My First Time: A Razor Cut with Nick Arrojo
In an anniversary year for the Arrojo NYC brand, on an early Monday morning, Nick Arrojo used a razor on my hair. And I liked it.
by Anne Moratto
2019 MODERN SALON 100: Kat Chase @kat_chase_
Kat Chase is best known for her textured cuts and balayage work. See why we chose to make her part of our 2019 MODERN SALON 100.
August 1, 2019
Kat Chase @kat_chase_
2 min to read
Kat Chase’s “before and afters” show real-time salon work and showcase her very real color chops. We love that she is upfront about the time and attention required to create these makeovers.
Kat Chase
Educe Salon, Orlando, Florida
Specialty: Balayage, textured cuts, vibrant colors
Top-performing post: My most engaged post was when I did a side-by-side of a real blonde I created next to a filtered version of the same hair. I was talking about how a lot of what people see might be filtered, and it’s important to have realistic expectations. People seem to love honest posts because it’s being real and relatable. I was shocked how well this post did!
Favorite apps: I love Facetune to clean up a picture (editing the background or fixing a pimple). I love Moldiv to make a side by sides, and I love Splice for video making. It’s very user-friendly.
I follow: @larissadoll, @erin.mills, @minkimcolorist, @rebeccataylorhair, @paintedhair
Kat Chase @kat_chase_
Pro tip: Lighting is everything! I like to stand by a window to get the perfect lighting. Too much sun makes the hair look bad and too dark doesn’t do the color justice. Also, a clean background.
Hidden talent: I love doing under cuts and really alternative hair cuts, but most of my clients have long, pretty hair.
Fun fact: I can oil paint when I commit to it.
My audience follows me because: I love to engage with my followers, and I love to have fun! I try to show my personality, so it’s not just a boring, redundant hair page.
How social media changed my life: Since MySpace times, I have been posting hair pictures and getting my work out there. I have built up an amazing clientele by posting all the types of work I can do and attracting people looking for that.
My first @modernsalon feature: The first time I was featured on MODERN SALON, I cried! You did a “how-to” on removing bands of color on a blonde. I have been featured on your website three times now and on your Instagram and Facebook a few times, too. It keeps me motivated to be better every day.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Stylist Spotlight
Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
Challenging the Rules of Haircutting: An Interview with Nashville Artist Stan Newton
With more than four decades in the industry, hairdresser and MODE Education founder Stan Newton has built a career around the art and discipline of cutting hair, learning the rules so he can break them.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Ashley Leoncini: Build Connections, Stay Resourceful and Keep Pivoting
Ashley Leoncini believes success in beauty is built through genuine connection, resourcefulness and the willingness to evolve. A bridal specialist with 17 years in the industry, Leoncini has created a career by making clients feel valued, investing in hands-on education and redefining success to include a healthier work-life balance.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Stephanie Carrillo: Revitalizing Your Career Through Education
Able to create a shag with gorgeous texture on anyone, Stephanie Carrillo has found her calling within the beauty industry. Now she teaches shag cutting techniques herself, inspiring countless other stylists to fall in love with creating the popular look.
The MODERN Artist Stephanie Geib: Professional Hair Bestie
When you think of Stephanie Geib, think bold color. Think beautiful dimension. Think...your hairstylist best friend. As a 2017 Honoree of the MODERN SALON 100, Geib is the perfect example of being a positive force in the beauty industry, advising that being kind to others and sharing your knowledge is the real success.
The MODERN Artist Hannah Mejia: Perfect Your Craft, Then Chase the Dream
Hannah Mejia believes lasting success comes from mastering your craft, embracing lifelong education and trusting that the career you dream about is within reach. A stylist, educator and content creator, Mejia has spent 15 years building a business rooted in creativity, communication and continuous growth.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Katy Samuels: Trust Yourself and Create Your Own Path
Katy Samuels has spent 14 years proving that creativity thrives when you stop searching for the "right" way and start trusting your own instincts. Known for her creative color work and signature Headband Prism technique, Samuels encourages beauty professionals to embrace mistakes, refine their craft and develop a style that's uniquely their own.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Erin Munoz: Grow Your Business, Protect Your Balance
Erin Munoz has spent 17 years building a thriving business behind the chair while proving that success doesn't have to come at the expense of life outside the salon. A color specialist, content creator and salon owner, Munoz believes beauty professionals should treat their careers like businesses, embrace change and make room for both financial growth and personal fulfillment.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Tyler Plemmons: The Power of Positivity
North Carolina-based hairstylist Tyler Plemmons wants you to know one thing: Positivity and perseverance will get you everywhere. This MODERN SALON Artist Connective Member and 2018 MODERN SALON 100 Honoree is known for beautiful balayage, gorgeous vivids, and soft pastel hair color.
The MODERN Artist Angelica Tanta: Practice, Perseverance and the Power of Never Giving Up
For Angelica Tanta, success has always come down to one thing: practice. Originally from Romania, Tanta credits an online mentor from Ukraine—despite never meeting in person and communicating through Google Translate—with inspiring her to perfect her bridal artistry through relentless repetition.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Angela Orozco: Why Authentic Relationships Will Always Matter
Angela Orozco believes long-term success in the beauty industry is built on trust, consistency and genuine human connection. A stylist at The Nest Salon in Brea, California, Orozco has spent 14 years cultivating a reputation for dimensional brunettes, precision haircutting and authentic relationships that have fueled her career.
The MODERN Artist Erin Mills: Build the Business, Change the Life
Erin Mills believes beauty professionals deserve more than a successful career. A hairstylist turned multi-salon owner, Mills has spent 17 years growing her business while helping her team create lasting impact.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Mish Jolie: Do It Even If You're Scared
For Mish Jolie (@meltedbymish), success isn't measured by how busy you are, it's measured by how fulfilled you feel. The Connecticut-based stylist, educator and MODERN SALON 100 honoree has built a career around balayage, lived-in brunettes and razor cutting.
by Anne Moratto
MODERN Artist Amanda Harsche: Growth Through Connection
Amanda Harsche has built her career on two simple beliefs: never stop learning and never stop connecting.
by Anne Moratto
Chaz Dean Shares 5 Career Lessons for Hairstylists Building a Lasting Career
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Connective Edit: Jessica Domoney Says Success Starts with Boundaries
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
by Anne Moratto