In Jessica McCandless’s experience, the only way to get a great salon treatment is to start with a good conversation. She never underestimates the power of a thorough consultation, an unsurprising habit considering she has spent a good part of her 20-year career as an educator and technical specialist for Wella.

She has traveled the western United States teaching color theory to students, stylists, and even salon owners, and behind her own chair, she can often be overheard teaching clients the keys to at-home styling. She is obviously partial to color services, including highlights and corrective color, but she also specializes in fine-hair restoration and cutting trends.