Personal Style: Suzette Boozer

Suzette Boozer began her career in Brooklyn, NY while attending high school. Her creativity and enthusiasm advanced her career along with a boundless supply of energy and determination. 

Today, Boozer is a celebrity hairstylist, image consultant, hair care educator, and salon owner in Los Angeles.  Her celebrity roster includes Gwen Stefani, Eve, Mariah Carey, Kerry Washington, and Missy Elliot.

Born and raised: Born in Brooklyn and I’m currently bicoastal, from LA to New York.

Favorite item in my wardrobe: My red bottom activewear by Christian Louboutin. They unexpectedly became my favorite wardrobe item for work. Extremely comfortable for long hours and they look great with any black clothing I’m assigned to wear for professional jobs.

Favorite era in fashion: I love the 80s. Styles were extremely classy, with a mix of denim, shoulder pads, silks, and patterns. I believe fashion was bombarded all at once in the 80s and then recycled throughout current fashion. My mom was a model in this era and I still have fabulous, well-made pieces from that time.

Favorite look I have created on a client: I must say I enjoyed working with Eve as my celebrity mannequin in the late 90s-2010.  I did a variety of trends that are still current today. Short cuts, color, soft waves, fishtail braids, wigs, and extensions. You just never knew what the next look would be, and she was an amazing hair chameleon.

My professional mentors: I love Danilo Dixon. We’ve worked together for over 20 years and each time I’ve shadowed him on major projects I learned something new and vice versa. Gwen Stefani introduced us in 1999. She thought we would make a great team... she was right!

I also respect my agency, ABTP, and I learned so much about this business from the best, Timothy Priano. He is my mentor for many reasons. Timothy is a G.O.A.T (greatest of all time)!

My guilty pleasure: My guilty pleasure is found inside a beauty supply shop; it’s like a candy store to me.  I will overspend on items and then immediately use them on my mannequins or on myself to work out any kinks with my styling techniques.

   If I hadn’t become a hairdresser: Are you ready for this one? I’d have gone into Mortuary Science. I volunteered when I was 15 to confirm this as my ideal career. I watched numerous autopsies and learned so much being hands on. It’s still a thought, sometimes.

Every beauty professional should:… continue advancing their education in the field. Education is a tool of success for every profession. Our industry will evolve and it’s important to learn what’s new. Business will grow once consumers see you’re always ahead.

Something you’d be surprised to learn about me: I’m an obsessive organizer. I can organize the impossible—especially closets—and it’s great therapy. I also love to write songs, commercials and shows when I’m in my zone.

Person whose hair I would love to do and why: Someone who is adventurously stylish, like a Barbie, and willing to be a trendsetter! Rihanna is a great face for a variety of looks. I have ideas and options in mind for her.

Why I’m going to be ok and make it through this crazy time: I’m a hustler! As a hairstylist it’s never a set salary, it’s always been a wave. Since cosmetologists are the few professionals that touch people, and COVID-19 is scary, I sit down because I’m told to. This rest time was needed and allows me to focus on what to do next. My mom would say “it’s important to be two steps ahead” so I’m planning my new journey on styling clients during COVID this Winter.