Meet Bailey Binder | Hair stylist & extension specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bailey Binder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bailey, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Many people view a hairdresser as someone who simply styles hair. While I do have the privilege of working creatively with hair every day—a part of my job that I absolutely love—my role extends far beyond that. Being a hairdresser means being a confidant, a listener, and sometimes even a guide.

I’ve learned more about my clients’ personal lives than most people might know about their closest friends or family members. The conversations we share are meaningful, ranging from lighthearted moments to deeply personal discussions about their challenges and triumphs. My salon has become a safe space where clients of all ages feel comfortable opening up, seeking advice, or simply finding a listening ear.

It is a profound honor to have so many incredible women trust me—not just with their hair, but with their stories, their worries, and their dreams. This trust is not something I take lightly. Over the years, I’ve developed the ability to be present for my clients while also maintaining boundaries, ensuring I can support them without carrying their struggles home with me.

The connections I’ve built and the lessons I’ve learned from these remarkable women have not only shaped me as a stylist but also as a person. My work is about more than creating beautiful hair; it’s about fostering confidence, connection, and care. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I am proud to be part of a profession that allows me to impact people’s lives in such a meaningful way, and I am grateful for the journey that has brought me here.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Unlike many kids who dream about different career paths, I always knew I wanted to do hair. As a child, I would “curl” my mom’s hair with an unplugged iron and even landed my first on-set job braiding hair for a family portrait at the age of 12. My passion was clear, and I wasted no time pursuing it. In high school, I enrolled in cosmetology school as soon as I could. However, by the time I graduated, life took an unexpected turn. At 19, I packed up and moved across the country to California, leaving my dreams temporarily on hold to focus on making ends meet and helping care for my dad.

Though I found a job to pay the bills, I also found something far more valuable—my now husband. With his unwavering support, I was able to return to my passion, but getting licensed in California required going back to school. It wasn’t easy to start over, especially after completing cosmetology school once already. Still, the experience gave me a renewed appreciation for the craft and the industry as a whole. I emerged with not only a stronger foundation but also a deeper understanding of what it truly meant to love what you do.

That journey, though challenging, solidified my commitment to hairstyling. It taught me resilience, perseverance, and the value of pursuing what lights you up inside. Every step—no matter how difficult—shaped me into the stylist I am today, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A week full of fun would be a perfect mix of great food, drinks, beach time, and, of course, activities for my two little ones. I live for a delicious brunch—Gabby James in Riviera Village or The Rockefeller in Hermosa Beach are a couple favorites. Afterward, I’d love to stroll through the local shops.

As Midwesterners, my husband and I enjoy sharing our favorite local dive bars with friends, whether it’s catching a game at The Shellback or playing pool at North End. It’s always fun to blend the charm of the beach town with a little hometown tradition.

Staying active is a big part of my life, so I’d bring my best friend along for a morning run on The Strand, taking in the ocean views, or challenge her to a Pilates class—though she might consider that more suffering than fun!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Over a decade ago, I was working at a high-end salon in Santa Monica. While the environment was far from supportive, during that time I met Jenni Gucci, a specialist in hair extensions who focused exclusively on that craft. We worked together briefly before she approached me with an incredible opportunity: to join her team and take on all her color clients. I was both thrilled and terrified—unsure if I was ready to make such a leap. But I knew I couldn’t pass it up. So, I embraced the challenge, determined to “fake it till I made it.”

It didn’t take long for me to become fascinated by extensions, and Jenni was more than willing to nurture that interest. She offered her guidance freely and shared her expertise—something that is rare in this industry. Inspired by her mentorship, I took the initiative to get certified in extensions, allowing me to offer the service to my own clients. Over the years, we worked side by side, sharing clients and supporting each other, until life eventually led us to different areas.

Jenni’s belief in me changed the trajectory of my career. Her generosity, expertise, and willingness to share her “secrets” were instrumental in shaping the stylist I am today. I will always be grateful for her taking a chance on me, and her influence continues to inspire me in my work every day.

Instagram: @BaileyBinderHair