Words by Linley Allred | Images by Al Blanton

Lynlee Key started doing people’s hair early, and by early, she means preschool. Beauty work has been a natural part of who she is for as long as she can remember.

“That’s not an exaggeration about preschool,” Lynlee laughs. “I have loved working with people’s hair and makeup as far back as I can remember. I always did my friends’ hair for any events we had, and those friends became my first clients.”

That early passion only grew stronger with time. So determined to begin her career, Lynlee graduated a semester early from Jasper High School and enrolled at Jasper Beauty Academy. Though Covid restrictions delayed her graduation slightly until May 2020, she has been moving forward ever since.

When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Lynlee’s answer makes clear that the job is about more than style alone.

“I like for people to walk out of the salon feeling their best. My absolute favorite things to do are blonding and extensions but I enjoy it all,” she says.

Over time, many of her customers have become like family, and Lynlee has been there for them through the changing seasons of their lives.

“It was instilled in me by my dad at a young age that you should try to show up for people like you would want them to show up for you,” she says. “I think that’s why I have a loyal customer base.”

That same appreciation for beauty and personal connection carries into her life outside the salon. Lynlee, who has been married to her husband, Payton, for two years, enjoys thrifting, gardening,decorating her home, and collecting dishes. In work and in life, she is drawn to creating spaces where people feel cared for, comfortable, and at home. 78