Photography: Roberto Ligresti

Make-up: David Maderich for M.A.C. Cosmetics

Fashion styling: Rod Novoa

At MODERN SALON’s most recent Artist Session, the hands-on photoshoot workshop, artists were inspired by Hollywood epics and icons, from both the large and small screen. Artists channeled a favorite look or theme, translating it onto her model.

The artists selected for this feature thrive on talent, as well as mentorship. Each is either an owner or member of a salon that makes guidance and education part of its success. For every artist pro led here, Artist Session has become, proudly, an important part of a mentoring program. For details on MODERN's next Artist Session, visit modernsalon.com/artistsession.

TERRESTRIAL WARRIOR

Hair: Theresa Przybyla, Jose Luis Salon, Austin, TX

Fashion: Helmut Lang

Products: Soft Lacquer, Superfine Hairspray, Rough Luxury and Dry, all Oribe

Tools: INStyler IQ, Keratin Complex 5 in 1 Curling System, Paul Mitchell Express Ion Dry, Solano Sleek Heat fl atiron

Theresa Przybyla, creative director of the Jose Luis Salon in Austin, Texas, was inspired by HBO’s fantasy drama Game of Thrones. “I am a huge fan of strong, structured silhouettes and the texture and intricacy of braiding, so for this look I couldn’t resist combining the two,” she says.

Jose Luis Salon invests heavily in its staff, bringing members to educational events throughout America. “We pride ourselves on the quantity and quality of our continuing education,” says owner Jose Buitron, who regularly finances individuals for Artist Session, sending Przybyla to the most recent event. This generosity is not lost on her. “Jose is amazing!” she says. “He is an incredible mentor and beautiful person. He wants every one of his stylists to succeed.”

VALLEY OF THE DOLLS

Hair: Cindy Wade and Emily Naaman

Fashion: H&M

Products: Mousse Volupte, Volume Expansion, Lumi Controle, Infinium 4 Hairspray, all L’Oreal Professionnel

Tools: Sebastian Professional microcrimper, BabylissPro Nano Titanium 1” Marcel Curling Iron, Brushopolis teasing brush, Salono Sleek Heat flatiron, Centrix KOI shears

Cindy Wade of the Cristophe-Fashion Island salon in Newport Beach, California, has been collecting images from the 1960s film Valley of the Dolls for inspiration. “The images are so strong,” Wade says. “Beautiful women, big hair and great dresses.” Joining Wade for Artist Session was assistant Emily Naaman. “She is one of the best assistants I have had in my long career,” Wade says. “I thought it would be great for her to see what goes on at a professional photoshoot. I am so passionate about raising the bar in our industry.”

FINDING NEVERLAND

Hair: Jennifer Dozier Horter and Stacie Snyder

Fashion: Pearl by Marchesa

Extensions: Hairdreams

Tools: Express Ion Dry, Bamboo brush, both Paul Mitchell; Andis Maven clipper

Jennifer Dozier Horter, owner of Bombshell Salon in Ellicott City, Maryland, brought along senior stylist Stacie Snyder to help her create Finding Neverland. “It’s my version of one of the most iconic characters of all time,” Horter says. “The idea was to capture the spirit of Tinkerbelle’s dual personality.” To accentuate “Tink’s” mischievous and dark nature and to highlight the inner light that shines in her, Horter and Snyder created a braided crown and faux fringe to bring more light around her face while using blended textures to enhance the beauty of the conflicted fairy.

Mentoring comes easily to Horter who frequently quotes John Paul DeJoria (Paul Mitchell CEO): “Success unshared is failure,” she says. “Whenever there is an opportunity for me, I want to make that an opportunity for someone else.” Horter has learned to pay it forward, starting with her staff of 20. “I have had wonderful mentors in my own career and know how important that can be. As a salon owner, I’ve learned that opportunity should present itself to the entire team.”