
Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
Megan Moran, @megahairmaniac, is best known for her blondes and balayage. See why we chose her to be part of our 2018 MODERN SALON 100.


Megan Moran, @megahairmaniac
It's easy to quickly swoon over the clean, all-white background aesthetic Megan Moran has created on her Instagram page. But the more you scroll, you'll quickly also fall in love with her perfectly balanced balayage variety, from the brightest of blondes to the darkest of brunettes. Nearly every color and style she creates has us hashtagging #hairgoals, and we love to see the positive messages and vibes she displays on social media.
Megan Moran
Salt Hair, Cheshire, Connecticut
Specialty: Blondes and balayage
Followers: 14.6k
Most viral post: I had a color correction come in with harsh foil lines and a level 7 ends. I melted her and brightened her up and captured the hair so pretty by flipping it to show all the dimension I created.
Favorite apps: I love using FaceTune to brighten up my background. We use a white wall with a huge window in front for natural lighting, but when the sun doesn’t come thought be window our wall in a photo looks darker, so enhancing that makes the hair pop more! I love IMovie too for creating tutorials or before and after videos!
Favorite hashtags: I love #blendedhair #hairpainting #blondebalayage #hairgoals and of course #modernsalon !
I follow: @meltedbymish@prettylittleombre@coloredbykp@painthatmane of course! But I am crushing on all things blonde so I love @saramay_level10 and @justinandersoncolor
Pro tips: I like to post clean detailed pictures! I use my iPhone 7 Plus and I make sure the lighting is good! I take at least 25 pictures of each client so I make sure I get that perfect shot. There’s so many angles of the hair, make sure to snap a few and make your guest feel amazing! Never stick to one pose. Look at other artists to get inspired, it helps so much so you can show a variety of hair on your page.
Hidden talent (beauty-related): I can do a whole head of balayage in 10-15 minutes. I’m a speedy painter!
Hidden talent: I could put an outfit together out of anything in front of me. I love fashion!
How social media changed my life: I didn’t know how much networking and showcasing I could do on a social media platform. I’ve met so many amazing people and connected with beautiful souls. I love looking at all the talent in this industry, it is crazy how much it has grown and how everyone is so encouraging. I love watching people grow and strive to reach the goals they’ve always dreamed of!
The first time I was featured on MODERN’s Insta: I remember seeing that “@modernsalon tagged you in a post” and instantly my heart fell to the floor and was so excited! I looked at it for weeks just to see all the feedback it got on it and how many people I got to come check my page out from it! It was an up-close picture of teasy lights I did and I was so proud of snapping that picture.
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.