
Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
MODERN SALON editors love nothing more than finding hidden talent on Instagram. Haley Garber (@beautybyhaleygarber) caught our attention with her posts upon posts of perfect braided rosettes. Read more about Garber here.


MODERN SALON editors love nothing more than finding hidden talent on Instagram. Haley Garber (@beautybyhaleygarber) caught our attention with her posts upon posts of perfect braided rosettes, before braided roses went viral.
MODERN SALON editors love nothing more than finding hidden talent on Instagram. Haley Garber (@beautybyhaleygarber) caught our attention with her posts upon posts of perfect braided rosettes, before braided roses went viral. Since then, Garber's career has blossomed (get it?)--she is a member of MODERN SALON's Artist Collective and a judge for our festival styling contest, Best of the Fest. Read more about Garber here.
Salon: Pinned Up Ltd, Vandalia, Ohio
Specialty: Styling
Followers: 9,070
Most viral post: I had created a full updo of violet-colored roses made from hair. In October of 2017, I assisted Lala (@lalasupdos) in Cleveland, and she followed me on Instagram after the show. The day after I had posted this style, I was actually feeling pretty discouraged; I had some pride in this style and it wasn’t getting nearly the engagement I had hoped. I think I had about 30 likes on it. About an hour after seeing that Lala followed me, my phone was going off like crazy. She had reposted my style and not long after another page did as well! That night ended up being a whirlwind of features from various pages. I was in tears. I gained more than 1,000 followers overnight.
Favorite apps: Snapseed, I love how much control I have with that editing app because I can ensure my look stays consistent without it altering the shapes or taking away from what I create.
Favorite hashtags: #modernsalon #beautylaunchpad #haireducation
I follow: @xostylistxo @uggoff @omgartistry @lalasupdos
Pro tips: Be consistent. If you love and want to attract balayage, post balayage. If it’s cutting, post cutting. Do what it takes to get the best shot, I’ve been known to stand on furniture and oddly pose to get just the right angle (in 100 shots of course) in that perfect natural shade light. At home, I have two softboxes and a ring light that I use to get my lighting consistent and soft.
Hidden beauty talent: I can do a full updo in just under eigtht minutes with no heat styling. Is it my best work? No. Is it passable and great for showcasing my work at a bridal expo? Yes.
Hidden talent: I can make a really, really good crème brulee. I also can quote about any line from Friends. I’m secretly Monica.
How social media changed my life: It has connected me to so many people and companies so quickly. I have met so many amazing artists and continually have these incredible opportunities opening themselves up to me. I’m very thankful for social media.
The first time I was featured on MODERN’s Insta: I was featured in early December of 2017 for a trio of hair flowers with loose knots on a long silver blue wig. Modern Salon picking up that photo was my first big feature, I was on cloud-nine!
See the full 2018 MODERN SALON 100 here!

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.

Transformation artist Melissa Dawn has spent more than two decades building a career that's equal parts creativity and business strategy. Dawn is known for dramatic transformations, creative color and a philosophy that encourages beauty professionals to keep learning, set healthy boundaries and define success on their own terms.