As a salon owner, a stylist, a Level 3 Pureology artist and educator, and a proud parent, you could say stylist Hallie Mchalffey has her hands full. Beginning her career back in 2005 in her dorm at Louisiana State University, she now has over 10 years as a registered stylist under her belt and is the owner of two Chemistry Hair Salon locations in Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana.
While salons are currently closed, we caught up with Mchalffey while she’s home in Shreveport, homeschooling her son and keeping up with her large client base through Instagram how-to videos and product giveaways. Looking to learn more about Mchalffey’s career, her advice, and some of her favorite products? Keep scrolling.
HDC: Did you always want to be a hairstylist?
Hallie: “No! I was a student at Louisiana State University—both of my parents and grandfather were coaches and teachers. I always loved going to the games and being outside. I thought I didn’t want to teach in a classroom. Now, I teach every day (joke was on me).”
HDC: If you could trade lives with any stylist, who would it be?
Hallie: “I went through Vidal Sassoon, Oribe, John Sahag, Sharon Blaire, Ruth Roche, Kris Sorbie....but I love dressing hair and I love what Martin Parsons did for dressing hair in our industry. His presentations were fun and professional to perfection. This is what I strive to do—make beautiful hair and be fun while being sharp and professional.”
HDC: What was your first job?
Hallie: “I worked in a salon in Bossier City where I was getting my hair done at the time. It was great for established stylists...No walk-ins and social media really wasn't a thing at the time. I did not make enough money to cover the gas I was using to get to work but the people were amazing and I was sad to leave after four months.”
HDC: What’s your salon nickname?
Hallie: “HalGal”
HDC: Worst hair habit?
Hallie: “Going too long without washing it!”
HDC: The weirdest hair hack I know is __
Hallie: “I can make my fringe area look like I round brushed them with a flat iron...tutorial on my Instagram!”
HDC: My favorite part of styling hair is __
Hallie: “Blowing hair out...I can cut and color someone's hair but seeing their faces as they watch the hair go from wet to dry—that is my favorite!”
HDC: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring one hair tool, which would it be?
Hallie: “A hat, but really a brush...I hate hair that I can't run my fingers through!”
HDC: Everyone should ___ at least one in their life
Hallie: “Struggle. Being a single mother helped shape my drive to want better not only for myself but for my child.”
HDC: What’s the worst haircut you’ve ever had?
Hallie: “I had a haircut that was an experience...I loved the experience, but I did not love the haircut itself. Albie Mulcahy cut my hair on stage at a cutting class, but it kind of looked like the meme with a cat that has the orange peel on his head.”
HDC: What’s the hair color you’ve always wanted to try but never had the guts?
Hallie: “All over teal...I've done pieces of hair and I've had every ‘natural’ hair color....including black and white!”
HDC: Favorite shampoo?
Hallie: “Pureology Strength Cure Best Blonde Shampoo.”
HDC: Favorite conditioner?
Hallie: “Pureology Hydrate Sheer Conditioner.”
HDC: Favorite styling cream?
Hallie: “Pureology Style + Protect Shine Bright Taming Serum.”
HDC: What’s one hair secret you think everyone should know?
Hallie: “Hair is like skin—it goes through phases like dry, oily, growth and shedding. I try to explain this to my clients...you need to address the scalp and hair differently based on what phase you are in.”
HDC: What’s the key to healthy hair?
Hallie: “A good at-home regimen! A deep cleansing shampoo once a week followed up by your stylist recommended shampoo and conditioner...Plus, a deep conditioner one to two times weekly. Last but not least, heat protection!”
HDC: Favorite hair trend?
Hallie: “Bobs! Although some people think they are not great for this shutdown we’re in, I think they’re flattering on all sorts of face shapes and I have had amazing feedback from my clients as their bobs have grown out!”
HDC: Least favorite hair trend?
Hallie: “I don't have one...I think all ’trends’ come and go for a reason. Hair is like art—I do not enjoy all art but I appreciate the inspiration and the thought that goes into it.”
HDC: What is your favorite thing to do that clients request?
Hallie: “Big changes or wedding hair...I always feel so honored to be a part of a day that someone will remember forever.”
HDC: Before you were a pro, what is the biggest misconception you had about being a stylist/working in the hair industry?
Hallie: “That they just ‘did hair’..I had no idea of the connection you made with everyone who sits in your chair. I connected with my stylist but I guess I thought it was just me?”
HDC: What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
Hallie: “I have a real guilty pleasure—I love to listen to Aerosmith when no one is around...Like jump around my house singing and yelling. My husband would die.”
HDC: Do you prefer day one or day two hair?
Hallie: “Being really honest here...day three of day four!”
HDC: How would you define your career in three words?
Hallie: “Unexpected, fast, and mind-blowing!”
HDC: Favorite song to play while working?
Hallie: “Anything Fleetwood Mac!”
HDC: What’s the biggest hair myth you’ve heard?
Hallie: “That it's better to color your hair when it's dirty....it's always better to be done clean!”
Interested in booking an appointment with McHalffey when salons open back up? Follow her on Instagram @halgalpal. Book an appointment with her at either Chemistry Hair Salon location by visiting http://www.chemistryhairsalon.com/contact or call (318) 868-1012.
Strength Cure Best Blonde Purple Shampoo
A sulfate-free strengthening and toning shampoo for damaged, lightened hair.
Hydrate Sheer Conditioner
A lightweight, silicone-free conditioner that hydrates and detangles fine, dry-color-treated hair.
Style + Protect Shine Bright Taming Serum
A lightweight serum for color-treated hair that adds shine while taming frizz and flyaways.
