Born into a family of talented hairdressers and barbers, interest in beauty was practically genetic for Donald Scott, founder of Donald Scott NYC, and he was hooked on hair at a young age. 

Scott started his professional beauty career in 1973 at Paul Mitchell Super Hair Salon in New York City, where he worked as a hairdresser and the head of education. He spent time traveling internationally with Paul Mitchell as a platform artist and presented at some of the world’s top shows.

“As a young hair artist working my way up, I surrounded myself with wonderful mentors,” Scott says.

By 1980, Scott was starting to create his own brand identity when he opened Salon Donald Scott on New York’s Madison Avenue. His team started with 21 stylists and five colorists catering to some of the city’s most fashionable clientele.

Scott maintained his relationship with the Paul Mitchell team—and Mitchell himself—and gained immeasurable experience and inspiration there.

“Paul Mitchell is one of the most out-of-the-box artists I have ever known,” Scott says. “During my time working with Paul, there was so much creativity. It was at this time that I was inspired to develop the prototype for the Carving Comb, which is my hero tool and helped lead to the introduction of my current brand, Donald Scott NYC.”

The Carving Comb was launched in affiliation with Paul Mitchell Pro Tools in 2000, and Scott and Mitchell toured the U.S. and Europe to educate stylists on its use. It sold out at trade shows internationally.

By 2011, one million Carving Combs had been sold through the Paul Mitchell Pro Tools, and the tool had garnered a loyal following among stylists. Scott took the opportunity to launch his eponymous brand in 2014, the line comprising a full collection of razor-artistry tools built around and inspired by his original invention.

Today, Donald Scott NYC continues to grow. Building on the success of his namesake brand, Scott introduced DSNYC Barber Edition. The carefully curated assortment of DSNYC razor tools and Naked Blades specifically for professional barbers allow for precision cutting and razor detailing.

“I’m very fortunate to have had and continue to have a full and lively career doing what I love,” Scott says. “I’m proud of my work as hair artist and educator, but I’m most proud of my work revolutionizing the beauty industry with my line of award-winning razor tools.”

Beauty Bio: Donald Scott

Industry hero: "Paul Mitchell," Scott says. "I worked, trained, collaborated and traveled the world with him."

Favorite part of my job: "Designing tools for hair artists. I love sharing my knowledge with fellow artists and inspiring them to reach their potential. At the same time, I continue to be inspired by other artists. I’m always thinking about new cutting techniques and tool innovations that will change the way artists cut hair.”

Hidden talent: “I love decorating and designing my homes. As a creative person, I find beauty in my surroundings and draw upon those elements in my personal and professional life.”

What I do when I'm not doing hair: “I ride custom motorcycles and collect vintage cars, like racing Ferraris. I also have an interest in architecture and interior design, collecting contemporary works of art.”

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