
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.
Marissa Pusateri is best known for her balayage, blonding and more. See why we chose to make her part of our 2019 MODERN SALON 100.

Marissa Pusateri @marissapusateri
Marissa Pusateri @marissapusateri
If you took a quick peek at Marissa Pusateri’s Instagram feed, you’d never know she’s still relatively new to the hair industry. The Pittsburgh-based artist is full of spunk and creativity, and she’s willing to share her knowledge with her followers and through classes she teaches. But despite her early success, Pusateri is humble and grateful for the opportunities she’s been given. Her down-to-earth personality makes her an artist we love working with, and we can’t wait to see her reach even greater heights.
Marissa Pusateri
Coda Beauty Bar, Pittsburgh
Specialty: Balayage, Ombre, Blonding, Color Transformations
Top-performing post: Dark to Blonde -the reality. I documented the process of my client going from previously colored dark hair to blonde and what the reality of dealing with permeant color and banding is like. It went viral from @lisalovesbalayage finding and reposting my picture on her page. Once Lisa reposted my picture, the amount of reposts and shares the picture received was insane! I went from just hitting 9,0000 followers to 14,000 in a few days!
Favorite apps: Blur Photo Background to focus the picture on the hair not what’s going on in the background!
I follow: @justinemarjan, @antonina_romanova_, @cynthialumzy, @lisalovesbalayage

Marissa Pusateri @marissapusateri
Marissa Pusateri @marissapusateri
Pro tip: Picture quality must be clean and crisp. Natural lighting is the best. Blurring the background of the photo helps keep the focus on the hair!
Hidden talent: I’m obsessed with styling hair. It is my favorite part of my clients’ color service. I can knock out a full head of curls in five minutes.
My audience follows me because: I post my journey and the reality of working with clients. I also enjoy motivating others to keep going and to reach their goals!
How social media changed my life: It has opened new doors for me, and it has also connected me with stylists from all over the world! It’s also a great way to keep yourself motivated and to get inspired.
My first @modernsalon feature: It was in 2017 when I colored my client’s hair into this ocean melt color, which is still to this day, one of my favorite looks. I remember MODERN SALON popped up on my phone, and I couldn’t believe that such a big platform noticed my work and reposted it. It pushed me to wanting to create and do more.
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.