Gloss Angeles Podcast Summary: Secrets From Hollywood's Hairstylist Mark Townsend (Part II!)

In the latest episode of Gloss Angeles, co-hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan welcome back Mark Townsend, a renowned Hollywood hairstylist. The episode delves deep into Mark's experiences working with celebrities, his favorite products, styling techniques, and the challenges of maintaining relationships in the competitive beauty industry. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing all the key discussions, insights, and memorable moments from the conversation.

1. Welcoming Mark Townsend and the Bang Trim Experience

The episode kicks off with Kirbie and Sara introducing their special guest, Mark Townsend, who is in the studio giving Kirbie a bang trim—a task Kirbie has been postponing due to her attempts at cutting her own bangs.

• Kirbie (01:19): "Mark Townsend is giving Kirby a bang trim, which she has been wanting to have happen for weeks now because she's been cutting her own bangs."

• Mark (02:08): "I blow them out first so I see where they're going to fall."

This initial segment not only showcases Mark's technical skills but also sets a relaxed and friendly tone for the episode.

2. Favorite Hair Products in Mark's Toolkit

Mark shares his top five must-have products that he relies on daily to achieve impeccable hairstyles for his clients.

a. Olaplex Volumizing Dry Mist Spray

• Mark (06:00): "I cannot live without Olaplex volumizing dry mist spray. It gives me great volume without making the hair look so dry."

He praises its ability to provide volume while maintaining hair's smoothness, distinguishing it from other volumizers laden with alcohol.

b. Briogeo Farewell Frizz

• Mark (07:01): "Briogeo farewell frizz is insane. It acts as a heat protectant, seals up the hair, and softens it—all in one product."

Mark appreciates this multi-functional product for taming frizz without the hassle of using multiple products.

c. Living Proof Instant E Frizzer

• Mark (08:12): "The Instant E Frizzer is my go-to for instant frizz control, especially during humid conditions. It doesn't weigh down the hair or make it oily."

He highlights its effectiveness in managing flyaways, making it a staple for red carpet events.

d. Days of Dirt Cream

• Mark (10:36): "Days of Dirt cream gives my hair a polished shine and helps pieces out the hair, making it look like second or third-day hair."

Essential for adding shine and managing oily roots, this product is a favorite for quick touch-ups.

e. L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray

• Mark (11:28): "L'Oreal Elnett is untouchable. I can spray it on a hundred times during a photoshoot without seeing a flake."

Despite the general backlash against hairsprays, Mark defends Elnett's effectiveness and formulation improvements.

3. Styling Techniques and Event Preferences

Mark discusses his preferred styling techniques and the types of events he enjoys working on the most.

a. Volumizing and Frizz Control

He emphasizes the importance of volumizers and anti-frizz products in creating versatile and lasting hairstyles, especially for high-profile events.

b. Favorite Events: The Met Gala

• Mark (13:05): "The first Monday in May at the Met Gala is like the Fashion Super Bowl. People take crazy risks and throw all the rule books out the door."

Mark describes the Met Gala as a pinnacle event where creativity and risk-taking flourish, making it both challenging and exhilarating for hairstylists.

4. Experiences at the Met Gala

Mark recounts his memorable experiences styling the Olsen twins and others for the Met Gala, highlighting both successes and unexpected challenges.

a. Styling the Olsen Twins

• Mark (13:35): "I styled all three Olsen twins in one day for the only time they've all gone to the Met Gala. It was incredible."

His close relationship with the twins allows for a seamless styling process, contributing to their iconic red carpet looks.

b. Challenges with Lighting

• Mark (16:22): "There was one year at the Met Gala where the lighting was all sepia, making everyone look orange. We had to make an executive decision to post a better picture first."

This anecdote underscores the unpredictability of live events and the importance of quick thinking under pressure.

c. Collaborative Preparation

• Mark (16:18): "We sit around and have coffee and talk before we even get anywhere near hair and makeup. It's a nice afternoon getting ready."

The collaborative and relaxed preparation process ensures that clients are comfortable and ready for their big moments.

5. Listener Questions and Professional Advice

The hosts present a series of listener-submitted questions, to which Mark provides detailed and practical answers based on his extensive experience.

a. Best Products and Techniques for Holding Curls (19:28)

• Mark: "For paper straight hair, using a smaller barrel curling iron helps hold the curl longer. I also recommend a volumizer for added hold."

