MARIA ILLARI

Maria Illari
Location: Lansdale, Pennsylvania
IG: @ill_hairandbeauty

How did you get started in the Hair industry?
I started braiding hair for people on vacation on the boardwalk when I was 13 & have loved it ever since!

What are your 3 must-have hair products?
Any type of texture dust for massive volume, oi oil, and liquid spell by Davines!

If you could have dinner with one person living or deceased, whom would it be?
My dad— I miss the hell out of him! He’s the person who sent me to cosmetology school

What’s your current favorite hair trend?
An organic mess of texture. I live for making hair look like it’s been roughed up!

If you could style one celebrity’s hair, who would it be?
Zoey Kravitz, she’s done everything from micro braids to a pixie to long straight hair. I love it

Describe a typical day-in-your life?
Snuggle my baby, Myles first thing! Head to work & typically foil my day away or do extensions or even bread and butter clients! Head home and watch a good tv show with my husband while devouring whatever meal he’s cooked for me on the couch!

What’s the one habit everyone can do to get better/healthier hair?
Oil those ends every single day

Do you have an inspiring female role models or mentors?
Cass DeRosa from white opal hair co! She seems to balance being a salon owner and a mother wonderfully. She built up an empire at her space and I find it so wonderful.

Do you have any tips for artists starting out in the industry?
Do anyone and everyone’s hair! Say no to no one!

What do you do to feel more inspired?
Go find new videos on YouTube or Tiktok of different ways to color and cut

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
When a mistake is made, solve it and move on from it quickly. Life moves on and so should you. Don’t dwell.

What’s been your proudest moment in the industry?
Expanding my salon and watching it grow organically.

What would be your career path in another life?
A stand up comedian

What is your favorite Bombshell Extensions Co product?
Hand tied wefts hands down!