When you’ve booked some of the most recognizable faces in the world, you start to see patterns.
Celebrity clients don’t care about hype. They care about results, consistency, and how they feel around you.
This level of client has teams that book their stylists. First, get on their radar. Say yes to opportunities that put you in the room, even unpaid ones, especially when a photographer or wardrobe stylist is connected to talent. These teams often recommend people they trust.
But getting a high-profile client isn’t enough to keep you in the game. You have to show up to each and every celebrity gig with the following five qualities, or you’ll never get booked again!
1. Trust and Discretion
When I am asked to work with recognizable names and faces, it’s not just for my technical skills. I am trusted.
Trusted not to repeat anything I see or hear in their presence. Trusted not to overstep or to insert myself into a conversation or situation where I haven’t been invited. Trusted to know my role in the client’s orbit.
Trusted never to treat the clients like content. Trusted to behave like I’m there for them, and not the other way around.
The better known a client is, the more they value quiet professionalism. They need to feel their stylist is a safe person and will deliver without repercussions.
Reminder: if you gossip to them about your other celebrity clients, you’re telling them loud and clear they can't trust you with their privacy either.
2. Confidence and Expertise
What high-level clients want is a competent professional with vision, experience, and skills, who will take control without being overbearing.
They want someone who makes focused choices based not just on the hair itself, but on the bigger picture — the occasion, the outfit, the lighting.
Celebrities don’t want “What are we doing?” They want, “Here’s what will be amazing for you and here’s why.”
They also need flexibility. Come prepared with more than one look or plan for them.
Education is key, but don’t stop at technical skills. Yes, keep sharpening your cutting, coloring, or styling abilities through classes. But also invest in how you think, not just how you do hair.
Understand what matters to your client. Watch documentaries or read books about people at the top of any industry. Whether it’s fashion, food, music, sport, or film — high performance has patterns. Learn them.
3. Masterful Skills and Knowledge
Celebrity clients are paying you to not just do their hair, but to refine how they show up in front of cameras and huge audiences.
That means knowing what works for their bone structure, their coloring, their career, their style, their brand — and executing looks with precision and capability.
You don’t need to make a statement. You do need the techniques and skills to accomplish looks that make them feel like the best version of themselves.
If you’re not there yet: surround yourself with excellence. Work with people who are better than you. Offer your help, even for free.
The right mentor or team will show you what you don’t know, and that exposure is priceless.
4. Consistency Without Fail
Be easy to work with. Be available. Be kind. Be humble. Be punctual, professional, and prepared. Never bring your own drama, baggage, negativity, or ego.
An unwritten rule for success with every client is to treat them like they’re your only client. This is especially true of celebrities. Whether it’s a 10-minute trim before a photo shoot or a 2-hour prep for the red carpet, you are expected to behave as though nothing matters more to you than their service.
It doesn't matter if you’re tired, hungry, in a bad mood, or just had a fight with your spouse. If you arrive with an attitude or negative energy, they will pick up on it (along with everyone else in the room) and you won’t be asked back.
Whatever it takes for you to dig deep, smile, and deliver — that’s what you do.
5. An Elevated Experience
You’re working with clients familiar with world-class, top-tier service. You must provide that same level of quality.
Prepare yourself by studying luxury hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and prestige shops and noting what they have in common. You’ll see similarities: attention to detail, polished and professional mannerisms, responsiveness to customers. Everything feels well thought out.
When I work with high-profile clients, everything is intentional. The energy. The setup. The timing. The way I speak.
Attention to detail means knowing which side the client parts on, how their hair will photograph, how it will grow out. It means being deliberate in how you interact with people, how you prepare your work space, and how you wrap up the session.
It’s never just about the end result. It’s about how seamless and elevated the entire process feels.
If you aren’t at this level yet, look up interviews with top stylists. Shadow people at a higher level. Stay curious. You’ll start to pick up on the small things that make big differences.
Most importantly, start showing up to every occasion like the high-caliber celebrity stylist you intend to be.
Marc Ballance is an Irish-born celebrity and editorial stylist, salon educator, content creator, and beauty business consultant based in New York City.
