He’s one of St. Louis’ leading hair stylists, but one would never know it by talking to him. Steven Preston Kootman, owner of Preston Salon, is interesting, incredibly talented and as humble as they come. From the girl next door to A-List celebrities, he’s been working his magic for more than 40 years. Steven discussed the industry with Clayton Lifestyle and how he’s stayed successful for so many years .
Steven, what made you decide you wanted to be in this industry?
Back in the 70s, I had really long hair and I had my hair cut into a style and I was looking like Andy Gibb. I thought, wow, I was transformed. It gave me a whole new image of myself…I wanted to go out and buy clothes, different type of people were looking at me so I thought, if you could change a person's hair, it could change their life.
When did you first open your salon?
I first opened in 1980 when I was 21. Back then I was young and learning the business from all of the mistakes, which is such an education.
What’s your secret for remaining on top?
If you have passion, success will follow. It wasn't about how much money I could make, it was about doing something that made me happy. It's exciting to just do what you love, and love what you do.
It must be difficult keeping up with all the changing trends?
You have to keep transitioning and re-inventing yourself to stay on top, otherwise, you’ll just be forgotten.
When creating the salon, what was your vision?
Being cutting edge and timeless…that was key. That, and hiring a highly trainable team. We started out as a full-service salon with facials and manicures, but now we’re a boutique salon specializing in cutting and coloring.
Have you had many celebrity clients?
Yes, we've had many over the years, local news celebrities, professional athletes, and even music industry professionals. Some of the sports figures are Mark McGwire, Jim Edmond, Wayne Gretskzy, and Chris Pronger…all great clients.
How about female celebrities?
A few of my favorites are Betsy Bruce, Karen Foss, Susan Lucci, and Nancy Pelosi (and it has nothing to do with politics).
You say that using the very best products is crucial to your business?
Yes, Kérastase and Oribe are my go-to products. Actually, we were the first salon to bring those product lines to St. Louis. I'm sure you could find it somewhere else now, but we were the leaders.
Why is the Kérastase line so amazing?
There’s a lot of damaged hair out there due to over-processing and too many flat iron junkies. The chemists behind the Kérastase line started L'Oreal Paris. These products will restore, replenish and rebuild your hair so if your hair is damaged or you have scalp problems, it’s the product to use.
I like that you use products with very little or no ammonia.
Yes, that’s why we’ve stayed with the Goldwell, Wella and INOA color lines. Using box colors long term can damage hair.
I like having highlights, but why do they have to dry out hair?
Maybe because you’re going to the wrong salon? By adding treatments to our chemical services, we can help keep the hair in stellar condition.
You’ve accomplished so much in your lifetime.Talk about the hair product you invented?
In the late 90s, I traveled back and forth to Miami to launch and manufacture my Eurostyle, the first detachable brush that turns into a roller. I was on HSN and QVC for 12 years, and had a Canadian TV show. Other brushes have come out since then, but none with the same quality as Eurostyle. I was quite busy, so I quit cutting hair for about eight years.
What brought you back?
Miami was great for manufacturing my product and going to trade shows to keep up with all the trends, but St. Louis is where my heart is and I missed my family, cutting hair, and that interaction with my clients.
I bet your clients are glad you’re back doing hair.
Clients from the last 40 years have been coming back, it's great. And it's really interesting watching some of these clients that have been coming for so many years and working on their kids, and their kids, and so on.
Why would stylists want to work at Preston?
For a great place to work, exceptional lighting, good energy, awesome music, and the opportunity to build an amazing clientele.
What do you want people that haven’t been to your salon to know?
Preston is made up of an incredibly talented group of people with 30 plus years of experience, all working together as a team.
You don’t have much spare time but when you do, what do you enjoy doing?
I love horseback riding. When I was young I had a horse and it was amazing. I enjoy spending days with my dogs and my horse.
What gives you the most satisfaction out of everything you’ve done?
Being around my clients and knowing that I’ve touched somebody, and I might've made someone feel really good about themself.