He suggests techniques like using an airwrap for tight curls and emphasizes the importance of product choice based on hair porosity and texture.

b. Styling Second-Day Hair Quickly (21:50)

• Mark: "Start with dry shampoo on day two to refresh the roots, then use a flat brush with dry shampoo to reduce frizz. Finish with a large barrel curling iron for quick waves."

This advice is particularly useful for those with fine, frizzy, or wavy hair needing a fast refresh.

c. Favorite Brushes for Healthy Hair (22:58)

• Mark: "A Mason Pearson brush is excellent for distributing natural oils from the scalp to the ends, promoting healthy hair."

He also praises Sonia Kashuk brushes available at Target as effective and affordable alternatives.

6. Working with Celebrity Clients vs. Non-Celebrity Clients

Mark opens up about the realities of being a celebrity hairstylist, addressing the glamour and the underlying challenges.

a. The Competitive Nature of Celebrity Styling

• Mark (23:53): "Being a celebrity stylist isn't as glamorous as it looks on Instagram. It's extremely competitive, and you often face rejection."

He highlights the intense competition and the emotional toll of losing clients to other stylists.

b. Maintaining Professional Relationships

• Mark (25:34): "I lost half of my clientele the first year Jennifer Lawrence went to award shows because I couldn't commit to her demanding schedule."

This personal story illustrates the sacrifices and tough decisions hairstylists must make to balance client relationships and career opportunities.

c. Industry Dynamics and Agency Influence

• Mark (38:31): "Many hair and makeup agencies are being bought by bigger firms, which diminishes individual negotiation power for stylists."

He discusses the shift towards agency-dominated teams, limiting hairstylists' autonomy and control over their careers.

7. Memorable Moments and Anecdotes

Mark shares some of his most unforgettable moments in the industry, blending humor with insightful lessons.

a. The Camel Incident with Penelope Cruz (31:03)

• Mark (31:09): "Penelope Cruz at the premiere of Sahara had ginormous teased hair, and a camel tried to eat her hair as she walked down the carpet. It was both hilarious and a hair emergency!"

This story not only entertains but also highlights the unpredictable nature of styling high-profile clients under variable weather conditions.

b. The Importance of Adaptability

• Mark (27:58): "We used latex to glue a crystal belt to Ashley's back in 2009, creating an unforgettable look. Adaptability and creativity are key in our line of work."

Such instances underscore the necessity for hairstylists to think outside the box and adapt to unconventional styling requests.

8. Navigating Industry Challenges and Future Outlook

Towards the end of the episode, Mark reflects on the evolving landscape of the beauty industry and offers advice to aspiring hairstylists.

a. Embracing Change and Continuous Learning

Mark emphasizes the importance of staying updated with trends, technologies, and maintaining flexibility in one's career approach.

b. Building Strong Client Relationships

• Mark (35:09): "Treat every day like it's your last day with a client. Do your best work and enjoy the moment, so that even if a client moves on, you leave a lasting impression."

This mindset fosters long-term professional relationships and opens doors to future opportunities.

Conclusion: Gratitude and Looking Forward

As the episode wraps up, Kirbie and Sara express their gratitude towards Mark for sharing his invaluable insights and entertaining stories.

• Kirbie (41:26): "They look amazing. I'll be bothering you soon when my trim is."

• Sara (41:31): "Thank you for sharing all of your fascinating stories with us. We adore you."

Mark reciprocates the appreciation, hinting at future appearances and collaborations.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Townsend (05:09): "I am the only hairstylist, really on the planet that can talk about their hair with any kind of integrity, like any kind of firsthand knowledge."

• Mark Townsend (16:38): "Everybody looked bad due to the lighting situation, so I threw the better picture up to ensure better representation."

• Mark Townsend (38:17): "Publicists are looking at our social media posts as it’s now expected to showcase the work publicly."

This episode of Gloss Angeles provides listeners with an insider's view into the glamorous yet demanding world of celebrity hairstyling. Mark Townsend's candid discussions offer valuable lessons on professionalism, creativity, and resilience in the beauty industry.