When it comes to hair artistry, stylist Brittnay Roller (@brittnaydidit) is all about blending talent with creativity and authenticity. Known for her viral transformations, versatile styling, and magnetic personality, she’s quickly built a reputation in the industry for the stunning looks she creates and the confidence she instills in her clients. “My passion is helping people love the person they see in the mirror,” she says.
Roller's impressive talent and commitment to staying ahead of the latest trends has allowed her to cultivate a loyal following both behind the chair at her salon (@thelabratorystpete) as well as on social media. She specializes in microlinks, extensions, braiding, and gorgeous protective hairstyles for natural hair.
Ahead, get the lowdown on Roller's favorite styling products, how she avoids burnout as a highly sought after stylist, and more. Plus, discover her top tips for growing your social media presence as a content creator while staying true to your authentic self.
SalonCentric: Did you always know that you wanted to pursue a career in the hair industry?
Brittnay Roller: Growing up mixed, my mom didn't know how to do my hair—well, besides maybe a few ponytails. So, I had to learn how to do my own hair pretty young. As I got older, I started experimenting more with extensions and braiding—this was towards the end of high school.
It got to the point where my friends would ask me to do their hair. I would literally spend hours on their hair and enjoy every minute of it. Although I was too anxious at this time to share my work on my social media, I was still really proud of it. This is what ultimately led to me creating my hair page.
I would post all the hairstyles I would create on myself and my friends, and before I knew it, my page was growing and other people were asking me to do their hair. I fell in love with every aspect of the industry along the way—the praise and the criticism, the failures and the successes. Now, I couldn't see myself doing anything else.
SC: What's one piece of advice or tip you've received that's impacted the way you approach your craft?
BR: “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but a master of one is too close to none." I personally love being diverse in my skillset, and my clients love only needing one stylist for everything. I'll never stop expanding my list of services offered, and I'll never stop learning new techniques or styles—no matter how intimidating they seem or how uncomfortable I may be. Call me Jack.
SC: What are some of the products or tools that you currently can't live without?
BR: I absolutely could not survive a day at work without Maria Nila Styling Spray—it's my go-to when blending coily textured hair to straight/body wave extensions. Also, I will never use any other blow dryer besides the L'Oreal Professionnel AirLight Pro. I'm obsessed—it’s a literal game changer and such a time saver.
SC: What does a perfect day off look like for you, and how do you recharge your creativity and avoid burnout?
BR: The perfect day off for me is sitting home watching The Walking Dead and eating some delicious take out. Going out is fun, but after a week of being around so many different personalities, I honestly just enjoy being home doing nothing. It gives me a mental break and helps me reflect on the past week and the week to come.
Credit: Instagram/@brittnaydidit
SC: What's one technique or skill that you think every stylist should master?
BR: Curling hair. Every service needs a polished finish. Perfecting your curling/styling skills can really help get you noticed by clients and help showcase your talents. Nobody will pay attention to your perfect highlight job if the end style is “blah.”
SC: If someone was describing your impact on the beauty industry 10 years from now, what would you want them to say?
BR: Honestly, I would just be happy that they were saying I made an impact on the beauty industry in some way.
SC: If you could invent any product for the beauty industry, what would it be and why?
BR: I would invent a distribution method for prescription-strength minoxidil that could effectively penetrate any install or style—specifically those where the majority of the client's hair is braided away and not as easily accessible—without damaging the install itself and limiting uneven distribution as much as possible.
Most women struggling from hair loss try to mask it, and they aren't willing to go out in public without their hair done. However, without timely intervention, the chance of hair loss becoming permanent and spreading increases, and the oral medications available can have adverse side effects that many women aren't willing to risk.
I think this problem should be noted and a solution should be created. This way, women can treat their hair loss while still feeling good about their appearance—without having to take a wig on and off every night in order to do so.
SC: What's one hair trend that you're excited about, and what's one trend that you're over for 2025?
BR: Goodbye full lace wigs, and hello glueless closure installs.
SC: As a content creator, how have you been able to grow such an impressive following while maintaining your authenticity?
BR: It's easy to get online and mimic someone else, but nothing captivates an audience more than authenticity and real, raw vibes. Just be yourself. That's not to say you won't evolve or change over time—because you should. If you're authentic, your audience will watch you grow and enjoy every moment of the journey with you. Be you and be consistent. Your audience will find you.
