Meet Danielle Muscia, July Educator of the Month

Danielle Muscia has been a stylist for over 11 years and recently made the jump into education with Hotheads.
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How'd you get your start in education?

In 2020 I took the first weft class available in my area. I always knew that I wanted to get into education and was so inspired during that class, so I began picking the educator’s brain and decided to inquire about becoming an educator with Premier. Unfortunately COVID added a delay to the process, but I’ve been educating for about six months now and I love it!

What’s your favorite product from Hotheads?

All of the Hotheads products are amazing. I have really fine, fragile hair and have tried so many brands, but was never really “sold” on anything until I found Hotheads. I started wearing them in high school and never stopped. The quality of the products is just fantastic—they are super lightweight and comfortable and don’t create any tension, all while giving me incredible fullness.

I love that the three different methods (hand-tied wefts, keraflex, and tape-ins) give me the flexibility to truly customize a solution for someone. For example, if a client is dealing with postpartum hair loss and their hair can’t handle a full head of tapes or weft, I’m able to do half bonds with the keraflex extensions to fill in those gaps and give them that look of fullness, without damaging their hair. Plus they come in so many different shades.

I also love the HYDRATE Deep Conditioning Masque, because it keeps extensions looking and feeling fresh, so you can get more life out of them.

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

Since Hotheads offers three methods of extensions, I’m able to help stylists really expand their extensions toolbelt. Even if I’m just teaching one method, I can show them how they can take a hybrid approach using multiple methods to create something totally unique.

What are the common problems faced by stylists today?

I see a lot of newer stylists struggling with finding their confidence and voice in the industry. With social media, you’re seeing all this great work from other stylists or celeb stylists and it is too easy to compare yourself and feel like you’ll never be able to stand out or make a place for yourself.

I’ve seen this a lot with young stylists that went through their education during the pandemic, because they did so much of it online—they don’t have the confidence that comes with doing things hands-on.

Just remember to always be your true authentic self. Those stylists you’re comparing yourself to didn’t get where they are overnight. Find a mentor, or look for salons that offer a continuing education experience. You will find your niche.

What do you want stylists to know about education?

Never, never, never stop adding to your toolbelt. Whether you’ve been in the industry for two years or 30, there is always something new to learn, especially when it comes to extensions.

What are your educator goals?

I recently joined the Masters Education Team and was able to attend the Premier Orlando Beauty Show. My goal for now is to grow with the Masters Team and eventually be able to work on stage at a future show.

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

My boyfriend is super into snowboarding. I went once with him this past winter, and it was so much harder than I expected, but I really want to learn so we can do more winter traveling.

As a stylist, I watched another Hotheads Educator work with perming extensions on stage at a recent show. It’s something I’ve never done and will soon be experimenting with.

Who’s your biggest mentor?

I have been so fortunate, because Hotheads provides a really supportive team, so there are always people around you wanting to help you grow.

I also have to give credit to my coworkers at Blush Salon—we are a family, always supporting each other in our careers and our personal lives.

What is the most rewarding part about educating?

I love to inspire and help others like so many people helped me along the way. It is the best feeling when you give a class and a few weeks later, you have a stylist DM you, showing you how they took what they learned from you and used it behind the chair. I just really love connecting with other stylists.

What is your favorite cutting or coloring technique?

I absolutely love to do chemical-free balayage with extensions. It’s so cool that you can still help a client achieve the look they want when they can’t necessarily handle a chemical color treatment.

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

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It can be really intimidating finding your voice as a new stylist, but just find your niche and go for it.

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

Never stop learning. It’s so easy to get comfortable and fall into a routine when you have a full clientele, but the products and techniques in our industry are changing daily. You have to keep up.

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

My boyfriend and I are big foodies. We also love to travel and spend as much time outdoors as we can. I also do Orange Theory workouts and enjoy spending time with my friends and family as well.

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

Iced coffee, 100%!

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