THE SHIZ WITH THE SCIZ: SARA UTECH

Brooklyn, NY

WHAT SHE DO:  HAIR – MAKEUP – MANIS – PEDIS – WAXING – UPDOS

I get my hair done in Brooklyn, and guuurrrllll… that hour and a half trek is worth every penny. The best kept secret on the NYC hair scene is Sara Utech. Those who have met her want to keep her to themselves, and those who have not yet met her should probably just continue to read this. I recently sat down with Sara as she tamed my tresses and got the 411 on new must have products, tricks of the trade, and the meaning of life. I mean seriously, what’s it all abouuut Alfie? This is the profile of one of NYC’s finest: Sara Utech, the “shiz with the sciz,” the crème de la crème, and basically the most delightful person in the 212.

Sara Utech has been a hairstylist for almost 15 years. Originally from WI, she has quickly made a name for herself in NYC as well. She’s not only a 1 person glam squad, she also knows the intricacies of making you look natural. If rock star isn’t your thing, have no fear- Sara will make you glow naturally like Gisele Bundchen on a Sunday afternoon at the farmer’s market in downtown LA. The thing I love most about Sara is that she a magical unicorn who asks all the right questions before she even touches your beautiful mane. And if you are just wanting something new and fun- even better. That is what she loves most. Sara is like a full-bodied hair sommelier who cares deeply about your fabulosity and it has been my pleasure to profile her. You can find Sara at Donne Salon in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.

SPECIAL OFFER: Anybody that mentions RhapCity Blog will receive 15% off on any color service or $20 off their haircut

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(RhapCity) RC: I’ve known you for many years because we’re both from Wisconsin. I can’t believe you live here now!

(Sara Utech) SU: YES! I worked for 10 years in Hartford, WI before coming to Brooklyn. I owned my own business and wanted a change. I came here 3 years ago for my 30th birthday and fell in love with the city.

RC: How long have you worked at Donne Salon?

SU: Almost 3 years. When I first moved here, honestly, I was intimidated. In Wisconsin, I was a big fish in a small pond. I was leaving a very stable 10 year career with full clientele and making a huge jump by moving to Brooklyn. Out of all the places I interviewed, Donne Salon was the most accepting. I was very excited to start working there.

RC: Fabulous. Let’s get down to brass tax. What are the new trends for 2015?

SU: I work in downtown Brooklyn, and I’m seeing lots of beachy, wavy, done but undone styles. Especially as we are going into spring… everybody wants a LOB. (Long bob.)

RC: What products should I be spending my entire paycheck on?

SU:  Moroccan oil shampoo and conditioner for volume. Oribe Dry- texturizing spray. Got2B hairspray– it’s in a pink can and it’s a drug store brand, (hey… if it works…) Alterna Concrete matte pomade/wax- great for piecing out or to give your hair a little volume at the base. Bumble and Bumble surf spray.

RC: What are your thoughts on the recent controversy surrounding the frequency of hair washing?

SU: Ha! There is no “rule” as to how often a person should wash or not wash their hair. Yes, it varies from person to person. The only rule is, if you shampoo, you condition. When you shampoo your hair you are cleansing, and you are also cleansing any oils away that supply your hair. Conditioning supplements that. I, personally only shampoo my hair twice a week. I love the 2nd and 3rd day hair look. My hair is fine, so I need that texture, that “dirtiness” that comes from not washing your hair.  But when I rocked a mohawk, I had to shampoo and start fresh every day. It varies from style to style and person to person. Dry shampoo is my very best friend for in between washes and it’s universal. EVERY GIRL should have dry shampoo in their bathroom.

RC: How often do you change your look?

SU: I change my look at least twice a year (on my natural hair). It’s important because it shows my clients that they too can change their look with no problem. It’s just hair and you don’t know unless you try. Plus… I get bored with my hair so fast. I love to stay on top of what’s trendy. I never style my hair the same way from day-to-day and I am a huge fan of wigs, extensions and faux anything… braids, buns, ponytails. I can’t live without them!!!

RC: So, say I’m having a Liz Lemon kind of day- either too busy or too lazy to worry about my hair. Tips for easy style?

SU: Top knots… of course. If you’re not afraid to rock a wig, do that (that’s my first go-to). Braids if your hair is long enough. If you have dry shampoo or a sea salt spray, spray it all over, scrunch and go! You’ll get that beachy, effortless look that’s super trendy right now.

RC: What is your specialty?

SU: I love when clients come in and don’t really know what they want. My favorite thing is to work with them to create a new look that they didn’t know they wanted. I love that challenge.

RC: What are you all about right now?

SU: Eyelash extensions baby. They are huge now. I’m getting my certification.

RC: Any outrageous requests from clients?

SU: I’m loving this trend of crazy hair color. Especially the grays, pinks, greens. Fabulous.

RC: Any tips for up and coming stylists out there?

SU: Be a good listener. Period. If you have that, everything else between you and your client will fall into place.

RC: Where would you like to be in 10 years?

SU: My dream is to work for MAC. I mean, obviously.

♥TESTIMONIAL REALNESS♥ 

“Sara tames my hair like no other. I spent a lifetime fighting my unruly, curly hair and Sara showed me what I needed was the right cut. She’s the only one I’ll allow to touch it.” – Ali, East Village blonde

“I’ve been going to Sara for years now. Whether it’s a specific cut or color I need for a role, or it’s just time for a trim, Sara always knows exactly what to do. Not to mention she’s affordable. If you’re looking for a stylish, professional experience that won’t break your bank, I highly recommend you go see Sara.” – Jake, Queens

“I suffer from an anxiety based compulsive disorder called dermatillomania. Essentially, I pick the skin on my thumbs to the point of noticeable damage. I have experienced embarrassment for years when people notice my hands, especially when I get my nails done. Sara is the first person I have worked with who has never commented on my hands while she is manicuring them. I love the way my hands look after Sara manicures them and I make a concerted effort to keep my fingers still when the urge arises. And when I am doing better, she is the first one who notices. For the first time in my life, I’ve opened up about something that has plagued my consciousness. I have Sara to thank for helping me take control over my compulsion. Something as simple as having this woman paint my nails has changed my life.” – Maria, Brooklyn

“I think the best part about Sara is how well she listens. I’m never nervous that she’s going to cut off more than I wanted. She’s also game to try anything and will always give her honest opinion about what would look best. She and I have been planning to do some color and she’s been so great about communicating my options. I LOVE her.” – Emily, “Guess What I Bought?” Blog

“As a mixed girl with curly hair, there is always a tiny fear of getting a haircut or branching out to a new stylist. Make the LEAP my curly girls! I literally have not let another person cut or style my hair in 15 years. There is no one who understands what I want and listens to my needs better than Sara. She also gives me that special new something when I need it. (She’s cut my bangs, she’s even dyed me blonde!) Even though I’m an out-of-towner now, I still make it a point to come see her. Go see Sara! You won’t regret it!” – Meggan, Nashville

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To book an appointment with Sara:

Donne Salon

347 Smith St.

Brooklyn, NY 11231

718-875-8630

SPECIAL OFFER: ANYBODY THAT MENTIONS RHAPCITY BLOG WILL RECEIVE 15% OFF ON ANY COLOR SERVICE OR 20$ OFF THEIR HAIRCUT

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