Hair Tips & Tricks with Zoe from Prive Salon

I’ll be the first to admit that my hair isn’t my favorite feature. It’s thin, flat and turning gray (but that’s another whole thing thanks to my toddler). I’ve had some really bad hair cuts over the years, so now I’m very picky with who I let touch my hair. I used to just go to any salon – usually filled with hair stylists who were clearly stuck in the 90s. I’ve learned my lesson.

I’ve been seeing Zoe from Prive Salon and Style Bar in Newtown Square for 4 years. She knows what she’s doing. She stays up to date with trends but will ALWAYS tell me what will work and not work with my hair. Every time I talk about my hair on Instagram Stories, I get a bunch of DMs asking who I see. It was only fitting that I do a whole interview with Zoe here on the blog so you can reference her tips and tricks anytime! I’ve linked all her favorite products throughout this post, but you can see them all at the very end too. Enjoy! 

Hey Zoe. Introduce yourself to my readers.

My name is Zoe Woz. I’ve been doing hair professionally since 2010. I travel from Kutztown to Newtown Square for “work.” I love my salon family because our culture and vibe is super positive and welcoming for both team members and guests. This is why I chose to work at Prive and commute so far (although I am originally from Delaware County). I love traveling, spending time with friends and family, and going to my barn to ride horses. Some of my favorite things are my dog Ziggy, vodka, food, massages, and of course my husband Tom and baby Woz (who is on the way). 

How did you get your start in hair?

I’ve been playing with hair since my first school dance. My friends would all come over hours before to get ready. I was the go-to girl for hair. My passion for being creative unfolded in college when I received my bachelors degree in illustration. I know very shortly after graduating that I needed to pursue my original creative love – the beauty business.

Do you have to spend a lot of money to have great hair? If not, what should people splurge on vs. buying drug-store?

All of my guests have different levels of maintenance and needs. As a stylist, I respect the budget of everyone in my chair. A proper consultation is my secret weapon in collaborating with my guest to figure out the best look for them. If price is an important factor, there are so many different ways to customize the service to fit those needs. Definitely splurge on a great cut and a great shampoo! Those two things are the basic foundation for a great look. You can always build on those two things. Once you have a cut you love and can trust your stylist, you can think about adding other services like highlights or color. The same goes for an amazing shampoo. If you find a cleanser you’re happy with and are willing to splurge on, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll love the conditioner. You can then start trying other products within that brand. 

You mentioned that shampoo is a great item to splurge on. Do you have a fav? Give us the specifics.

Kerastase is by far the best in my opinion when it comes to a treatment line. I change shampoo and conditioner within Kerastase depending on what my hair currently needs. I recently went back to brunette, so I’m using the Elixir Ultime shampoo and conditioner for fine hair. It gives me incredible shine and moisture without weighing down my blowout. If you’re someone who went through a massive chemical process, you’d be best matched with the Therapiste line. Kerastate has an awesome quiz on their website that matches you with your perfect regimen. 

What’s your favorite budget product and why?

My Wet Brush. It’s a great detangling and volumizing tool. The bristles are soft enough to glide right over my tape-in extensions.

What’s your favorite high-end product and why?

I’m the biggest product junkie you will ever meet, so I always have a favorite of the week. However, I always go back to my one true love – Elixir Ultime Oil Serum by Kerastase. It’s a multi-use, super absorbent, oil serum that is great for all hair textures and smells incredible. You can use it on wet or dry hair and as a pre-shampoo treatment as well. The oil penetrates into the hair, contradictory to so many other oils that sit on top of the hair and rinse out after shampooing. Elixir has a combination of 5 oils that will turn you completely on to luxury hair products. The oil retails for $50, but keep in mind that luxury products are highly concentrated and last almost 3x as long as budget products. My 3.4oz bottle usually lasts 8 months for my mid-arm length hair. 

What products did you use in my hair to style it into this cute wavy bob?

