Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
2018 MODERN SALON 100: Marissa Larson @hairbymarissasue
There is a very lush quality to Marissa Larson's hair designs. The blondes are rich and the extensions --one of her specialties--are seamless while adding so much volume, length and thickness. Her clients leave looking like they have been blessed by the good hair gods.
August 2, 2018
Marissa Larson
by @kinsleynicolephotography
2 min to read
There is a very lush quality to Marissa Larson's hair designs. The blondes are rich and the extensions --one of her specialties--are seamless while adding so much volume, length and thickness. Her clients leave looking like they have been blessed by the good hair gods.
Marissa Larson
Habit Salon, Gilbert, AZ
Specialty: Blondes
Followers: 46.6k
Most viral post: A video of me styling out a cut and color. I think people loved the texture and simplicity. It is a color and cut that could work on the average woman.
Favorite apps: Insta Size for side-by-side before and after photos, Facetune for any blemishes my client might feel uncomfortable with, and Plann app lets me upload a photo I’m thinking of posting to see how is flows with the aesthetic of my page.
Favorite hashtags: #modernsalon #habitsalon #blondehair #livedinhair #beforeandafter
I follow:@beckym_hair@domdomhair@hairby_chrissy@justinanderson@hairbycharlie
Pro tips: Lighting, being real in your caption and providing information, and of course a beautiful photo. If your client doesn’t feel confident in the photo, it shows. Don’t be afraid to take control and tell your client how to pose, adjust their face, and move the hair around.
Hidden talent: I am amazing at shampoos and head massages and I am a beast behind the blow dryer. I will get a head dried in no time.
Hidden talent: I love to make videos. My new YouTube channel is Marissa Larson, check it out.
How social media changed my life: It gave me the ability to express my love for hair. It gave me more clients than I could imagine, from all over. I never thought clients would fly in from out of state to get their hair done by me. I also love the constant inspiration I receive from other accounts every day.
The first time I was featured on MODERN’s Insta: I was so excited! My account wasn’t that big yet, it made me feel so special, like I had a chance in the industry. It gave me so much confidence. It was a picture of a before and after I had done using Olaplex. I called my mom and sisters to share the exciting news.
See the full 2018 MODERN SALON 100 here!
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Stylist Spotlight
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
The MODERN Artist: Melissa Dawn Chose Her Own Adventure
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.
by Anne Moratto