Iles Formula Hair Talk Featuring Holly Mills from NYC.

This week don't miss our Iles Formula Hair Talk Featuring Holly Mills.  Holly is a talented NYC Hairdresser who has a lot to share with us about the industry and some other favorite products and tools.  To learn more about Holly you can check out her Instagram @hollymillshair.

Chloe Sevigny hair by Holly Mills

IF:  Tell us what you think is the biggest challenge in hairdressing today?

There used to be more clearly defined trends. Today, you have to really understand the person and their own personal style in order to execute the right look. It’s a challenge,  but a really fun one :)




IF:  What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?

Every day is different! Different heads of hair, different locations and teams. Never the same day twice!




IF:  Why did you choose the path of hairdressing and was it easy to fall into this work?

Hair chose me.  It was easy because It’s my true passion.

IF:  If you had not made the decision to be a hairdresser what would you have been?

I was a cook at a restaurant while I was saving money to go to hair school, I think I may have been a chef!




IF:  What is your greatest strength?

I like to think it’s my ability to read a room, to understand what’s needed and execute that.




IF:  Your favorite hairdressing tools?

I LOVE a tangle teezer. The Aveda Flat brush has been in my kit since day 1.  I love scrunchies right now. And I’m super into a three prong deep waver iron I got on Amazon.

IF:  Tell us about your relationship with Iles Formula. How you discovered us and which formula is your favorite?

I discovered Iles Formula on Instagram! I loved the packaging and ordered it straight away. I love the Finishing Serum. The scent is divine and I love the consistency for even application.

IF:  What was the most challenging job you ever had?

One of my very first covers of Vogue(Spain). There were a lot of ideas being thrown around about what to do with the girls hair, two of the main decision makers on set were saying opposite things yet agreeing with each other .. I didn’t know what to do. I had to walk outside and take a breath. I finally came to the conclusion to cut her hair! I took 5 inches off and it was exactly what she needed. It wasn’t part of the plan in the beginning but in the end it really made it perfect!




IF:  What was your worst hair moment and why…. privately or on set/stage or in the salon?

I’ve personally had a LOT of hair moments.. But, the worst decision I ever made was going platinum white. My hair doesn’t lift past golden blonde and it showed me that by breaking off!

IF:  If you could style anyone’s hair, who would it be and why?

I have been really lucky in this category. I love “it” girls and cult favorites. I’ve done Winona Ryder, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jenny Lewis, Chloe Sevigny etc. The one person that would fully complete the list is Bjork.

IF:  Where do you pull hair inspiration from?

I love 70s Japanese anime. The drawings of hair are incredible.

IF:  Your advice to young hairdressers starting out?

If all you can see is your hands and the hair, you’re doing it wrong.  Step back, look at your subject, you’re styling them, not just their hair.

IF:  Thank you for sharing with us!