Meet Amber Wishart, April Educator of the Month

With 24 years behind the chair, Amber Wishart is an experienced stylist who dove into education three years ago.

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How’d you get your start in education?

While I was attending a color certification at the Keune Academy in Atlanta, a National Educator asked if I would be interested in becoming an educator. I hadn’t really realized that teaching was an option for me up to that point, so that opened the door for me to explore that path.

What’s your favorite product from Keune?

It’s so hard to choose; I was trying to narrow it down from my top six favorites.

The new Care Lumi Coat Luminous Shine Spray is absolutely amazing. It’s a heat-activated shine spray that lasts up to three washes.

I also love the new Semi color shades; they are incredible. Keune reformulated their color line and the shine, conditioning, and nourishment you can achieve is unbelievable.

What's the newest, freshest approach you're bringing to education?

I always approach each class as a conversation. I start classes by asking what the attendees hope to get out of the class so I can pivot and tailor what I’m teaching to their needs. It’s important for education to be a conversation rather than a one-way lecture.

What are the common problems faced by stylists today?

Burnout is huge right now. Even though the pandemic pushed digital education to new boundaries, it’s just not the same as in-person, hands-on learning, so I think a lot of stylists are feeling disconnected.

Fortunately things are starting to return to normal, so I recommend stylists get back to in-person classes where they can really vibe off of each other and get that excitement back.

What do you want stylists to know about education?

I truly believe that education is a lifeline to staying passionate, especially for stylists that have been in the industry for a long time. Education keeps stylists motivated and excited about what they’re doing.

What are your educator goals?

I want everyone to walk away with something relevant that they’ll actually use behind the chair, whether it’s a new trend or a classic technique. I want them to take away something they can use.

What new skill would you like to learn (hair or non-hair related)?

I would like to learn photography—I love hiking and taking pictures of nature, but it’s also a skill I could use behind the chair to showcase my work.

I would also love to get into making wigs. It’s such a versatile skill; you can use it to help people struggling with hair loss, or for creating avante garde looks for editorial work.

Who’s your biggest mentor?

I am fortunate to be part of an amazing community of educators and hair stylists, so it’s really tough to choose. I am so thankful for Alicia Dixon and Jessica Bartelucci of Keune. They are my go-to girls when I have any questions or need help facilitating a class.

Where do you find your inspiration? (for teaching, for behind the chair, for personal life)

I take inspiration from so many places—the stylists around me, reading, classes, Instagram—I love learning something and being able to put my own spin on it.

What is the most rewarding part about educating?

Hands down, I love watching stylists have that aha moment.

What is your favorite cutting or coloring technique?

Lately I’ve been playing a lot with using the Keune glow treatment (Keune Semi Color + Keune Balsam + Keune Activator mixed equally together) over highlights. I love it because it isn’t depositing level, only tone. You can get something really subtle or intense depending on how long you leave it on, so it’s a fun way to enhance someone’s color and warm up or cool down highlights quickly.

What is a word of advice that you have for new stylists?

Reach out to someone you admire and create a relationship with them. Having a mentor, as well as being a mentor, is great for everyone.

Any advice for seasoned stylists?

Stay connected and stay educated. It’s easy to fall into a groove and stop learning and connecting with the industry and other stylists around you. You have to stop and savor the work and the connections you have to avoid getting into a slump.

How do you like to spend your days off? (hobbies/interests)

I love to hang out with my dogs, Lucy and Luna. I also enjoy hiking, seeing comedy shows, going to concerts, and hanging out with my family.

Favorite pick-me-up in the middle of a busy salon day? (snack, coffee, music, meditation, etc.)

I recently found out that I have arthritis in my back. I discovered that with a foam roller and a few yoga stretches between clients, I can really refresh—it’s a game changer!

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