Juan Carlos was born in Cuba and raised in Miami, but currently calls the Rita Hazan salon in New York City home.

My hair right now:

Classic crop for ease, yet stylish.

The coolest look I ever created: A very eccentric and intricate updo for a friend's birthday. She looked like an exaggerated combination of My Fair Lady and Dangerous Liaisons.

The celeb I would most like to makeover: All the celebrities that I love don't need makeovers. I would love to work on either Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet or Marion Cotillard.

My favorite tool and/ or product: My Mason Pearson brush and the Barex Volumizante spray.

The best thing about my job: I love doing it. Expressing my creativity, being able to give instant gratification, and making a living at it.

The toughest part of my job: Learning people management skills and practicing patience.

My motto: Find your passion, be determined and diligent, and you will succeed. The meaning of success is up for interpretation.

The best job I ever had as a hairdresser: Working with Jennifer Lopez.

If I hadn't become a hairdresser I would have: Loved to have been a dancer.

My secret talent: Sewing.

My mentor: I have collaborated with many hairdressers and learned a lot from them, but I always think of Oribe and his work as my biggest influence.

I am inspired by: Fashion. Watching backstage footage of the shows and by the extravagance of the fashion atmosphere.