I met Barbara Lhotan shortly after I founded HairBoutique.com in 1997 when I spied her first updo book at a beauty supply store. Actually Barbara’s book had already sold out and the only one left was the owner’s copy.
(Image of natural curly cut, color and style created by Barbara Lhotan – Courtesy of Barbara Lhotan – All Rights Reserved)
When I discovered the book was sold out I literally begged the owner to buy her book and even offered double the price.
Beautiful Updos & Long Hair Expert
The book was so great because it not only dealt with beautiful updos, it honored long hair, which is originally what lead me down the path of starting HairBoutique. I later discovered Barbara is in big demand for her long hair and updo classes.
Although I didn’t personally know Barbara, I hunted her down and called her on the phone. After a lovely chat with her sweet mom we finally connected and it felt like we had been working together all of our lives.
Paul Mitchell Senior Educator
Not only did I discovered her long term relationship with Paul Mitchell as a senior educator and platform artist, I learned she was from Texas, not far from HairBoutique.com. Two Texans who loved hair became an unbeatable team.
(Image of natural curly cut, color and style created by Barbara Lhotan – Courtesy of Barbara Lhotan – All Rights Reserved)
From that point on we emailed and talked on the phone for hours about long hair, updos, hair shows, naturally curly and wavy hair, hair color and hair extensions.
(Image of short layered hairstyle created by Barbara Lhotan – Courtesy of Barbara Lhotan – All Rights Reserved)
Early Adopters Of HairUWear Hair Extensions
After chatting about the pros and cons of hair extensions Barbara became one of the early adopters of Great Lengths hair extensions by jetting off to a certification class.
When she finished the training we talked nonstop about add-on hair procedures, methodology, pros and cons and even quality and origination of hair.
(Image of dread extension hairstyle created by Barbara Lhotan and featured by Modern Salon Magazine – Courtesy of Barbara Lhotan – All Rights Reserved)
There wasn’t anything she did know about Great Lengths, hair extensions or techniques. Barbara is always searching for more knowledge.
Although she continues to offer Great Lengths (both hot and cold fusion), she’s studied a wide range of alternative extension methods so she could offer all of her clients the very best options for their hair type, texture, needs and budget.
Studying Master Hair Color Techniques
During my own personal hair color crisis Barbara talked me through an emergency recovery.
After asking her tons of hair color questions she decided to sign up for the Master Haircolorist training program which is a grueling process. She is scheduled to take her certification in a few weeks.
(Image of hairstyle featuring multi-dimensional highlights, low lights and add-on hair created by Barbara Lhotan – Courtesy of Barbara Lhotan – All Rights Reserved)
Working With Elie Elie & Studying With Ouidad In New York
When it comes to natural textured hair Barbara is also extremely knowledgeable. During her many years working with curl guru Elie Elie in Virgina, Barbara attended training with Ouidad, the Queen of Curl.
Barbara has nothing but glowing words to say about Ouidad. She has so much respect for the work Ouidad has accomplished in the world of natural curls.
You may be wondering, is there anything Barbara Lhotan hasn’t done with hair?
(Image of Before And After Hair Extensions designed and created by Barbara Lhotan – Courtesy of Barbara Lhotan – All Rights Reserved)
While hair extensions, hair color and natural textured styles are her first loves, this platform artists has done photo shoots with some of the most notable photographers in the hair industry.
What amazes me about Barbara is that in over 10 years of calling her with impromptu questions she never turns me away.
Recently we had a long conversation about hot roots, soap caps and bumping up hair color. Then we discussed the new cold fusion techniques available from HairUWear and some of the latest options from SoCap USA.
Relaxers And Chemical Straighteners
Relaxers and chemical straighteners? Yes, we’ve talked about that topic at length. Barbara is very outspoken about Brazilian and Keratin treatments. She does not believe in them because of the high level of toxicity that hair consumers and professionals can be exposed to.
(Image of hair extension updo hairstyle created by Barbara Lhotan – Courtesy of Barbara Lhotan – All Rights Reserved)
Although Barbara is constantly asked to do these types of treatments, she honors her convictions and won’t do hair treatments which could harm her clients. I admire that about her.
Doing A Hair Show Together
A few years ago Barbara and I attended a hair show together in Dallas.
We spent hours playing with mannequins, doing braiding, hair extensions and working with naturally curly hair. My only regret was that we didn’t have more time to do hair together.
(Image of hair extension dread hairstyle created by Barbara Lhotan – Courtesy of Barbara Lhotan – All Rights Reserved)
I am constantly receiving emails from people asking for recommendations of great hair stylists who specialize in hair extensions, natural texture, color and long hair. I often suggest Barbara as a fabulous option, but due to her constant travels and big demand for her time she is hard to get in to see.
Recently Barbara promised to come to Dallas for three days to do marathon hair work with me.
(Image of natural curly cut, color and style created by Barbara Lhotan – Courtesy of Barbara Lhotan – All Rights Reserved)
Barbara Lhotan Coming To Do Hair At HairBoutique.com
Since she’s going to be Dallas I asked if she would be willing to do some appointments for HairBoutique.com customers and friends. She graciously agreed to make time for a few appointments. I am beyond thrilled since I will be assisting this hair master for some of her work.
I will confess that I would prefer to keep all her time for our marathon hair styling sessions but I know I should at least offer to share her time.
(Image of braid created on long hair which was highlighted by Barbara Lhotan – Image courtesy of Barbara Lhotan – All Rights Reserved)
If you are interested in scheduling time with Barbara when she is in Dallas at the end of August email me at shelton@hairboutique.com. Or you can also send an inquiry to customercare@hairboutique.com. If you prefer you can call 1-866-469-4247 M-F from 9 to 5 pm CST and leave a message for Brooke about Barbara’s schedule.
More Information
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Related posts:
Elie Elie Salon’s Natural Curl Expert Barbara Lhotan Dazzles At New York City Photo Shoot
Barbara Lhotan Talks Naturally Curly Fringes
Lindsay Lohan’s Hair Extensions – Differences Between Sewn In And Fusion Hair
Twilight’s Ashley Greene Gets Hair Extensions For Longer, Softer Hairstyle
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