2019 MODERN SALON 100: Natalie Thomas @bridal_bynatalie

Entering contests really does get your work noticed by MODERN SALON editors, and Natalie Thomas (@bridal_bynatalie) is the perfect example of that. Thomas was a semifinalist in MODERN’s Braids and Brides special-occasion styling contest earlier this year, and we have been in love with her ever since for her updos, braids and bridal style.

Natalie Thomas

@bridal_bynatalie

Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Specialty: Bridal styling

Top-performing post: A pull through braid tutorial with a pretty red bow! I posted it around the holidays so my followers could have a cute and easy hairstyle for their holiday party!

Favorite apps: UNUM tells me my best used hashtags, best times to post, tracks my progress and gives me a grid so I can map out my next few posts. I use Over for Instagram stories, any watermarking or advertisements. Photo Editor if I need to whiten or clean up the background.

I follow: @tonyastylist, @emmachenartistry, @caraclyne.bridal, @garyvee, @silvykhoucasian

Pro tip: Use a professional camera; a non distracting/white background; and take the time to get the perfect shot. I cannot stress the last one enough. Take 100 photos in multiple different positions! You will have more to choose from and you will start to notice that even moving your model by an inch makes all the difference for the perfect shot.

Hidden talent: It’s hard to come up with something myself, so I asked my best girlfriends. They said, ‘you find the inner beauty in others and help them show it.’

My audience follows me because: I think those who follow me want to for bridal inspiration and to learn some cute hairstyles!

How social media changed my life: Social media has given me the opportunity to have my work reach top industry professionals, big brands and potential clients! I believe the playing field is now even through social media. Everyone has a chance to be seen!

My first @modernsalon feature: The first time @modernsalon featured my photo was for the Brides and Braids contest in February! I was not expecting it and I said, “OK my life can end now thank you!”

Click here to the see the full list of this year's MODERN SALON 100.