Meet Raine Kittelstad

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Raine Kittelstad. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Raine, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

For me, creativity comes from responsibly taking on new challenges. If a client’s request is something I haven’t done before, but I know I can keep their hair healthy while delivering the service, that’s where the magic starts. I go back to my foundation—what I know works—then I start playing, testing, and refining. That little spark of fear when you’re stepping into something new? That’s what pushes you into creativity. If you never take on something different, you stay stuck in what you already know.

When I know I can apply extensions safely and maintain hair health, I start thinking beyond the basics—how can we enhance this with color, texture, or placement? Creativity isn’t about taking risks just for the sake of it—it’s about pushing the boundaries while doing right by your client.

I also pull inspiration directly from my clients. Listening to their needs, figuring out how to bring their vision to life, and opening doors to new possibilities fuels my creativity. Every head of hair is different, every goal is unique, and I never assume I know it all. The moment you stop learning, you stop growing.

If you’re not evolving in this industry, you’re getting left behind. Burnout is real, and so is watching other stylists pass you by. Clients are more informed than ever—if they know other options exist, why wouldn’t you? I can’t imagine being okay with offering less than what’s possible.

The hair industry is glamorous, and from the outside, it can look effortless. Social media makes transformations seem like they happen in seconds, but extensions are far more than a technical skill. They’re a specialty service that requires depth, precision, and understanding. Hair health, medications, and lifestyle all play a role. A poorly applied extension isn’t just a bad look—it can cause serious, lasting damage.

I’ve seen it firsthand—clients coming to me after having their hair completely wrecked by stylists who treated extensions like a one-size-fits-all service. Some walked away with two inches of hair left on their scalp, others were recovering from chemo and needed a stylist who truly understood the delicacy of their situation. This is why education matters. If you’re only trained in one or two methods and trying to force them onto every client, you’re not just limiting yourself—you’re harming the people who trust you with their hair.

Creativity and responsibility go hand in hand. You have to keep learning, keep pushing, and stay ahead—not just for yourself, but for the people sitting in your chair.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a Master Hair Extensionist based in Central Florida, specializing in Great Lengths, TSE, Cold + Thermal Fusion, Genius Sew-In (Hidden), and Designer Hair Extensions. My work isn’t just about adding length—it’s about creating seamless, high-end transformations that give my clients the confidence to show up as their best selves.

What makes my work special is that I approach every client’s hair with integrity, artistry, and precision. I’m not here to give a one-size-fits-all service. I customize every extension install based on hair health, lifestyle, and personal goals, ensuring that the process not only looks flawless but also promotes healthy hair growth. As a Correctionist, I also work with clients who have had bad extension experiences, helping them recover their hair and confidence.

Beyond working behind the chair, I’m also a Certified Educator committed to raising the standard in the hair extension industry. The reality is, there are so many stylists out there who see extensions as just a quick technical skill, when in reality, it’s a specialty that requires deep knowledge, the right techniques, and a true understanding of hair health. That’s why I’m so passionate about education and mentorship—to ensure that more stylists are offering high-quality, damage-free work that protects their clients’ hair.

Right now, I’m gearing up for my biggest event yet—Iconic Bonds Retreat, happening June 27-29, 2025, at The Brazilian Court Hotel in Palm Beach. This luxury, high-level experience is designed for extensionists who are ready to elevate their craft, learn the latest techniques (including Cold Fusion Keratin Bonds), and gain the business and branding strategies to stand out in this industry.

I’ve teamed up with hair extension industry icon, Tiffany Scott and personal brand coach David Allen Tracy to bring stylists the most cutting-edge hair extension education, personal brand development, and business growth strategies. This event will include:

– Advanced hands-on training in cold fusion, custom bonding, and color design
– 1:1 coaching with personal branding expert David Allen Tracy
– Live podcast recording featuring industry leaders
– Luxury portrait photoshoots for personal branding
– An intimate, high-end networking experience with like-minded professionals

If you’re a stylist looking to grow your skills, business, and brand, this retreat is where you need to be. Spots are limited, and I’d love to see you there.

More details here: https://www.strandsofraine.com/iconic-bonds-retreat

At the end of the day, I’m here to help women feel beautiful, confident, and powerful—whether they’re sitting in my chair or learning in my classroom. That’s what fuels everything I do.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, there are three things that have been absolutely essential—not just for growing my business, but for keeping my passion alive and staying grounded in my purpose.

1. Integrity

Having integrity in your business will always serve you. It protects your reputation, builds trust, and allows you to sleep at night knowing you did right by your clients. In an industry where shortcuts can be tempting, choosing the right way over the easy way is what will set you apart. People notice when you stand by your work, and word travels fast—your name in this industry is everything.

Advice:

Make every decision in your business based on what is best for your client’s hair health and long-term results. If something doesn’t align with your ethics, say no—your integrity is worth more than a quick paycheck.

2. Diligence

It’s easy to get comfortable once you’ve been doing this for a while, but the second you start slacking, your work suffers. You have to be obsessed with quality. That means constantly learning, refining your craft, and never letting autopilot take over. It also means pushing through doubt and imposter syndrome because passion without persistence won’t get you anywhere.

Advice:

Remind yourself often why you started. The doubt will creep in, and there will be days when you question yourself—but keep going. Your passion deserves to be backed by action. Stay consistent, stay hungry, and don’t settle for being “good enough.”

3. Environment

I cannot stress this enough—your environment will either push you forward or completely hold you back. Just like a plant, if you’re in the wrong soil, you won’t grow. I’ve been in toxic salon environments that stifled my creativity, drained my energy, and made me doubt myself. The second I moved into a suite and created a space that aligned with my vision, everything changed.

Advice:

Surround yourself with people who want to see you win. If your coworkers, boss, or even friends belittle your ambition, leave. Find mentors who inspire you and invest in private education that aligns with your goals. Your growth depends on the environment you put yourself in.

For Stylists Just Starting Out…

Find a mentor. Choose someone who is successful and has integrity—invest in learning from them.
Protect your space. If you’re in a toxic environment that is keeping you from growing, walk away.
Ignore the doubters. People will tell you investing in yourself is a waste. They’re wrong.

At the end of the day, your success comes down to how much you’re willing to push yourself. If you have integrity, stay diligent, and surround yourself with the right people, you’ll go farther than you ever imagined.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

For me, the biggest shift has been going big. Instead of thinking small and settling for small-scale achievements, I’ve learned to push past my comfort zone and go all in. It’s uncomfortable, yes—but that discomfort is what drives real growth.

I truly believe that at least once a year, you should do something that makes you so uncomfortable it forces you to level up. Teaching my first class was that moment for me—it was nerve-wracking, but it showed me what I was capable of. And now, with Iconic Bonds Retreat, I’m stepping even further into that space.

I know the value of what I’m creating, I know the impact it will have, and I’m giving it my all. Because at the end of the day, you have to go all in on yourself. Whether it works out exactly as planned or not, you can’t grow if you keep playing small.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.strandsofraine.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strands_of_raine/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063624190685
• Other: https://www.strandsofraine.com/iconic-bonds-retreat