MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Rachel Bodt, Senior Colorist at Cutler/Redken Salon NYC
As Senior Colorist at Cutler/Redken Salon in New York City, Rachel Bodt has immersed herself in the fashion and beauty world by working with renowned fashion models and celebrities. Upon graduating from the Aveda Cosmetology School at the age of 18, Rachel jump-started her career at Toni & Guy in Manhattan where she took advanced courses in hairdressing, color placement and styling. Her expertise gave her the opportunity to work with top-notch brands L’Oreal, Wella and Redken, later landing her at the prestigious Cutler/Redken Salon in New York City. We think she is a color genius.
Rachel looks at hair as a canvas to paint on – no hairstyle is one and the same. She is known for giving hair a sun-kissed beachy effect by strategically applying highlights from roots to the mid-shaft and coloring the ends, or by letting color “peek” out from underneath natural color.
In addition to her work at the salon, Rachel has become a part of the dynamic Cutler Color Education Team. By traveling and educating other hairdressers nationwide on placement and design, she has fulfilled her desire to teach others.
Sought after for her impressive knowledge of color, Rachel’s celebrity clientele includes Rachael Ray and Nikki Taylor. Her work has also been featured on hit shows including Make Me a Supermodel and The Rachael Ray Show. She has been profiled in Metro New York, Sheckys.com and CitySearch.com
Rachel looks at hair as a canvas to paint on – no hairstyle is one and the same. She is known for giving hair a sun-kissed beachy effect by strategically applying highlights from roots to the mid-shaft and coloring the ends, or by letting color “peek” out from underneath natural color.
In addition to her work at the salon, Rachel has become a part of the dynamic Cutler Color Education Team. By traveling and educating other hairdressers nationwide on placement and design, she has fulfilled her desire to teach others.
Sought after for her impressive knowledge of color, Rachel’s celebrity clientele includes Rachael Ray and Nikki Taylor. Her work has also been featured on hit shows including Make Me a Supermodel and The Rachael Ray Show. She has been profiled in Metro New York, Sheckys.com and CitySearch.com
She continues to act as a Cutler Senior Colorist at Cutler/Redken Salon in SoHo, NYC. You’ll find her on Tuesdays through Saturdays. If you have seen Peachy Deegan her fabulous hair color is the result of Rachel's genius:
We are so pleased to present Rachel Bodt as our latest Mover and Shaker! Peachy Deegan interviewed Rachel Bodt for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: What is your first hair styling memory?
Rachel Bodt: It was probably when I was about 8 years old, and I would go to the salon with my mom and while she was getting her hair done, I would sweep and be in total awe of the hairdressers.
How does hair color inspire you?
Hair color inspires me in so many ways, it inspires when I decorate or paint my apartment, or in picking out jewelry. Its all about textures and colors and patterns that don't necessarily go together , but that compliment each other.
Rachel Bodt: It was probably when I was about 8 years old, and I would go to the salon with my mom and while she was getting her hair done, I would sweep and be in total awe of the hairdressers.
How does hair color inspire you?
Hair color inspires me in so many ways, it inspires when I decorate or paint my apartment, or in picking out jewelry. Its all about textures and colors and patterns that don't necessarily go together , but that compliment each other.
What is the most technically difficult aspect of getting hair color right?
Learning different in's and out's of your color line, learning the rules and then learning how to bend them.What is the most artistically difficult aspect of getting hair color right?
I think the design element, breaking out of the traditional styles and still making color beautiful and soft. For both men and women, who do you think has the best hairstyle of all time?
Hands down, Brigitte Bardot for women and James Dean for men.For both men and women, who do you think has the best hairstyle right now?
For women I think Jennifer Anniston is just a constant and Jennifer Lopez has really mastered The Blonde for a natural brunette and Men, Don Draper from Mad Men.What is the biggest mistake women in Manhattan make with their hair?
Not having pictures. Pictures are a great tool and always helpful to having a clear vision on what you want.What is the biggest mistake men in Manhattan make with their hair?
The "Man-Light", men who do streaky highlights, a definite no, if you are going to do color, keep it beachy and away from the root.What is the most unusual color request you've ever had and how did it turn out?
A pink and purple mohawk. It was on a FIT student, he loved it; it looked better than I thought it would.What is the funniest thing that's happened to you doing hair color?
My client was eating soup and I by accident swung her hair into her soup, we laughed.What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
My coworkers and my boss, being able to see what they have achieved and knowing that I can at anytime get advice from them is an amazing benefit.What are you proudest of and why?
Anytime I do any makeover or any TV opportunity it is so huge for me. I currently do Rachael Ray's hair and I had the opportunity to do Nikki Taylor's hair for a while, and I am truly grateful and proud of that.What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
I would definitely love to have a write up or ups, in a magazine. Glamour, allure, you name it, I would love to be in it.What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
Promoted to the Cutler Color Education Director and I had the opportunity to make a DVD.What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
My apartment. Decorated top to bottom in an art deco hollywood glamour style. I love it. What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
Purdy GirlWhat is your favorite drink?
MojitioWhat is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
Cabrini 181What is your favorite Manhattan book?
Brief and Wondrous life of Oscar Wao If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why?
Hopefully a salon one day, its part of the dream.What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
hmmm, I go to the gym in nyc, but that's it. I do like to see people on the train in their marathon attire.What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
Doing hair in New york is like no where else, what you are exposed to, the art the fashion the people, just can't be duplicated.What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
Last summer, a girlfriend of mine and I waited in the park for tickets for Shakespeare in the park. They performed Hair. Such an amazing new york thing to do.What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Overrated: the hipsters. Underrated: Washington heightsOther than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
The restaurant column, Peachy's Picks. I'm always looking for a new restaurant in different parts of Manhattan. What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I love doing hair color, I love the design and trends of hair color and I love a good makeover. I'm constantly inspired by fashion and new york. And my job is my passion!How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers:
I'm a good emailer or face booker, so either of those
