Laura Leigh, 26

Photograph: Beth Levendis

Who: Laura Leigh, 26
Where: Woodley & Bunny (490 Driggs Ave at North 10th St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-218-6588, woodleyandbunny.com)
Services: Men’s cuts $65, women’s cuts $95, color starts at $100

How would you describe your approach to hairstyling?
I’m a sculptor, man. I just see an image and I fucking build it. You sit down, and it’s like, “Whoa! It’d be fucking cool if we brought this shape up and bring out your cheekbones and highlight your eyes.…” It’s like, I think, How can we make you look hot as fuck?

Where does your style come from?
My grandma was really into her hair and makeup and let me put on eyeliner when I was 11 years old—that popped my fucking cherry right there. I was 18 when I dropped out of high school and went to hair school in Tallahassee, Florida. Then I followed a boy to Orlando and worked at Alchemy Hair Salon: They were really artistic and creative and taught me how to visualize, and how to look at the hair as an image.

Are there any styles you’re loving lately?
Girls have been really into bobs, and the sexiest bob is the Debbie Harry disco bob. For girls that want length, I’ve been doing these 1970s elfin-style cuts with heavy bangs. For dudes, I like clean-cut, high, tight, militaristic hair. Very fucking Nazi. I also like a classic gentlemen’s cut, like the ’50s slicked-back pomp. Right now, where fashion is at, everything’s been done. We’re a melting pot of looks, so I like everything.

What’s your favorite hair product right now—your desert island pick, so to speak?
Oh my god, Sachajuan! It’s this Swedish hair line with seven different products to choose from. Also, Moroccan argan oil for dry hair. It’s rad for hair texture.

Hair mags suck. Where do you turn for inspiration?
Everywhere. I’m inspired by what’s around me: music, architecture, paintings. I’m an artist, you know? I don’t think about inspiration—I just live it.

—Interview by Ashlea Halpern

If you like Laura, try… Shaun Cottle at Seagull Hair Salon (240 W 10th St between Bleecker and Hudson Sts; 212-989-1807, seagullhair.com). Haircuts $85–$150; blowouts $50–$110; color starts at $100.

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