Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Weller.
Hi Lisa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? How did you get your start?
I got my start in San Antonio and moved to New York city early in my career. I was seeking to grow my skills and had a dream of working as an editorial hair stylist on photoshoots and backstage during fashion weeks. I had the opportunity to train with industry leaders while living in New York. The relationships and friendships I made opened doors for me to work runway shows.
What was the driving force for opening your own salon?
When I returned to San Antonio in 2008 I had a vision for the environment I wanted to work in. Nothing like it existed yet. Funnily enough, I only meant for it to be a studio with a stylist or two initially. Today, we have a team of 16 hair stylists across expert, advanced, and emerging levels, along with apprentices and assistants.
What has the experience been like working backstage?
For the last 15 years, I’ve styled hair at shows in London, Milan, and Paris for brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Dior, Celine, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. It’s been a wild, beautiful ride. Every season brings something new, and I’ve learned so much from being surrounded by that level of artistry.
What aspects of your work feel most rewarding?
Some of the most rewarding parts of my work lately have been mentorship. I really care about hair stylists being able to create a future for themselves through their work. It’s been amazing to watch our team do things like buy a house with their success at Twirl. When I’m off at location, our expert hair stylists are in charge. It means a lot to have a team you can trust and they are essential to Twirl’s success.
Are there any new endeavors you’re especially excited about right now?
Most recently, my work has expanded into celebrity red carpet styling. I assisted Mara Roszak on Zoe Saldaña’s Oscars look and Adir Abergel on Nicole Kidman’s look for the Vanity Fair cover. I’ve also assisted on looks for the Cannes Film Festival, Golden Globes, Emmys, and SAG Awards. I’ve just been confirmed to work with Mara and Zoe again for the 2025 Met Gala, and I can’t wait to see how this year’s theme takes shape.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges you’ve faced in your career? What don’t tell people about working backstage?
It’s not always as glamorous as it looks though. I’ve carried bags through the streets of Paris on no sleep. Then there are moments like my first summer in Capri with Dolce & Gabbana that felt like a dream. There’s a real sense of pride knowing your hands helped bring that vision to life. It makes the long hours and hard days feel deeply worth it.
What are some things you wish you knew before opening your salon?
Before I even opened Twirl, the biggest hurdle was getting the water system approved. It took more time and money than I expected. It wasn’t easy, but it made me even more committed to making the salon a success. if you’re planning to open a salon, build in time for city approvals and talk to a good plumber early on.
What are some lessons you’ve learned?
People and cultural fit matter. We’ve built a close knit team that shows up for each other and for the incredible women, families and friends we serve. I’m so grateful for where we are and thoughtful about what comes next. At this stage in my career, I’m more selective about where I spend my efforts. We still have room for maybe one or two more hair stylists, but only if they’re the right fit. I’ve learned to surround yourself with people who believe in your vision.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a full service boutique salon. We put an emphasis on personalization. Our specialties include hand-painted balayage highlights, cutting from long layers and pixie cuts, and glam styling. We cater to all textures and hair types, including curls.
How do you approach finding the right look for someone?
Part of what makes Twirl Salon special is how we take the time to see and consider the details for our clients. I believe in highlighting the best of every person that sits in our chairs. Our approach is to emphasize their features, hair type and also think about the future of their hair. We can do a lot to change a person’s look but we focus more on celebrating the individual, than trying to look like someone else. It’s not a cookie cutter approach. It requires the eye to know what to look for, but starts with recognizing the beauty within every individual.
Can you tell us about how you train and mentor stylists at Twirl?
Training to the highest standard has always been a priority. I created a world class program at Twirl Salon to ensure every stylist is fully prepared before they take paying clients. Our guests know they can trust their hair in the hands of our team. The most experienced stylists in the salon now lead the program, mentoring emerging talent and guiding in-salon education. Education has always been at the heart of what we do.
Your motto is “Love is Beauty.” What does that philosophy mean to you and your team?
