
Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
Nichole Scharff, @niclynnhair, is best known for her vibrant colors. See why we chose her to be part of our 2018 MODERN SALON 100.


Nichole Scharff, @niclynnhair
Somewhere over the rainbow, you'll find a variety of stunning, vibrant colors on the page of Nichole Scharff. From hot yellows to bright blues and even some more subdued hues, Scharff creates a variety of color brilliance that is both refreshing and playful.
Nichole Scharff
3 Bowls of Color in Newport News, Virginia
Specialty: Vbrant colors
Followers: 2,781
Most viral post: My Rainbow Curls post had to be my most popular, the view from the top of her head was the perfect angle to show off the soft, springy, kaleidoscope of colors
Favorite apps: I always use Facetune for editing. It’s so versatile and lets me do so many different things instead of downloading 20 different apps. Phonto for my watermark; it’s super easy to use, and I love that curved affect you can use! If I’m trying to create a video, I love videoshop, it’s simple and I love the 4K resolution option that you can save to your phone.
Favorite hashtags: #modernsalon #stylistssupportingstylists #pulpriot
I follow: @shmeggsandbacon@garrettkenroach@seagreenehair@justhairobsession@jaymz.marsters
Pro tips: The ideal variables that lead to my best pictures would have to be: My client standing in front of a black backdrop with a plain black shirt (at least not a loud, distracting color or pattern) outside, and in indirect sunlight. I tag all necessary brands or products that I used during the service (lightener brand, color brand, styling products or tools) on the picture itself and in the caption, never the comments. I also include tags for my area to reach potential customers and any promotional Instagram pages that relate to the look of the picture.
Hidden talent (beauty-related): I give a bomb shampoo and scalp massage!
Hidden talent: I love to sew and make DIY crafts
How social media changed my life: It’s given me more confidence behind the chair, more knowledge about my craft, and helped me make connections with other artists, brands, and companies that I wouldn’t be able to otherwise
The first time I was featured on MODERN’s Insta: The post was one of my favorites, a look created to transition my client away from the multi colored rainbow, to something lighter so we could change her look with the next visit! I lightened her roots and applied a dark blue shadow root that melted into her pastel length. I remember it definitely didn’t sink in right away! It was such a shock to see my work featured next to artists that I follow!
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.