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: Savannah Laney @hairbyduhsavannah
Savannah Laney is best known for her creative color. See why we made her part of our 2019 MODERN SALON 100.
August 1, 2019
Savannah Laney @hairbyduhsavannah
Savannah Laney @hairbyduhsavannah
3 min to read
Savannah Laney, @hairbyduhsavannah, is all about creative color – and creative use of whatever is handy (she used the wreath from her mother’s front door as a halo for one of her favorite shots.) Speaking of her mother and creativity, Laney shares that the two have a little side hustle - “Sugah Momma’s”- a gourmet cotton candy business.
Savannah Laney
Pink Salon, Inman, South Carolina
Specialty: Creative color
Top-performing post: This was really hard to narrow down because I utilize Facebook and Pinterest a lot too, but I believe it was my “Saint Autumn” look. It got me runner up in the Pulp Riot “fallintotheriot” contest and was reposted by almost every major outlet for hair. I think it was just a really interesting shot, but I loved it most of all because I literally used my mom’s fall wreath off her front door to make the “halo” look on my client!
Favorite apps: Adobe Lightroom to sharpen my pictures and correct any kind of weird toning my phone did to the hair. I’m a firm believer in understanding that sometimes how we see hair with the naked eye doesn’t always translate through the camera lens, so it’s great to have these tools to show our audience how it really looked in the moment. I also like Facetune to blur the background of my pictures.
I follow: @hairbymisskellyo, @caitlinfordhair, @kristinacheeseman, @_snegga_, @roxiejanehunt
Savannah Laney @hairbyduhsavannah
Savannah Laney @hairbyduhsavannah
Pro tip: Lighting is a must. I prefer outdoor indirect lighting for a crisp picture. A clean background is key. If there is anything too distracting behind the hair it will draw the eye away from your masterpiece. Polished styling, braiding isn’t my strong suit, so I make sure to do clean and textured curls or a sleek blowout to really capture the color in the picture.
Hidden talent: I can do a root retouch, trim and style in 45 minutes.
Fun fact: My mom and I run a gourmet cotton candy business on the side. It’s called Sugah Momma’s.
My audience follows me because: From what I’ve been told, it’s because I’m honest and real on my posts. Nothing fancy here—just your average hairstylist trying to make people pretty!
How social media changed my life: It completely transformed my career. I come from a generation of hairstylists where iPhones, Instagram and Pinterest didn’t even exist, so I was late to the game in understanding the benefits of social media. I went from being a small town stylist to traveling and educating with one of the most popular color companies in the world. I’ve met so many amazing people and learned so much all thanks to networking through social media.
My first @modernsalon feature: I think it was my “Saint Noel” look I did for Pulp Riot’s “Holiday Slay” contest. I took my icy blonde client and added green and red extensions to her hair. It was a pretty incredible thing to be reposted by such a huge and iconic publication!
Click here to the see the full list of this year's MODERN SALON 100.
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