
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.
Natalie Thomas is best known for her bridal styling. See why we chose her to be part of our 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
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

Natalie Thomas @bridal_bynatalie
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.

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.

Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Amanda Harsche has built her career on two simple beliefs: never stop learning and never stop connecting.

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.

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.