Iles Formula Hair Talk Featuring Esther Vasquez

Each week we feature Beauty Industry Leaders who take a moment from their busy schedules to share with us their experiences with hair, products and the beauty industry.  This week we are excited for Iles Formula Hair Talk Featuring Esther Vasquez.  Her aesthetic for styling and attention to detail left us feeling nothing but inspired.

I first met Esther on the set of Germany's Next Top Model. Her beauty mesmerized me as I watched each day roll up to work looking nothing short of fabulous! I couldnt resist to start this interview off with some unforgettable images of Esther and her fashion trade mark look, that carries through beautifully into her craft at 454 North Salon in West Hollywood. Esther is also available for freelance bookings.

To see more from Esther, visit her Instagram at:  @vtgesther

I think the biggest challenge is not only being a good hairdresser, but also learning to self promote and being a great photographer and art director to sometimes get the right shot of your own work.

IF:  What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?

To be honest I don’t even feel like its a "job". When I get to do hair I truly feel like I’m playing all day. That doesn’t mean some days aren’t harder than others, but I’m always so thankful I get to do what I love for a living.




IF:  Why did you choose the path of hairdressing and was it easy to fall into this work?

I started beauty school in high school and I never finished. Then, I went into the fashion industry and was miserable so I decided to make a switch back to hair and never looked back.

Miserable, lol. Honestly I can’t think of anything else I would want to do.

IF:  What is your greatest strength?

I think my greatest strength is vintage styling because I live it myself and have for many years before I was doing hair professionally.

IF:  Your favorite hairdressing tools?

Besides the Iles Formula Serum.... A curling iron and a teasing brush. With those two alone, the possibilities are endless.

IF:  Tell us  about your relationship with Iles Formula. How you discovered us and which formula is your favorite?

I discovered Iles Formula working on the set of Germany's Next Top Model. Wendy left us some to use and I was instantly a believer. The proof is in the pudding. If you are in the salon, using the Iles Shampoo and Conditioner - make sure to  comb the condioner through.  They are such a power couple, and then finishing with Iles  Serum is magic. But on set even if you just use the Serum, you will notice the difference in texture and quality of the hair.

IF:  What was the most challenging  job you ever made?

I know there have been a few but none that come to mind and I’m glad because it’ll affect me for days. I really just want to please every person that sits in my chair and when I don’t, then it weighs heavy on me.




IF:  What was your worst hair moment and why….Privately or on set/stage or in the salon?  

Doing a major color correction, when I was still doing color,  and the client left loving it.  Then, she called me the next day hating it because her husband didn’t like it...

IF:  If you could style anyones hair, who would it be and why?

I would like to style Lana Del Ray - we have a similar feel and tend to lean more towards the vintage side of things.

IF:  Where do you pull  hair inspiration from?

The past. I love looking back to the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s etc. Nothing is new it's just repackaged, so I feel like you need to know the past to know the future.

IF:  Your advice to young hairdressers starting out?

Work hard, don’t talk to much, and assist the greats, because you will learn soooo much!

IF: We love your work Esther. Keep inspiring us.