
Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
Renee Marie Plante is best known for her bridal updos. See why we chose her to be part of our 2018 MODERN SALON 100.


Renee Marie Plante, @Styles_by_Reneemarie
When searching for bridal or formal style inspiration, Renee Marie Plante's page is the place to go. Plante has shown she can master these special occasion styles for both long, down styles and pretty, intricate updos on a variety of colors. Her designs are often accompanied by beautiful hair pieces and jewels, and from time to time her followers are even treated to guided tutorials.
Renee Marie Plante
Styles by Renee Marie, Raleigh, North Carolina
Specialty: bridal updos
Followers: 17.5k
Most viral post: It was a “Braided Corset into a Bow-Bun.” Ironically, not a bridal updo! I had dyed my models hair hot pink and purple, then did 2 upside-down dutch braids into a bun, that I made into a bow. Then I used ribbon to weave a corset through the braids, and accented with gold bobby pins. It has been shared on over 20+ on different accounts, and drawn by 2 artists and also shared on their page!
Favorite apps: InstaBeauty: To edit any skin imperfections on my model! Great for making blemishes disappear. TypiMage: I use for some of my Insta Stories when I want to post with unique or bold lettering.
Favorite hashtags: #modernsalon #weddingupdo #prettyhair
I follow:@tonyastylist@ulyana.aster@blushandmane@alishajaredartistry@hairandmakeupbysteph
Pro tips: Lighting! I barely edit my photos, I use my iPhone 7 plus on portrait mode and make sure I have good outdoor lighting! I love taking photos and using a window for my background, the reflective surface produces better lighting and it looks really pretty blurred out when I take the photo on my iPhone 7 plus in Portrait Mode.
Hidden talent: I can braid hair super fast! When I braid a tiny 3-strand it looks like it’s sped up on a video tutorial.
Hidden talent: I love to sing! Ask any of my clients or hair models, they know because I serenade them as I do their hair. I wanted to be a singer before becoming a hairstylist. I even wrote and recorded a few songs!
How social media changed my life: Social media has tremendously changed my life! It has taken my business to another level. Entering into contests and being noticed and showcased on larger Instagram accounts has grown my fan base and business. Others inspire me and I hope to inspire other people too! I have gained friendships and a wonderful support group. When social media is used in the correct way, and you surround yourself with other driven, supportive and creative people, it can make your life so much better!
The first time I was featured on MODERN’s Insta: I’ve had so much love from MODERN SALON and been featured a few times! I believe the first time was April 19th, 2016, I had done a big fishtail braided low bun on my natural red-headed hair model, Carly. If you have seen my Instagram, you know who she is! This is when I first started posting hair tutorials and it was one of the first styles I created on her. I had way under 1,000 followers back then, so being featured on MODERN SALON was a HUGE deal 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.