El They/Them
Curly cuts, shags & mullets, and creative color
Nova Stylist @beauty_by.el
El grew up in Idaho but has called Eugene home for the last 3 years. They moved to Oregon to go to school and pursue a career in cosmetology. Their interest in hair started back in middle school braiding team-mates hair and eventually upgrading to doing friends’ hair, makeup, and nails for school dances and prom. As someone with curly hair, El strives to help every client feel comfortable in their natural texture and find a style that they can fall in love with. El’s favorite service is haircuts, especially anything layered (mullets, shags, wolf cuts) wavy or curly cuts, and anything alternative or unique!
El has always taken to artistic crafts, so when they’re not at the salon you can find them at home crocheting, embroidering, painting, or trying to learn a new instrument. Growing up in a mountain town gave them a huge appreciation for the outdoors and they love all of the natural beauty that the PNW has to offer. From day trips to the coast to forest hikes and lakes, El loves to find new spots to explore.
What are your favorite music genres or artists?
Glass Animals has been a favorite of mine since high school. My parents' taste in music growing up greatly influenced my own now so I love classic rock (currently listening the most to Dire Straights, Blue Oyster Cult and Jimi Hendrix) and other fun artists like the Bengals, Chumbawamba and Enya.
What are your favorite shows and movies?
Growing up some of my favorite shows were Avatar the Last Airbender, Steven Universe, and the How to Train your Dragon movies that are still very fond to me. I like watching suspenseful dramas and have seen all or most of The Walking Dead, Supernatural, Vampire Diaries and Greys Anatomy. I have also watched a decent amount of anime but ones that have really stood out to me are Soul Eater, Cowboy Bebop and Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood.
What are your favorite products that you are currently using?
I love using R+Co Candy Stripe Detangler because it adds lightweight moisture to the hair and it doubles as a heat protectant. R+Co Ringtone Gel is my go-to light-hold gel that I use for keeping my curls defined and minimizing frizz.
What is your signature style?
I've never had a set style, but my outfit is never complete without a pair of funky earrings. I have a pair of felt bees, holographic jellyfish, small spoons, and gummy bears that I love to pair with my different outfits, and 9 times out of 10 you'll also see me wearing my trusty pair of Doc Martins.
Who is your dream client?
Someone who is creative and open to exploring options! Someone who likes to have fun and expresses that through their hair and who likes to share about their interests.