
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.
As you can see, this finished product is super shiny and simply scrumptious! Stephanie Smith of Steph's Beauty Mark of Plantation, Florida was inspired by photos that her client brought in of work by none other than Guy ...



As you can see, this finished product is super shiny and simply scrumptious!
Stephanie Smith of Steph's Beauty Mark of Plantation, Florida was inspired by photos that her client brought in of work by none other than Guy Tang.
Starting with four to five inches of level 6 new growth, with level 5, 6 and 7 ends ends (mixed in some areas due to the porosity from previously artificially colored ends), Smith began this transformation by cutting and shaping the clients hair while it was dry. She then lifted the client's hair using Matrix LightMaster with 40v developer with Olaplex #1.
COLOR STEP-BY-STEP:
STEP 1: "I started my sections from the nape of her neck and used the back combing technique," Smith says. "After I back combed my section, I then balayaged that section and ombred about four to five inches of the ends. I incubated her ends in foils. The balayage portion of each section was partially in the foil and partially processing in open air to give a very natural transition without any lines." Continue this technique throughout the client's entire head.
STEP 2: Balayage sections around face closer to the hairline.
STEP 3: Let process for 50 minutes.
STEP 4: "After processing, I shampooed her hair with Matrix ColorLast Shampoo and towel dried her ends. I then used the New Pravana Express Tones, Violet with Zero Lift Developer and processed for five minutes."
STEP 5: Rinse well,
STEP 6: Use Olaplex #2 for 15 minutes.
STEP 7: Shampoo with Matrix ColorLast Shampoo. Condition with Matrix ColorLast Conditioner. Towel dry hair.
STEP 8: "To detangle the back combing, I LOVE the HealthySexyHair Soya Want It All 22 in 1 leave in treatment. That works amazingly!"
STEP 9: Blowdry hair and curl loose waves. To add extra shine and control the frizz, use a small drop of Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum.
And of course, we had to ask Smith how this client's hair looks SO shampoo-commercial shiny and luxurious.
"Really the secret to extra shiny hair is to not push it beyond the limit that your hair won't be lifted lighter safely," she says. "I checked her ends periodically to ensure the strength and elasticity was still healthy while it was lifting. A beautiful color with damaged ends doesn't look so beautiful, so it's best to always lift little by little, within a couple of appointments if needed so the hair stays healthy. But definitely Olaplex and the products that were used really does help with keeping it shiny and healthy too."

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.

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.