Happy November! Welcome to the first guest interview series! On the Bea's Bayou Beauty (From The Inside) Blog, we love to highlight haircare professionals, hair stylist dermatologists, writers, and specialists that are making a difference by educating their communities on skincare, haircare, and self care. Today we will we be chatting with salon owner and hairstylist Leon Chung!
Tell us about your career background!
How long have you been a hairstylist?
I have been licensed since 2018, I started doing hair on my friends when I was in junior high 2008-2009
Who or what inspired you to start doing hair, become a hairstylist, and open Networkz Beauty Lounge?
My struggles inspired me to never go back and build something for myself. I came from a family where both parents had to work more than one job to provide for our family. I seen my parents sacrifice a lot of time with us to make ends meet. I knew I loved doing hair and I wanted to incorporate that into my career and make a living for myself. I soon found out that I’m actually really good and beyond a career, I can live comfortably doing my dream job. About a year ago, God positioned me to take over the current salon I was working in. I bought the name and the salon.
“ I knew I loved doing hair and I wanted to incorporate that into my career and make a living for myself. I soon found out that I’m actually really good and beyond a career, I can live comfortably doing my dream job...”
What has been the biggest lesson you've learned so far as a business owner?
You have to be genuine for a business to succeed. Pour into people because God said to take care of our neighbor.
Lafayette, LA has many salons, what makes yours stand out?
We educate all our clients on their hair and cater to the integrity of your hair.
Talk to us about skincare & good skin hygiene
What is your advice for clients with flaky, itchy, or dry scalp?
"Condition with products catered to dryness which will most likely be a moisturizing conditioner. If these things don’t work along with moisturizing your scalp with a leave in and oil, I’d recommend you set an appointment with a dermatologist who can further diagnose you and your symptoms."
My advice is to start by clarifying and taking any flakes you may have off the scalp. The second shampoo should be a moisturizing shampoo or something catered to dry and/or irritated scalp. Condition with products catered to dryness which will most likely be a moisturizing conditioner. If these things don’t work along with moisturizing your scalp with a leave in and oil, I’d recommend you set an appointment with a dermatologist who can further diagnose you and your symptoms.
What makes a hair product stand out to you?
What stands out to me is the longevity and ability to penetrate the follicle of the hair without messing up the integrity of it. I want a product that will keep my hair feeling fresh for more than one day and nothing that’ll weigh it down.
As a cosmetologist, do you have any products you can't live without in your salon?
I can’t live without Paul Mitchell, Kendra, Amika, Moroccan Oil, and Mizani. All my favorites and i incorporate them in almost every single service.
What's your favorite hair secret you can share with us?
Don’t wash your hair everyday. The natural oils help your hair to grow.
How do YOU practice self-care?
I should more than I need to. I’m super busy working, I tend to forget to take care of me. It’s a working progress.
MORE ABOUT LEON CHUNG
Leon Chung is a licensed cosmetologist and owner of Networkz Beauty Lounge in Lafayette, LA. Chung understands the importance of maintaining the integrity of the clients' hair.
She graciously allowed Bea's Bayou to take some photos at her salon and we had an amazing time introducing her to Bea's Bayou Skincare! If you are in the Lafayette area please check out Networkz Beauty Lounge! Networkz Beauty Lounge 1817 Bertrand Dr. Suite B.
