
Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
Alvarado is a self-described "beauty slayer" and his superpower is turning every woman into a fierce glamazon. He does hair, he does makeup, he does it all while looking pretty fierce, himself.


Flavio Angel Alvarado
@AngelAlvarado
Flavio Angel Alvarado
Session Stylist, Los Angeles
Specialty: Women’s Babe Waves
Followers: 95.7k
Most viral post: This was a hair before and after post of model Rachel Cook using The Hair Shop hair extensions. The styling was super effortless, soft, whimsical, and fresh, not glamorous or over the top. I enhanced her natural hair using clip in extensions to add length and volume. I went with my signature Babe Waves created using The Ouai products and T3 Curling wand, with a little love tap on the crown with the Tangle Teaser for light flyaways. This just gave her a little extra ‘umph.’ This post had 434,737 impressions. I can thank my models captivating beauty, great light, and my work!
Favorite apps: You have got to get VSCO and PhotoShop Fix; they can save the day by utilizing the lighting features, especially for days when the light may be too warm or too grey. They help get color balanced to get that nice pop we all love.
Favorite hashtags: #ModernSalon #hairinspo #maneaddicts
I follow: @chrisappleton@hairbyruslan@brittsully@salsalhair are some of my faves.
Pro tips: Pay attention to details and light is everything. The best light can be captured by a doorway. Try to catch a bounce so you get the extra twinkle in the eye. Make sure your hair posts are not just beautiful hair, but make sure your girls have a cute top, the choice of lips they have on, and even accessories. Every detail makes for a bomb post. I would suggest always having a lip gloss around for your clients, something nude and neutral. The lips can be distracting at times, especially with shades like coral or reds that can throw off your hair color. If you want to go that extra mile keep extra solid color tops. You don’t want to divert the attention from your work to a bad choice of blouse.
Hidden talent: Aside from being double jointed, I can whip up babe waves on set in 15 minutes!
Hidden talent: I was probably a model in a past life, because my poses are up there with Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss. No, but for real- I’m good!
How social media changed my life: Social media has played such a huge role in my career. I get personal clients as well as corporate companies reaching out to me daily requesting my services. It’s been a blessing. I am where I am today because of the reach Instagram has.
The first time I was featured on MODERN’s Insta: I totally remember! I always make sure I tag and hashtag Modern Salon, as it’s one of the best pages to look for inspiration and talent. The picture I posted was of Ali, a total blonde bombshell with babe waves. I was shook my work was up with some of the best in the business! It definitely was a memorable moment for me!
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.