg once said: “What makes you attractive is being yourself, being natural, being unaware.”
Which are some of your favorite hair care and hairstyling products?
I love my products to feel clean and fresh, never heavy; products that create a lot of movement and texture without too much build-up.
Frederic Fekkai – Blowout Hair Refresher Dry Shampoo, and Full Volume Mousse.
Oribe – Dry Texturizing Spray, and Rough Luxury Soft Molding Paste.
L’Oreal – Elnett Satin Hairspray
