
Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
Karla Varley, @karlavarleyhairartist, is best known for her color transformations, upstyling and easy/lived-in hair. See why we chose her to be part of our 2018 MODERN SALON 100.


Karla Varley, @karlavarleyhairartist
If we had to describe the work of Karla Varley in two words, it would be simply sweet. From bright, dimensional reds to shiny blondes, Varley's color skills create an aesthetic of effortless perfection on her page. We love how Varley is able to emphasize her clients' colors further with intricate hair designs including stunning braids, waves, twists and updos.
Karla Varley
Volume One Salon, Pensacola, Florida
Specialty: Color transformations, upstyling/wedding hair, easy/lived-in hair.
Followers: 2,119
Most viral post: One of my most viral post is a dimensional red balayage color with in a seen half up half down bun. I feel like the combination of unique color and effortless style helped it get more reposts and views.
Favorite apps: Photoshop Fix: This is my go to editing tool for posts. You never want to over edit, but to erase the hair across your models forehead, get the weird mark off the wall or to brighten your whites, this is the app you need. Preview, the app: This app is very helpful to get the right layout for your images. It’s always good to keep your page in a pattern or to have the flow of images complement each other. Lightroom CC: This app is great for getting the right tonal quality and great filters without over doing it.
Favorite hashtags: #lovekevinmurphy #bioionic #modernsalon
I follow:@ChristinaKreitel@riawna@hairby_chrissy@lizhaven
Pro tips: Make sure your style is trendy, smooth and clean even on textured looks. This helps get a sharper image and makes the look more intriguing and professional. Also a great style can make even a not so great color look good. Lighting is everything. The best situation is outside in sunny /not gross weather under the shade. This help see the look clearly in naturally lighting. The little things make a huge difference. Check to make sure that the background is nice, complements the hair and not too busy. Also make sure things like the necklaces are straighten, flyaways are tamed, and bra straps where they need to be.
Hidden talent (beauty-related): I can do a mean fade.
Hidden talent: I love finding old/antique furniture and putting a modern take on it with sanding, staining, and painting to make it something new.
How social media changed my life: Social Media has change much more than just my life but this industry. The way promote myself, how I have built a large clientele, networking and learning. It’s absolutely crazy what you can learn from Instagram.
Tell us about the first time you were featured on MODERN SALON’s Insta: I do remember the first time! It was a few years ago, in the first few months of my current salon. The salon owner, Hurst and I collaborated on a look. He did the cut, I did the color and our media guy shot it. It was my first big breath of fresh air and desire to strive for more footing in social media as a team for Volume One Salon. The look was a blunt, textured out sleek bob with dimensional bright blonde with dark makeup, very vampirish vibe. The look came out in the beginning of blunt-texture craze.
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.