Name: Trent Young
Profession: Cosmetologist-Specializing in gender affirming haircuts and color
Company: Trims by Trent, Boise, Idaho
How did you get started working in this industry?
I got started in the beauty industry in 2007, graduating Cosmetology School at Evan’s hairstyling School in Rexburg, Idaho. I started school two weeks after graduating from High School and was eager to hit the ground running and learning. I was most excited to explore all the fun, creative colors and coloring techniques, and quickly learned I love making people feel confident and renewed with a new, creative way to express who they are through their hair. After working at Master Cuts for several years, I was a single parent raising my son alone. I started taking on freelance opportunities, doing hair and makeup for weddings, engagement and family photos, and dances. I also worked several seasons at a local scare house doing SFX makeup for the scare actors. I’ve also worked at SportClips to specialize in masculine haircuts to be skilled in all styles across the board.
What evolution within your work have you seen that makes you excited to see more?
When I first started doing hair, fantasy colors were sparse. We didn’t have very many options or great quality, and it was a rebellious move to have any unnatural hair colors, as it was viewed as highly unprofessional. Over the years, I’ve witnessed it becoming more acceptable to have fun, unique, fantasy hair colors, even in some professional settings. The general public is now starting to acknowledge the importance of people being able to have freedom of expression with their hair and are more lenient with unique styles and colors.
What role has the LGBTQ+ community had on your work?
The LGBTQ+ community has influenced me taking what I learned from mainstream beauty standards, and to think and create outside of the box we as individuals tend to get put in according to our gender, our background, our size, our abilities, the way we present, etc. With this, I have been able to create wonderful consultations with clients to find exactly what their needs are, how to work with their hair type/texture instead of fighting against it, and finding unique styles that represent who that individual is in a way that works with their lifestyle and preferences. Seeing the joy and confidence that comes from a client after they finally have an outward expression of how they feel inside, it is undeniably the most euphoric work I have ever done.
What advice do you have for our community to utilize what you do, even more?
My advice to utilize hairstylists more is to ask us more questions and share your hair problems or concerns. Most stylists are great educators and love to share our knowledge! We are here to guide you through what can be intimidating for a lot of people, whether it be tips and tricks, style recommendations, or products to save the day. We love to educate and inspire our clients to have ease and access to knowledge around their hair and style.
Who or what inspires you? My 2 children inspire me. They are full of joy, life, adventure, optimism, kindness, and empathy. I’m reminded by them daily to not take myself too seriously, not to overthink or second guess myself and my creative abilities. Learning how to lose myself in play and imagination with them has been the best way for me to stay bold, creative and passionate with new ideas and methods to try. All that I do, I do for my kids.
When it comes to the beauty industry, where would you advise someone to start who has never really focused on it before for themselves?
When it comes to self-expression, self-care is a super important part of that. That doesn’t mean we need to get all decked out every day and spend a ridiculous amount of time doing your hair or putting on makeup that does not feel like you. But it does mean setting aside time daily to present yourself in a way that makes you feel powerful, confident, and strong. Life is hard, but if I can don my lucky shirt, have my hair looking super fun and funky, or wearing my sentimental jewelry that was gifted to me, I feel confident and ready to face the day. You are worth the time it takes to feel incredible and powerful!
What is a must do or a must have that you think everyone should do/have?
I hear all too often, “I’ve always wanted to try that certain hair color”, or “that short haircut, but I’m too scared.” To that I say: Do it! Cut the hair, try the hair color, get the hairstyle you’ve always wanted but have stopped yourself out of fear. You will thank yourself for being brave enough to know who you are and own it in your outward expression. During my career I’ve come to say “A person about to change their hair is about to change their life” And I believe that because I have seen it time and time again when people go out into the world after their appointment with their newfound style and confidence!
Do you have any simple steps or things that you can recommend for people to do that they can implement into their routines?
Start small so you don’t get overwhelmed or feel pressure to present in a style that doesn’t feel authentically you. Find who or what inspires you, what makes you feel powerful and confident, and find small and simple ways to implement those styles, shapes, colors and inspirations to your daily routine with your clothes, hair, makeup, jewelry, or accessories. You don’t need to copy anyone’s style or have a face fully beat, or perfect anything. You can develop your own unique way of telling the world “This is who I am and I’m proud of it.” And then celebrate that-proudly!
What is your biggest mistake beauty wise, and how did you learn from it?
My biggest mistake beauty wise was to not hold proper consultations with my clients before we began services. Someone may tell you what you want, or show you a reference picture of what they are going for, but does it fit with their hair type and texture? Will it require more daily time or effort than they are willing to put into it? Are they fighting against their hair type/texture, or do they want to work with it? It’s imperative to ask thorough questions about their daily hair care routines, the time they are willing to spend getting ready, what the end goals for their hair is, and the fashion that inspires them. Holding these consultations can make or break the outcome of the hair and what the client will be capable of doing themselves once they leave the salon. Don’t go crazy with lots of techniques, upkeep, or products, keep it simple with something they can manage and recreate on their own when they leave your chair. Find what will work for your client to help them feel confident, empowered, and excited around styling their new, manageable style.
