How long have you been doing color?

I have been working as a professional hairstylist and colorist in the Champaign/Urbana, Illinois area since 2001. In October 2007, I became a Redken Certified Haircolorist. Achieving this requires passing a comprehensive written, practical, and scenario test, based on principles of haircolor, Redken Haircolor brands and creative color including formulation, foil placement, and color correction. As a member of this elite group of colorists, Redken has recognized me for my expertise and my commitment to excellence. In the summer of 2009, I was accepted by Redken 5th Avenue NYC to join the Redken Artist Network, Myself, along with 46 others were selected from hundreds of applicants to be part of the Redken Artist Induction after a rigorous interview process stretching six months. The pre-screening phase included audition packets, videos, multiple interviews and technical and business skill assessments by the Redken Director's of Training. After being accepted, I experienced 12 days of intensive hands on training ranging from Facilitation Skills, Redken Principles, Redken Haircare, Styling & Haircolor Brands, Business Skills, and Finishing and Design. The training was facilitated by key Redken Artists and the Redken Director's of Training. The Redken Artist Network is a group of individuals (less than 500 in the U.S.) with specialized talents that collectively support a common goal - to gain a commitment from salons for their growth through Redken Education. Members of the Redken Artist Network support that goal by offering advanced training to Salon Professionals at all levels. Training is offered in their salon or at an Educational Event, such as a hair show sponsored by Redken 5th Avenue NYC or various professional distributors.

How would you describe your approach to doing hair color?

I believe that beautiful haircolor begins with beautiful hair, inside and out. I always ask my guests about their past experiences at other salons. I know a lot of what they're going to say before they say it, just by seeing and feeling the condition that their hair has been left in. I believe that for hair to be beautiful it has to be healthy first. I use Redken Pre-Art before all of my coloring services to maintain optimal condition and shine from the haircolor. For more information, please visit my website: http://www.danny-pierce.com

What inspires your creativity?

I travel and attend hair shows and training sessions constantly. By going to training sessions all over the country I have been given countless "little" techniques that I can turn into something amazing. I gain inspiration from the educators, celebrities and fashion leaving me constantly striving for something fresh, fun, and truly unique for my guests in the salon.

What advice would you give someone considering coloring their hair for the first time?

Find a picture of someone's haircolor, with that individual’s skin tone in the same neighborhood as your own. Start with small changes; you may not have to do much to your look besides starting with a few accent highlights. Once you decide on a plan for color, make sure you know the maintenance required and commit to it. Also, make sure you want the change, and know why you want it. Drastically changing your haircolor two days after a life changing event or break-up is usually not the best time. And finally, you have to trust me. In order to receive the best outcome for you - the condition of your hair, facial features, and skin tone are all a factor in the overall best look for you. I am able to best tell you if you can "pull off" the pale blonde with that reddish complexion, or need some fringe to hide a longer forehead.

Do you customize a hair color service for each and every client?

Everyone’s natural haircolor, texture, density of hair and skin tone is different. You need to have color that is formulated specifically for you and the uniqueness of your hair. You can not use the same formulation on someone who has curly hair and someone who has straight hair and expect it to appear the same because the curly hair creates shadows within the form, thus making it appear darker. This is just one example of several reasons why everyone’s haircolor should truly be their own.

What celebrity always has great hair?

There are so many! But if I could only choose one, I would have to go with Reese Witherspoon. Her hair is always flawless.

What's your approach to returning haircolor clients?

I feel that some guests can tend to get "stuck" in one style and not want to venture away from it. If you absolutely love what you we have been doing then that is okay. But at the same time, it's okay to make changes too. I am always looking for ways to "tweak" what my guests and I have accomplished previously with their look. Trends change, so it's good to keep an open mind.