MENU
SEARCHMichael Kelley is best known for his men's cuts. See why we chose him to be part of our 2019 MODERN SALON 100.
Michael Kelley @M.R.K.thebarber
Michael Kelley’s social media personality is relaxed and loose, while his men’s cuts are tight and defined. He caught our attention with some of his freestyle work, and we keep watching.
Michael Kelley
MRK the barber, El Paso, Texas
Specialty: Men’s hair styles
Top-performing post: A design I did called the “Leap of Faith” was one of them. It was probably the cleanest and most creative freestyle, and it included a small cross on the bottom.
Favorite apps: PicsArt (Flyer and Ad Creator), Lightroom (to fix lighting issues such as exposure, saturation, etc.) and Facetune (to clean blemishes and skin on hair models).
I follow: @Andrewdoeshair, @Notoriousbarber, @Z_Ramsey @o_g_walker, @iamtyrikjackson
Michael Kelley @M.R.K.thebarber
Pro tip: It takes a combination of learning photography, understanding what grabs people’s attention, proper hashtags and also being connected to a great support network. There are a ton of factors!
Hidden talent: I love trimming and shaping beards even though I can barely grow facial hair myself!
Fun fact: I used to be pretty good at drawing and basketball.
My audience follows me because: I think my followers look to me for new trends and hair ideas, but I also think sometimes it’s my insight and perspective. I love receiving DMs from people thanking me for some encouraging words I may have posted.
How social media changed my life: Social media has allowed me to travel and make money in ways I wouldn’t have been able to. It’s the real-life experiences and the doors that have been open.
My first @modernsalon feature: I did the story takeover, and it was the first time I had ever done a takeover. I was a little nervous, but I kind of liked the idea that I was doing something new for a big Instagram account. It’s all about new experiences.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and select a specialty. Amelia Fugitt (@ameliahairmakeup) says choosing to focus on transformations has transformed her career.
In this content series, we're focusing on artists who found a niche that really speaks to them and work for their career. Henry "Tribes" Amoloja (@theweightedcape), is based in Dallas, TX, and practices sensory-friendly barbering.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. Texas-based artist Kimberly Michelle has always loved focusing on healthy hair and scalp, and headspa rituals was a natural evolution.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked these artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. See Caidy Brasure's perspective on specializing in editorial and special occasion styling.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked these artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. See Shonda Harvey-Gayle's perspective on specializing in extensions.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked these artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. See Stacey Ciceron's perspective on specializing in natural texture.
Get to know Jerwin Carlos, a fun-loving hairstylist and a member of Ulta Beauty's Artist Collective.
Check out these beautiful holiday and winter nails, created by the talented nail artists of our MODERN SALON 100 of 2025. Top-tier inspiration!
As we prepared this year’s MODERN SALON 100, our annual recognition of standout artists, we invited salon owners to nominate rising stars on their teams. The response was tremendous, filled with heartfelt praise for talented professionals.
Meet Jill Buck, a dynamic celebrity hairstylist, Davines North America Color Ambassador, and devoted mom whose creative flair extends seamlessly from the salon to the screen.
It's our 10th year of recognizing the most passionate and inspiring gamechangers in our industry! See who made this year's list.
Get to know Ulta Beauty Design Team member and Elite Stylist Beto Sanchez!
Alli Webb, the beauty entrepreneur and founder of Drybar, is back with a new haircare line inspired by lessons learned, and an embrace of her natural texture. After some difficult years, Webb decided to stop trying to control things and instead, find the magic in the mess.
Laura Gunter is a respected hairstylist, educator, and creative force based in Marietta, Georgia. With more than a decade of experience, she’s built a dynamic career that bridges artistry, mentorship, and industry leadership.
Eyre features deep, midnight hair color hues with metallic accents and her models are framed by darkness and caught in shadow, emphasizing their powerful presence.
Happy Women's History Month! Here's a woman who's making history in our industry today: Carolyn Aronson of leading haircare brand It's A 10.
From rethinking traditional assistant and apprenticeship programs to helping stylists avoid burnout and build community, this interview with Vee Vargas, a finalist for the NAHA Inspiring Salon of the Year, will inspire you.
