SPONSORED by Wella Education, Wella Hair USA, and Davines.
Claudia Patino has always been a little eccentric, and it’s that spark that has fueled her journey in hair. From experimenting as a child with tips and tricks learned from her mom, to discovering her passion in adulthood, Patino’s playbook is one that is meant to be shared.
After initially studying computer science and cyber security in college, burnout made her realize where her true love lay, leading her to hair school. Despite feeling like she had lived many lives compared to most of the other students, she found a welcoming community of peers all focused on learning. There were no mean girls, everyone was there to learn. That supportive environment helped Patino grow not just as a stylist, but as a confident artist ready to take on new challenges.
The NATVA’s
One of those challenges was Wella’s North American TrendVision Awards. Encouraged by her instructors, Patino applied and became a finalist, an experience that taught her the importance of major preparation. She would record herself to improve, and stayed confident under pressure. “At first, I thought, ‘I’m too busy,’ but my mentors saw my passion and pushed me to do it. That support was everything.”
Patino now balances independent beauty work (alongside being a special host appearance for Volume Up by The Tease). Her focus is creating unforgettable experiences for clients, from brides on their wedding day to ‘bombshell blowouts’ that turn heads. Her work is methodical, with checklists, trial runs, and communication all part of ensuring each client leaves feeling their best on their special day.
Patino’s Go-To Products
Her toolkit is precise and curated. “My go-to product is Sebastian Potion #9,” she shares. “I mix it with Sebastian Dark Oil and a bit of Ouai anti-frizz. If I’m feeling bougie, I’ll add Sebastian Trilliant Spray. That combo keeps hair looking healthy, luscious, and long-lasting.” Beyond products, Patino emphasizes that preparation and understanding hair texture are the keys to creating professional results.
From the supportive community she found in hair school, to competing in the Wella North American TrendVision Awards and building her own independent clientele, Patino’s journey shows how passion and mentorship can transform curiosity into craft. She reminds us that you will never stop being a student and you can always learn more!
Tune in below to hear more about the inside scoop on Wella’s Sebastian Student Competition and student tips and tricks from Claudia Patino! Check out our Instagrams here at @Readthetease and @volumeupbythetease.
