Named, by Intercoiffure USA, as the 2014 Icon of Color for being the originator of the ombré color technique, Kris Sorbie is world-renowned for her daring methods of color styling . She is considered an expert in the field of long hair and up-styling and is one of the most sought after educators in the hairdressing industry.

Kris also holds the title of Master Stylist Winner and is a seven-time Nominee and Finalist of the prestigious North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA). She is the current Redken Education Artistic Director and is the President of Kris Sorbie, Inc.

Kris gave us some insight into her career and what it’s turning point was.

Q: Who influenced you the most while you were learning your craft?

A: The list is endless, it includes my teachers at Beauty School, my peers at the various salons I worked in and teachers of classes I attended. However, if I was to narrow it down to one person it would be Vidal Sassoon and everything about him, his taste, vision, style, eloquence and determination.

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

A: I draw my inspiration from everything: People, art, nature, life. I often remind myself to stop, notice and absorb what I see.

Q: Where did you attend school?

A: I attended school at Chiswick Polytechnic, London, England UK.

Q: What was the turning point of your career?

A: In 1996 I created the Ombré technique, despite people telling me that ‘no-one would wear dark roots or several colors in their hair’. I believed that coloring hair with seamless, transitions of colors merging, had a sense of beauty and resembled animal fur. I asked myself: How could that be wrong?! In 1998 I showed the technique on stage for the first time at Hair Color USA. To my surprise I won ’ The Most Inspirational Educator’ award. Several months later was offered the job I still do for Redken. My only regret is that I wasn’t clever enough to name it at that time!

Q: What is the best advice you have received?

A: The best advice I’ve received, “Believe in yourself”, is the hardest thing to do. Find a great Mentor to guide your career and help you to do so.

Q: What is the biggest career challenge you had to overcome?

A. The biggest challenge had to be when I became Redken’s Global Artistic Director in 2000. I’m still working on that challenge and loving every day!