A Passion for Hair: The Journey of Madelyn McClatchy

For as long as she can remember, becoming a hairstylist was a lifelong dream. Since childhood, she envisioned herself transforming hair with skill and creativity. Her journey into the industry began early, thanks to her dedication and academic excellence in high school. She was among the top of her class, which granted her the opportunity to start early college and attend a tech center during her senior year instead of traditional high school classes—an opportunity that saved her both time and money.

One of her most memorable moments came during her time in hair school. When the time came to work on her first real client, she was filled with nerves. Taking her time and double-checking every detail, she wasn’t entirely satisfied with the haircut. However, the client later called the school to express her love for the result. This moment instilled confidence in her and reassured her that she was on the right path.

Hair trends evolve constantly, and staying updated is key to being a sought-after hairstylist. Some of the biggest trends today include lived-in color or "shadow root" techniques for a low-maintenance yet dimensional look. Curtain bangs and surface layering are also gaining popularity, giving hair subtle movement without making it too bold or too bland.

With a specialization in vivid color, her work stands out from the crowd. Known for her slogan, "Rainbows & More!" she has mastered the art of creating vibrant, eye-catching hues. When it comes to styling, she has a deep appreciation for beach waves—an effortlessly chic look that complements every hair length.

To stay ahead in her craft, she continuously learns new techniques by attending annual hair shows in Chicago and participating in online classes. Social media and conversations with clients also play a role in keeping her informed about what styles are trending in her region.

One of the most common hair mistakes people make is waiting too long between haircuts, especially when trying to grow their hair. Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, leading to more length being cut off than necessary. Her number one tip for maintaining healthy hair? Quarterly trims, at a minimum. For those living in Michigan or similar climates, switching to more moisturizing hair products during dry months is essential.

When clients are unsure about what they want, she takes a different approach—starting with what they absolutely don’t want and working from there. Pinterest has been an invaluable tool in helping clients visualize their options. When considering a big hair transformation, she ensures her clients think through all aspects, from maintenance requirements to whether the change aligns with their lifestyle. The last thing she wants is for someone to regret their new look.

For her, the most rewarding part of being a hairstylist is that it never feels like a job. She goes home each day without the exhaustion that she saw others experience growing up. Choosing a career that brings joy means she enjoys all her time—not just her hours off work.

However, the industry does come with challenges. Building a clientele takes patience and resilience, especially in a small salon with limited advertising. She has had to dedicate significant time to social media marketing to establish her brand and attract new clients.

Her specialization in vivid color helps set her apart, as does the intimate atmosphere of her salon, where clients feel seen and heard rather than just another number in a bustling establishment.

Madelyn isn’t your average hair stylist. With extensive and continued color education, she takes hair from drab to fab! Dedicated to providing the best possible services and experiences to her clients, she pursues additional education year-round to stay current and on-trend with techniques. Her ability to think creatively, combined with her efforts in extensive education, allows Madelyn to excel in complex color services.

As a certified Olaplex professional, Madelyn takes extra measures to ensure the integrity of her clients' hair throughout chemical services. Not only is it important to her that clients look great, but also that their hair feels great!

Whether it’s a major color transformation or adding some spice to a current look, Madelyn strives to provide personalized services to each of her clients—leaving them with a new level of confidence.

There are many rewarding aspects of her career, but she couldn’t imagine doing anything else. While she once considered becoming a doctor or nurse, she followed her heart into hairstyling. Even though she had the capability to pursue a medical career, it wasn’t where her passion lay. Now, surrounded by friends, engaged in creative work, and bringing smiles to her clients, she has no regrets.

Her journey is a testament to the power of following one's dreams. Through dedication, creativity, and continuous learning, she has turned her passion into a fulfilling and inspiring career.