It’s this idea that everything we do to make ourselves beautiful on the outside is lost without beauty on the inside. This philosophy informs how we care for clients and unite as a team of stylists. They are a huge part of the positive atmosphere we have at Twirl. Seeing the way they make clients feel about themselves and light up with excitement makes me proud. It’s one of the most rewarding aspects of my work!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in nutrition before pursuing hair styling. Some people are surprised to learn that, but I’ve always felt it was a natural progression. Hair health is something I emphasize with both my team and our clients. Hair that shines is hydrated and less prone to breakage. I try to educate my stylists on using products that promote healthy hair, and I even refined my balayage technique to help keep the hair as strong and healthy as possible. Most of our products are clean, including Kevin Murphy ammonia free color and lighteners, as well as product cleansers and styling lines like Blu & Green and RŌZ.
Contact Info:
- Website: twirlhair.com
- Instagram: @twirlsalon , @lolatwirls
Red Carpet Glam
A magical red carpet of Marinaruy Barbosa with hair styled by Jacob Rrozenberg, with Lisa Weller assisting, for The 77th Annual Cannes Film Festival
Selfie with the Stars
Maria Sharapova and Lisa Weller, assistant to Hair by Adir, snap a selfie at the 2024 Met Gala
The Iconic Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Candice Swanepoel backstage at the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, with Lisa Weller assisting Duffy on hair.
Allure Social Feature
Featured by Allure, Lisa shares her tips for creating nighttime waves.
Kendall Jenner Getting Styled
Kendall Jenner backstage at Off-White SS19, with Lisa Weller assisting.
Stylists at Work
Creating waves with a marcel iron, Lisa gets a client ready with help from one of the Twirl assistants for a gala event in San Antonio
Happy to Be Here
A candid moment of Lisa and her client sharing a laugh in between painting balayage highlights.
Hair Styling for the Fiesta Court
Lisa puts curls in place for the Mistress of the Robes, getting the royal treatment ahead of Fiesta San Antonio’s major event, the Coronation of the Queen.
Elegant Bridal Portrait
A timeless, elegant look for a stunning bride and Twirl client.
Styling for Summer Collection
Lisa backstage for designer Johanna Ortiz summer collection.
Teamwork Makes the Difference
This glam squad brought Johanna Ortiz’s hair vision to life, with Lisa Weller on Key Hair and Jade Dagsaan on Key Makeup.
Hair Stylists Celebrating
The team at Twirl Salon celebrates creating stunning looks for a fashion campaign.
Twirl Girls Retreat
Twirl Salon team building weekend over the summer at a Lake House in Texas.
Training in Session
Twirl Salon hair stylists gather around on a training day, conducted bimonthly to build and refine stylists’ skills.
Finishing Touches
Lisa Weller refines the final details of a classic chignon with a modern edge.
The Little Things
A thank you from RŌZ Founder Mara Roszak.
Sentiments of Gratitude
Lisa holding a cupcake for her birthday celebration at the salon.
How to Get In at Twirl Salon
Booking
Go to twirlhair.com and click “Request Appointment” in the top right corner. Scheduling is quick and easy. Be sure to review our booking terms on the site. Bridal consultations are reserved for established clients only.
Consultation
A complimentary consultation is required for all new clients and for significant changes on new or existing clients. Maintenance appointments include a check-in consultation to ensure consistency and care.
Pricing
Up-to-date pricing is available through our online booking platform. Rates vary by stylist and reflect their training, experience, and client demand. Most in-demand services like single process color, one-length cuts, and blow dries are available with any stylist, including our Emerging Talent. Advanced Stylists also offer layered cuts and color changes, while Expert Stylists are approved for all salon services, including full balayage and curly or pixie hair cutting. While pricing increases by level, there are options to suit a variety of budgets.
Career Opportunities
Visit our twirlhair.com/careers to learn more about our culture and check for current openings for hair stylists, apprentices, and assistants. Each listing includes details on how to apply.
