A few weeks ago, I got to sit down with Christine Symonds, hair stylist to the stars and brand ambassador for Eco Tools. I had the pleasure of meeting her back when I first started blogging and (Fun Fact!) she is the one who taught me my knotted hairstyle that I wear allll the time! I gave her an extra big hug for that one 🙂
This time, we got to chat about Eco Tools new brushes, hair trends for fall and what keeps her inspired. Check it out!
Me: Since we last met, I’ve become obsessed with the Styler and Smoother – which brush is your favorite?
Christine: The Ultimate Air Dryer is my new jam. It dries hair 40% faster because you get a lot of heat distribution due to all of the negative space in the middle of the brush. It’s a great, no- it’s the BEST brush for the girl on the go. You’ll also be excited because they’re coming out with a whole new line of round brushes that are like the old ones but on a whole other level.
Me: Oooh, what’s different about those?
Christine: They have an aluminum barrel which helps distribute heat even more, so you get that curl and bounce that you want. Plus, it helps your hair glide through the brush easier. They aren’t available to the public yet, but I can’t help but use them in my salon! My clients want to know what I’m using and I just have to keep telling them to wait!
(Yes, I’ll let you know when they’re available- I promise!)
Me: But it is nice that once they’re available it’s something that all of your clients can afford to add to their home collections, right?!
Christine: Absolutely! These brushes are something everyone can afford. I’m such an advocate for finding affordable beauty products. I love my expensive stuff and there are a few things that are irreplaceable, but at the same time, there are SO many other things that you can steal vs. splurge/mix highs and lows.
Me: Not to switch gears, but give me the scoop on hair trends this Fall!
Christine: Well, we saw a lot of people chopping their hair last season… and we saw a lot of people coloring their hair all different crazy shades. This year, I think it’s all about people growing out their lengths and creating lots of texture and versatility with their hair. As for color, I think we’ll see less of it in the fashion world, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we continue to see it in the real world – pink highlights, pastel tones – it’s fun for people to experiment and feel edgy in a very temporary way.
Me: What about hair styles now that it’s “Back to School” season?
Christine: At EcoTools, we actually like to call it “Back to Routine!” Everyone’s vacations are over, they’re bringing kids to school and workloads are piling up at the office; so having go-to hairstyles that are quick, easy and accessible are more important than ever. That’s why the EcoTools brushes have the vents that dry hair faster – so we can all get out that door! As for styles, I think it all comes back to texture. A simple pony tail can be amped up by adding accessories or adding a braid or twist into the mix. (Watch her tutorial here!)
Me: In Chicago, we love hats – plus we have to wear them when it starts to get chilly. Any tips on how to wear your hair with them?
Christine: I will always love the hair down, floppy hat, 70s inspired Boho look; but I also love seeing 2 braids on either side, fish tails, loose twists with lots of texture, stuff like that. There’s also a new take on the braid that I’ve been seeing recently. Just braid about halfway down but then stop and tie it off with a hair tie. Loosen the braid a little, put a hat on top and you’re good to go.
Me: Where do you find your inspiration?
Christine: I get LOST on YouTube. Fashion magazines are great, but YouTube and blogs are really where you can see what everyone is actually doing. Mane Addicts is probably my favorite, but honestly, I love jumping around from video to video to see what strikes me.
Me: What is the #1 mistake people make when doing their own at-home blow out?
Christine: I think it’s that a lot of people are using tools that are old that they haven’t re-invested in. When people tell me that their blowouts don’t last anymore, sometimes it’s as simple as just getting a new brush. A lot of us (myself included) hang on to tools and products for way too long, and sometimes just renewing your kit can make all the difference.
Thanks so much to Christine for these tips! Never tried EcoTools before? Honestly, I’ve been using their hair brushes and makeup brushes since I first met Christine about a year and a half ago and I love them – seriously, they are the best and most affordable products I’ve ever tried. Check out some of my faves below!
