
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.
There's an alt-music, art school vibe to his Instagram feed. Brian Hickman makes us question our haircut and dream about getting one of his beautifully executed makeovers. Jump on his page for #hairtransformation inspiration.


Brian Hickman
@brianhickman1
There's an alt-music, art school vibe to his Instagram feed. Brian Hickman makes us question our haircut and dream about getting one of his beautifully executed makeovers. Jump on his page for #hairtransformation inspiration.
Brian Hickman
Local Honey, Nashville, TN
Specialty: Cutting and styling
Followers: 21.7k
Most viral post: Two major makeovers. One was super long to pixie. The other was long to classic bob. Both were really suitable on the models.
Favorite apps: Facetune to balance out skin and light Afterlight to balance out tones and sharpening and stopmotion for piecing together fun little movies.
Favorite hashtags: #modernsalon #portrait #art
I follow: @themonacut@jayne_edo@timm.morrison @ddobrien @dylanreyes
Pro tips: Good photo composition. Have your model move their head different angles to find their best angle. Also, have them keep their eyes away from the camera until you’re ready to take the picture. That split second between when they’re looking away until they’re looking at the camera is their most comfortable.
Hidden talent: I can do keratin treatments and roller sets.
Hidden talent: Furniture making. I’m good at and really enjoy wood and metal working.
How social media changed my life: It’s connected me with so many passionate people/stylist in and out of the salon. It has drawn stylists to want to come work with me and salons to want to host me. I’ve never kept a portfolio before, so I would say as far as that goes, it’s helped to help develop my eye and perspective so much. I’ve gained a lot of confidence, too.
The first time I was featured on MODERN’s Insta: I’ve been doing hair for just about 20 years and I’ve always loved MODERN SALON before social media ever came about. So I was really proud to be a part of something with such a great history that’s evolved so awesomely, that has featured so many amazing people that I have looked up to. I was so grateful and excited!
See the full 2018 MODERN SALON 100 here!

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.