Mandy Kinn

When this creative and driven hairdresser overhauled a historic, turn-of-the-century house into her dream salon in 2014, she chose a name — Spectrum — that reflected a world of possibilities. To Mandy, the word (and her successful business), represents all the colors in the rainbow…and all the imaginative possibilities that hair color, cuts, and styling deliver to clients every single day. “I take my profession and what I do very seriously,” she says.

Sit in for our interview with Mandy here…and, no doubt, you’ll agree!

MANDY KINN, Joico Guest Artist, Buffton, Ohio

I live here: A small town in Northwest Ohio, called Bluffton

Bragging rights: I pride myself on being well-rounded in coloring, cutting, texturing, and styling hair. That flexibility has given me the opportunity to work with and represent Joico and Iso; and I recently created a “JOI STYLING” format to use in national training.

On my nightstand: alarm clock, box of Kleenex, a small lamp, and an art sculpture that I brought back from a trip to Mexico.

I’ll cry if I’m out of: Joico Crème Lightener…and chocolate! Joico Crème Lightener gets the job done and we use it every day in the salon. But chocolate is MY daily lift.

What I’m eating when no one’s looking: I’ll sneak a piece of bread. It sounds strange…but I’m really not supposed to eat it.

If any designer (or store) could dress me: I love Giorgio Armani for the clean, classic silhouettes; they could dress me any time! But I also love Alexander McQueen, because the designs are artistic and unique.

What’s on my feet: Actually, I’m barefoot right now, with a Celtic tattoo on my right foot and really cute polish and design on my toenails. But normally I would be wearing a pair of cute shoes that probably have a heel. I love shoes!

Can’t live without: Mascara. I have to have it on even when I’m not wearing any other makeup.

My influencers: My biggest personal influencers are my parents. They’ve always taught me to work hard and always give 110%. The words “I can’t” were not allowed in our house. Influencers in my career are the people around me…those with whom I work (both in the salon and with Joico), guests in my chair, attendees at classes, and anyone in the industry who pushes me to keep learning and perfecting my craft.

Guiltiest pleasure: Buying shoes–you can never have too many! (Point underscored in What’s On My Feet, above.)

Biggest misconception about hairdressers: That what we do is easy and just anyone can do it at home. Could not be further from the truth.

Why hair?: I get to be creative, and every day is different. I love seeing how what we do can make a difference in how people feel about themselves.

What I’m known best for: Being an extremely hard worker, and kind-hearted.

Oddest job: Working on the family farm, picking up rocks in the fields.

If not hair: I think I would enjoy being an event/wedding planner. I’d still get to be creative, and each job would be different.

The hair I never want to see again: The mullet! I don’t care how pretty or handsome you are, that hairstyle is not flattering.

What’s been your most joi-ful professional hair moment?: I don’t think there’s a specific one I can name. But every time I bring a smile to someone’s face when they see themselves in the mirror after I do their hair is a joi-ful hair moment for me.

This hairstyle/color will never bore me: The use of the bright Color Intensity shades will never be boring. There are so many different combinations and placement possibilities.

Best advice ever: You may not like all the trends in fashion/hair, but if you don’t learn them and embrace them, you’ll be left behind.

What’s playing in my salon: A radio station that plays a wide range of genres and several different decades of music. A little something for everyone.

Tool/product I’m always reaching for: I love Joico’s Texture Boost. I use it every day on everyone, because it’s great for all different lengths and textures of hair.

“I’ve made it” moment: I think I’m still working towards that milestone. But there are several “I did it” moments that are getting me closer to it!

Fusion Technique:

Formula 1: 3 parts Clear + 1 part Mermaid Blue
Formula 2: Clear
Formula 3: 4 parts Clear + 1 part Sapphire
Formula 4: 3 parts Clear + 1 part Light Purple
Base Formula: B9 + Chrome Activator

Step 1: Section out horseshoe section on top from growth pattern in crown towards each temple. It should not go below the recession area. Pre-lighten to a level 10 with Joico Crème Lightener + 10 vol. with back to back diagonal slices. Leave out ½” at the hairline.
Shampoo, condition and blow dry the hair.

Step 2: Re-section out the horseshoe section. Start in crown area and take a 2 back to back slices and apply Formula 1

Step 3: Take back to back slices and shade shift Formula 1 and Formula 2 for 3 to 4 foils (each foil shift the Formula 2 lower down the strand)

Step 4: Take back to back slices and shade shift Formula 3 and Formula 4 for 3 to 4 foils

Step 5: Take 2 back to back slices of Formula 4

Step 6: Apply Base Formula and process for 20 minutes.

Axle Technique:

Formula 1: ¾ INS +1/4 INB + 10 vol. Veroxide
Formula 2: 3 parts Clear Intensity + 1 part Mermaid Blue
Formula 3: Clear Intensity
Formula 4: Mermaid Blue
Base: ¾ B7 + ¼ N8 + 2 oz. Chrome Activator

Step 1: Pre-lighten top horseshoe section from the crown area with Joico Crème Lightener + 10 vol. to level 10 (leave out 1” at the hairline)
Shampoo, condition and dry the hair

Step 2: Resection the pre-lightened area. Start at the models right side and take a diagonal/vertical weave and apply Formula 1. Continue pivoting and weaving from the first foil and alternate back to back weave sections of Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula 4, Formula 1. Continue pivoting and alternating the Formulas until the section is completed.

Step 3: Apply Base Formula and process for 20 minutes

Solidarity Technique:

Formula 1: 2 parts Clear Intensity + 2 parts soft pink
Formula 2: Red Intensity
Formula 3: Orange Intensity
Base Formula: Lumishine® 6CC + 20 vol.

Step 1: Pre-lighten with Vero-light + 10 vol.
Fringe area – weave out a section and clip away. Then pre-lighten back to back slices leaving 1 inch out at the hairline
Right side: 1 inch behind the hairline take 3 back to back slices, leave a section out, take 3 back to back slices, leave a section out, take 3 back to back slices.Left side: Repeat same as right side Shampoo, condition and dry the hair

Step 2: Fringe area – leave out a weave section again. Chevron Weave and apply Formula 1. Weave directly underneath and apply Formula 2. Directly underneath weave and apply Formula 3. Repeat pattern until pre-lightened area is completed.

Step 3: Right Side: Pre-lightened areas and take a vertical slice and apply Formula 2, then slice and apply Formula 1, then slice and apply Formula 3. Leave out a section. Repeat the pattern.

Step 4: Left Side: Repeat same as right side

Step 5: Apply Base formula and process for 35 minutes