-

Updo specialist Dawn Atkinson, @hairartistrybydawn, is a master ”on-set” at a photoshoot, and we should know! Atkinson’s work has been featured on MODERN’s cover several times. Her success is the result of clean and creative finishes that have a special attention to detail.

Dawn Atkinson

@hairartistrybydawn

Bijoux Hair Boutique, Paxton, Illinois

Specialty: Upstyling and braids

Top-performing post: I shared this post on Valentine’s Day 2019. I guess it was the love vibes in the heart shaped design or maybe the peachy pink color that people loved. I shared a few different versions and it was reposted several times throughout that week. Sure made my heart happy!

Favorite apps: Preview App — you can plan and preview content before posting! Snapseed — you can edit backgrounds! InShot — easy app for creating videos.

I follow: @omgartistry, @Danilo.bozic, @alexandralee1016, @markleeson68, @garyvee

 -
Pro tip: Be consistent with content. Make your work stands out whether it’s a watermark, a background or the way you position your image (angle), so people begin to recognize your posts as yours. Engage with your audience, create relationships through being SOCIAL on social media!

Hidden talent: I can do a 3/4 head foil (no nape) tone, hair cut and blowout in 60-75 minutes.

My audience follows me because: Many of my creations are inspired by what’s relevant with my own little twist on it! Many are unconventional styles but inspiring pieces.

How social media changed my life: It’s an amazing platform to get a lot of inspiration quickly. Also, social media is a great place to connect with other hairdressers looking for inspiration.

My first @modernsalon feature: It was in July 2014. I’ll never forget Maggie calling me and asking me how I created it and doing a story on my top five tips for the perfect upstyle! I was over-the-moon excited!

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

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.