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


Kristina Petrini, @coloredbykp
When Chicago is brewing up the coldest of winters, MODERN editors know to turn to Kristina Petrini's page for a feeling of warm sunshine and the beach. Her stunning blonde creations, which are often accompanied by beachy waves and texture, give off an ultra cool-girl aesthetic.
Kristina Petrini
Wallingford, Connecticut
Specialty: Balayage
Followers: 23.7k
Most viral post: This post was a beautiful strawberry blonde. I created a seamless blend of reds orange and blush tones on a canvas that has hair for days! I believe this picture went viral because the image is mostly HAIR, no distractions! Also, the tones are something different to the eye which allows the image to stand out in feed.
Favorite apps: Facetune, iMovie and Split Pic. Facetune is my favorite app for my Instagram pos. I use it for every post! With this app I am able to whiten out the background of my image, allowing the hair to make a statement!
Favorite hashtags: #ctcolorist #balayagect #brondehaircolor
I follow:@salt.hair@hairbyraquell@chrisjones_hair@justinandersoncolor@mikaatbhc
Pro tips: Lighting is everything! Finding a solid background with indirect natural light is a must! Lighting can be tricking so finding what areas in your salon work best will help create better photos that show your true color! Also, make sure to stand off to the side a little bit when capturing a photo to avoid blocking your lighting!
Hidden talent (beauty-related): I have a strong male clientele behind the chair! It’s not my focus however, I do enjoy men’s barbering!
Hidden Talent: I have a huge passion for interior decorating!
How social media changed my life: It helped my success tremendously! Instagram is how I made the connection with @prettylittleombre and how I became a member of the amazing team @salt.hair. It has built my confidence as an artist, allowing to help others succeed.
The first time I was featured on MODERN’s Insta: This is one of my favorite stories! MODERN SALON was my first big feature. I had been working consistently to get noticed, staying confident in my work in hopes somebody would notice. I was in Portland, Maine with friends, and we were heading out for dinner and I had received a notification saying “@modernsalon mentioned you in a comment” There it was, my first feature! The image was a bright red head, and I remember staring at my phone not believing my eyes so I took a screenshot to save the notification. I was so proud!
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.