Gina Martell

Gina Martell owns Monet + Lilly Hair Studio and works as a stylist there. She has 27 years of experience in the hair industry. She started doing hair as a junior in high school, and she trained at KACC School of Cosmetology, completing the cosmetology curriculum in July 1998. Her training included a salon internship program, chosen with four other students from a class of 50, to complete the 1500 required hours.

Her work centers on dimensional and corrective color, with color theory and complex corrections among her specialties. She works with rich brunette and copper red shades, dimensional color for darker tones, grey blending, and changes from very dark to very light color. She also does curly cutting, including curl-pattern consultation and dry cutting, and precision cuts. Formal hairstyling is part of her work as well.

She is known for bridal hair, including Hollywood glam waves and loose boho styles, along with updos that have loose pieces. Her bridal work covers all hair lengths, types and colors, and she handles wedding day hair for brides and bridal parties. Before choosing a bridal style, she previews each bride's usual hair and comfort level, favoring soft styles with a slight hold. She has focused on Chicagoland brides for the last three years and has freelanced in bridal hair and makeup for weddings. Her work has been featured in several magazines, including three brides in Chicago Style Weddings over the last three years.

She continues her education through state classes, online classes and learning from fellow stylists. She has trained with stylists who studied under Vidal Sassoon and who have taught curly cutting techniques. She is not licensed to use a straight blade for high fades or barber-style cuts.