Q+A with Celebrity Hairstylist Justine Marjan

Justine Marjan is a world-renowned celebrity hairstylist that has worked with the likes of Olivia Culpo, Ashley Graham, the Kardashians, and several other famous names. An authority in the space, Justine has not only had her work featured in top industry publications, but has also served as a judge for Glamour Magazine and InStyle's Beauty Awards several years in a row. For these reasons and many more, we're so excited to learn more about her background and her time in beauty. Read on for more!

Q: How did you get into hair?

I’ve always loved beauty, art, and fashion, but never knew doing hair freelance was a career option. Growing up I considered fashion design, set design, and food styling. It wasn’t until I started working at a salon as a receptionist right out of high school that I was exposed to the opportunities in hair! I had never realized that it was someone’s job to do hair for photoshoots, red carpets, and celebrities. I knew that it was something I wanted to pursue. I dreamed of working backstage at NYFW and creating hairstyles for my favorite celebrities, so I went to beauty school and worked my way up in my local salon. After working there for 8 years, I knew I had to move to a big city to continue to grow in my career. I left a successful salon career behind and moved to LA to assist stylists who were doing the jobs I wanted to be doing. I made little money and worked 7 days a week for years until I was finally able to start building a name for myself and working on my own.

Q: How would you describe your style as a hairstylist? What’s your beauty philosophy?

Nothing is more beautiful than a woman who is confident. I love to make the women I work on look and feel their best. I hope that I can translate their personal style through their hair so that they feel confident putting their best foot forward.

Q: What do you love most about your work?

I love that I get to be creative, create something beautiful, and work with such inspiring and amazing women.

Q: From where, and from whom, do you find inspiration?

I love TikTok and Pinterest for inspiration. Gen Z has such a unique perspective on beauty and I’ve loved seeing what they are inspired by. I also love to flip through old magazines and watch old movies and bring inspiration from other eras.

Q: You spent the first 8 years of your career in the bridal hair and makeup space. How has that experience influenced the way you work today?

It definitely influenced me to skip a wedding and elope!

Q: When you think of all of the looks you’ve created, is there a favorite that comes to mind? If so, what is it?

Ashley Graham for the 2019 Oscars and Met Ball were some of my favorites. I loved the way we used hair accessories in both looks. For the Oscars, we used delicate tiny bows to adorn her chic bun. For the Met, we paired a sleek side part bubble pony with a ton of hair accessories. It was truly a moment where we went for it and I love all the red carpet pics of her whipping the pony around.

Q: What is a moment in your career you’ll always remember, and why?

Working with the Kardashians for the first time, because they truly changed my life and I am so grateful.

Q: What are some essential tools and products in your kit?

I love GHD hot tools. Not only do they perform with amazing quality, but the technology is so incredible I see minimal damage to the hair. I also love to use hair extensions, whether that’s to add dimension to color, length, or fullness. It makes such a big difference in the end result.

Q: What is a hair product you think every woman should have, no matter what their hair type?

Good old-fashioned castor oil. It nourishes the scalp, stimulates hair growth, and adds shine and moisture to the hair. I love to use it before shampooing or let it sit overnight once a week.

Q: What are some of your personal favorite products you can’t live without?

TRESemmé Moisture Rich Shampoo and Conditioner, the WetBrush detangler, KitschxJustine rhinestone snap clips, the GHD Platinum+ Styler, and OLLY Undeniable Beauty gummy vitamins.

Q: What direction do you see hair styling evolving in 2021? What are some trends you see on the horizon you’re excited to try this year?

I’m excited to see more long wispy bangs. They’re so 90’s and so sexy!

Rapid Fire Round

Q: Makeup artist partner in crime:

Ash K Holm or Melissa Hernandez.

Q: Product you can’t leave home without:

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm.

Q: Favorite drugstore find or budget find:

TRESemmé Extra Hold Mousse.

Q: Worth the splurge:

Furtuna Skin Care.

Q: Recent discovery:

Dermaflash.

Q: Brand you wish more people knew about:

Cocokind.

Q: Favorite scent:

Tom Ford Orange Blossom.

Q: Your last beauty empty:

Biossance Squaline + Marine Algae Eye Cream.

For more of Justine's favorite products, check out her shop below: