Who better to close MODERN SALON’s Best. Year. Ever. issue than Jen Atkin? We love her for her Snapchat glam breakdowns, Ouai product line, and Instagram adventures with her squad, but the world has come to know Atkin for her celebrity-packed clientele of A-listers including Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, the Kardashian/ Jenner family and Katy Perry. Dividing her time between LA, NY and Dubai, Atkin is frequently covered and sourced by magazines including Vogue, Elle, InStyle, Esquire, Nylon and Allure. With her up-and-coming website, Mane Addicts, she works tirelessly to grow the professional beauty industry with access to education, insights and experts.
Born and raised: Hawaii and Utah
My mentors: Andy Lecompte and Renato Campora
Favorite outfit: Chanel loafers, St. Laurent clutch, Lorraine Schwartz wedding ring
If I hadn’t become a hairdresser: I would have become a singer on a cruise ship.
My guilty pleasure: Sprite
The best part of my job: Making women feel better about themselves.
Toughest part of my job: Being away from my husband.
For inspiration: I scour magazines from overseas.
My favorite hair and beauty era: The ’90s
Favorite vacation: A month in Europe with my husband.
My secret weapon: Apple cider vinegar
Best piece of advice I ever received: Nobody is “your client.” Just do your best and hope the phone rings.
My favorite music right now: Drake’s “Hotline Bling”
Every beauty professional should: Assist! It’s the only way to learn.
My cause: Downtown Women’s Shelter LA
I relax by: Staying in to watch Real Housewives and ordering sushi!
My goal as a professional: To make a di erence in the industry—making beautiful hair and education accessible through Mane Addicts and Mane University.
I became a hairdresser because: When I was in high school, nobody could give me Natalie Imbruglia’s shag cut from the Torn music video.
My motto: “Always late, but worth the wait.”
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