Sophia Corbett is a rarity.  With her positive outlook, infectious energy, willingness to listen, and strong focus on helping clients with a specialty in hair color, you would never guess Sophia is 62-years-young. 

While she wears her age proudly, Sophia stresses that her age does not define anything about her or her life. 

“I work out with a personal trainer three times a week.  I’m active.  You can’t think of the number as an age; 60 is just another number.  I don’t focus on it.  I work harder now than when I was in my 20s,” Sophia said.  “My goal is to work full-time until 67, then probably work only one day a week to keep my wonderful clients.”

In her position as a busy, often-requested hair stylist and colorist at the Headline Salon in Woodland Hills, CA, she is proud to share her experience and wealth of knowledge to do the best job for her clients. 

“I owe my enthusiasm to my long range work for Clairol.  I worked for twenty years as a West Coast Technical Specialist for Clairol in teaching and selling hair color in Los Angeles.  I’ve spent 46 years in this career.  As part of that work, it’s made me the well-rounded woman I am in the salon business today.  Working for a major corporation opens your eyes to your own business.  I owned three salons after Clairol,” Sophia said.  “I like being more independent now.”

Sophia considers an on-going education part of the job.  “Seminars and conventions are very important in education.  I’ve flown to Puerto Rico, Mexico and New York for special events.  There’s an upcoming convention in Long Beach, which will include new products, new things on the market, and every major player in the industry will be there.  It’s very important to be open to new techniques and be educated,” Sophia explained.  “You can’t learn anything new by standing at your station.  You have to see what’s new on the horizon, subscribe to trade magazines, and be a part of the changing industry.  That’s the most fun part of our industry, because it never gets boring.” 

No matter who walks in the door, Sophia offers a listening ear.

“Every head is different, every job is different, and there’s a new story every day.   Part of the work is therapist, because I listen,” Sophia said.  “Getting your hair done improves your mood.  I have one lady who is normally so unhappy.  I suggested a new hairstyle.  She agreed.  A couple of hours later I got a call from her and I thought I was in trouble.  I answered the phone and heard this giggly, happy lady.  She went out to lunch and this man said her hair looked great and asked her out on a date.  She said, ‘I just want to tell you how you changed my life today.’  Stories like that make me happy.” 

As “Mom” to two children and “Grammy” to two beautiful grandchildren, Sophia enjoys time with her family.  In fact, her favorite song is “Celebrate Me Home,” by Kenny Loggins because it reminds her of the importance of family being together.

“I’m happy.  I glow watching my kids and see how they’ve come around and it’s the best to be a grandma.  It’s a second change because I was a single parent raising kids by myself.  I now have all the glory, my grandchildren are my joy,” Sophia said with a smile.  “And, I have a boyfriend who I’ve been dating four months now.  Dating is easier after 60 and he says, ‘You’re always so happy.’  Life is good and honestly, I’m happy to be here.”