My First Time: A Razor Cut with Nick Arrojo
In an anniversary year for the Arrojo NYC brand, on an early Monday morning, Nick Arrojo used a razor on my hair. And I liked it.
by Anne Moratto
2017 MODERN SALON 100: Detra Smith (@detrashalee)
Meet 2017 MODERN SALON 100 member Detra Smith (@detrashalee).
August 2, 2017
2 min to read
Detra Smith (@detrashalee), owner of Hannah & Me, Moulton, AL, is a MODERN cover artist as well as an Instagram fave. Best known for long hairstyling, The Hot Tools Artistic Director and Matrix Artistic Educator has more than 13K followers and has posted more than 700 gorgeous and inspiring photos.
BEAUTY BIO:
Most viral post: 2017 updo for Modern Salon bridal contest. 2016 Purple hair with bright colored hair tattoo underneath. Both were shared multiple times and got so much interaction that I lost count of it all.
Favorite apps: PhotoGrid, SplitPic, Splice, Facetune2
Favorite hashtags: #makeovermagic #stylistssupportingstylists
Who I’m following: @constancerobbins @shelleygregoryhair @dilekonurtaylor @michelleoconnorbeauty @lalasupdos @mustafaavci
Tip to get best results on a post: Use hashtags that are relevant to the audience you are trying to reach. Create engagement by asking questions or giving the viewer a reason to comment. Post pictures that would draw your interest if someone else posted them.
Favorite professional beauty products: Matrix Style Link Smooth Setter, Style Link Volume Builder, Style Link Volume Fixer, Hot Tools Curl Bar, Hot Tools dryers with AC motors- A lot of stylists don't realize AC motors have more power and last twice as long as DC.
How social media changed my life: I've been a stylist for 33 years. I had an established color clientele that was moving toward a lot of gray touch ups. Social media has allowed me to refresh my clientele by gaining more balayage, fashion colors, and long hairstyles. I started posting the kind of work I wanted to do and that is what started coming in the door. I started sending my work to magazines and it got published. That led to the job as Artistic Director at Hot Tools. More opportunities than ever before are available to stylists through social media.
The first time I was featured on MODERN SALON was…. After I attended Artist Session [MODERN’S photoshoot workshop] for the first time. I learned so much from the Modern Salon team about what it takes to create work that is magazine worthy. That led to a Modern Salon cover about a year later. I also learned from Maggie Mulhern, MODERN’s Beauty and Fashion Director, how to conduct quick interviews and send emails to editors. I credit her for much of my growth today.
SEE THE FULL 2017 MODERN SALON 100 LIST HERE!
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Stylist Spotlight
Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
Challenging the Rules of Haircutting: An Interview with Nashville Artist Stan Newton
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.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Ashley Leoncini: Build Connections, Stay Resourceful and Keep Pivoting
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.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Stephanie Carrillo: Revitalizing Your Career Through Education
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.
The MODERN Artist Stephanie Geib: Professional Hair Bestie
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.
The MODERN Artist Hannah Mejia: Perfect Your Craft, Then Chase the Dream
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.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Katy Samuels: Trust Yourself and Create Your Own Path
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.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Erin Munoz: Grow Your Business, Protect Your Balance
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.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Tyler Plemmons: The Power of Positivity
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.
The MODERN Artist Angelica Tanta: Practice, Perseverance and the Power of Never Giving Up
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.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Angela Orozco: Why Authentic Relationships Will Always Matter
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.
The MODERN Artist Erin Mills: Build the Business, Change the Life
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.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Mish Jolie: Do It Even If You're Scared
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.
by Anne Moratto
MODERN Artist Amanda Harsche: Growth Through Connection
Amanda Harsche has built her career on two simple beliefs: never stop learning and never stop connecting.
by Anne Moratto
Chaz Dean Shares 5 Career Lessons for Hairstylists Building a Lasting Career
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.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Connective Edit: Jessica Domoney Says Success Starts with Boundaries
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.
by Anne Moratto