Lurissa Ingrid’s journey from a small-town dreamer to a sought-after celebrity hairstylist is truly inspiring. This single mom from Upstate New York became the go-to hairstylist for renowned designers like LaQuan Smith and Maui X Lolita at New York Fashion Week (NYFW).
From Basement Salon to NYFW Runway
Ingrid’s passion for hairstyling began in the ’90s. She started styling her friends and family in high school. Her father even built a salon for her in their basement. This early start laid the foundation for her future success.
“I’m a single mom from Upstate NY who had a dream to be a celebrity hairstylist,” Ingrid shares. Her journey took an unexpected turn when she had her first child at 18. This life-changing event motivated her to turn her hobby into a full-fledged career.
Building a Career: From Local Salon to Fashion Week
After graduating from a local hair school, Ingrid owned her salon for ten years. She gained valuable experience backstage at Brooklyn and New York Fashion Weeks. These experiences solidified her passion for hairstyling and paved the way for her current role.
Fueled by hair magazines like Hype Hair and Black Hair, Ingrid always dreamed of seeing her styles in print. Now, she’s living out her wildest dreams at NYFW’s biggest shows.
Creative Process: Crafting Runway Magic
As a lead hairstylist for Fashion Week, Ingrid’s creative process is all about cohesion. She explains, “I need to see the total look—what the makeup will be and the necklines of the clothes—so the hair can complement the look rather than compete with it.”
Ingrid works closely with lead makeup artists and designers during hair tests. This collaboration ensures that the hairstyles enhance the overall vision, creating true runway magic.
Managing Pressure and Building Teams
Fashion Week is notoriously high-pressure, but Ingrid has developed solid strategies over the years. “The first thing is to find an assistant you trust, who knows how you work and can anticipate your needs,” she advises.
She emphasizes the importance of clear communication and building a strong, talented team. “Countless meetings, Zoom calls, text threads, and Google Meets ensure clear and precise communication so nothing is missed. And I ask a ton of questions!”
Collaborating with Top Designers
Styling for renowned designers like LaQuan Smith and Maui X Lolita is a career highlight for Ingrid. “Both designers have worked hard to build a brand that’s so inspiring. The opportunity to partner with them is amazing,” she shares.
Her approach to collaboration is simple yet effective: “I listen to what they want. As artists, we bring their vision to life to the best of our ability, pivoting as needed.”