Kerastase Aura Botanical Moisturizing Oil Mist for shine, Kevin Murphy Body Builder at the roots, and Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair after curling.

Is there a specific cut or style that you’re seeing a lot of your clients asking for?

The bob. It’s simply because there are so many ways to cut it. The bob is so versatile with its varying length, textures and styles. It looks so different on everyone. It’s also one of my favorite styles to cut, aside from the pixie.

What are this summer’s hair trends?

If you’re brave, 90’s accessories are making a huge comeback. Big oversize snap clips and bobby pins are taking over on the runways. If you’re more conservative, the wash-and-go textured look for everyday hair is great to showcase natural beauty.

What are the biggest mistakes people make with their hair?

Mistakes people make is sleeping on wet hair, putting it in a ponytail when wet, ripping through wet hair with a brush, and thinking that a trim once a year is sufficient, especially when chemically processing. The biggest mistake of all (and most common) is not taking advice of your trusted professional. We recommend products for a reason. The potential of your expensive salon visit can’t be reached without following through with at-home hair care. 

Who do you think has the best haircut in Hollywood?

Lupita Nyong-o always has the best hair. Whatever she rocks – from short braids, extensions, accessories – she always emulates her own personal style. I love her confidence. I admire haircuts with precision barbering skills, which is exactly what you see with Lupita most of the time. 

Best way to get healthy hair?

There’s not just one answer for this. How you treat your hair from the inside out is going to make or break how healthy it is. Take vitamins, drink lots of water, use the best products you can afford, and get regular trims every 6-8 weeks. Also, be gentle with your hair when it’s wet. Gently brush through to remove knots and don’t sleep on wet hair. Your locks are most fragile when they’re wet. 

If a client wants a certain cut and you know it’s a bad idea, do you tell them?

Absolutely! That’s my job. It’s our responsibility as professionals to guide our clients to make the right resolution. The ultimate decision is up to my guest, but I always make sure I give all the correct information and professional opinion before touching anyone with my shears or chemicals. 

What’s a quick, easy and chic hair style for busy moms on the go?

The bob of course, at any length you find comfort in – from chin all the way down to clavicle length.

What’s your signature hair look?

MINE? I’m a huge tom-boy so a top knot is my savior when I’m not at work. I can easily make it look cute by pulling some pieces down from my hairline to frame my face. Lately, I’ve had tape-in extensions, which make my top knot look nice and full. But, I can quickly let everything down for a lax, laid-back style. Without my extensions I’d be lost!

Give us the details about your extensions. Which do you recommend? 

I get my tape-ins through the salon. You need a salon account and a professional license for most tape-in or i-tip extension orders. However, the girls and I at the salon love Halocouture, Hairtalk and Dreamcatchers. Typically, you’d want your stylist to match the perfect color, order the hair, and complete the installation. Hair extensions are definitely a luxury service so they’re a big investment that require a lot of TLC, which is why I recommend consulting with a licensed stylist. 

Hair always looks great at the salon. What’s the secret for great looking hair when you get home?

Have your stylist teach you during your blow out. You may want to ask for extra time when you book your appointment. Most stylists will have no problem showing you how to hold your tool and maneuver it to achieve your look. Practice is the only way you’ll duplicate the style, so be patient. The other side of this is to ask yourself, “Am I using the same blow dryer as my stylist? The same brushes? The same retail products?” If your answer is no to any of these, you can’t expect to get the same exact salon hair.

What are your go-to styling tools?

My Wet Brush paddle brush, Wet Brush 2″ round brush, and my Bio-Ionic Gold Pro Speed blow dryer.

Tips for thickening or giving your hair more volume?

It’s all in the blow dry and cut! Mousse helps tremendously to keep the style, but without a great blow dry and cut, it’s all for nothing. Talk to your stylist about scheduling a blow dry lesson.

Where can people schedule an appointment with you?

Prive Salon and Style Bar at Newtown Square.

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