
Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
David Anders Palmira, @cutyourhair, is best known for his bobs, textured cuts and pastels. See why we chose him to be part of our 2018 MODERN SALON 100.


David Anders Palmira, @cutyourhair
Variety is the spice of life, and we love how much variety David Anders Palmira puts into his work and Instagram page. From short, edgy pastel cuts to long, curly blondes, Anders Palmira proves he can do much more than simply "cut your hair." His artistry is to be admired, and we can't wait to see what fresh looks he posts next.
David Anders Palmira
Escape Salon Aveda, Boston
Specialty: Bobs, textured cuts, pastels
Followers: 45.8k
Most viral post: The most viral post I had is one of recent. It was a grey chin-length bob with a really clean line. It had the most saves I’ve ever had on a photo and was reshared by many publications. Also if you’re looking for the photo that I believe put me on the map. It was this bob below that until recently was my most viral post
Favorite apps: My favorite app is Lightroom CC. It’s a fairly new app that’s made for photographs taken with a DSLR camera, which is what I use. I love it because every other app makes your professional quality photo dulled down to an iPhone quality photo.
Favorite hashtags: I honestly use the same hashtags for every post: a few from my city, a few from the colorline I use (Aveda), and a few of my favorite respected publication accounts.
I follow: @olivepalmira@timm.morrison@saramay_level10@helena132
Pro tips: Make your photo as professional looking as possible. Study portrait photography and emulate that. Give up on the ring light and always go to a window with natural light coming in. Have your guest face the window a few feet back and take some shots. You won’t get a better, true-to-tone shot than that. If it’s late at night then make the exception, but I’ve offered a free blow dry just to get a guest to come back during the day so I could get the picture. My salon has no windows with natural light coming in because it’s inside of a huge center. I have to walk my guest out 50 yards as they leave, and it’s so worth it.
Hidden talent (beauty-related): My hidden talent beauty related is probably my speed. Because I work off of a mental checklist I don’t have to over think anything. It keeps me extremely efficient. I also give a mean men’s cut. I never post men’s hair or market myself that way, but every salon I work at I ends up getting a huge men’s following. It’s great for filling in small openings in my day.
Hidden talent: My hidden talent not related to beauty is I’m a Two-Handed Bowler… most people don’t know what that it is, but it’s a fun way of throwing the ball with a crazy spin. Look it up.
How social media changed my life: Social Media changed my life because it gave me a passion to be better every day! It allows me to share and criticize my own work in the hopes that I grow from it and it really works. This isn’t just a job, it’s my passion, my hobby. Hair is life! So I don’t just do hair and go home to forget what I did the day before. Social media made personal growth in an extremely accelerated way possible!
The first time I was featured on MODERN’s Insta: I do remember the first time! And the photo! It was about 9 p.m. two years ago. Random week night. Maybe Thursday. I had just made dinner and went to check my phone and saw that something strange had happened. My Instagram was going wild with notifications. Those are the things that push you to wake up the next day to do even better hair!
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.