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
Nail Artist Julie Kandalec Has Style
Julie Kandalec has fantastic personal style! Learn more about the manicurist to the stars.
March 9, 2020
Nails by Julie Kandalec
1/6
3 min to read
Julie Kandalec (@julieknailsnyc) is the nail professional that editors and celebrities call to make their dream nails come to life. Mariah Carey, Camila Cabello, Emma Roberts, Hailee Steinfeld are just some of the celebrities that count on Kandalec for a fresh nail look, and brands like Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Glamour, Chanel, Tiffany & Co. and others have featured her work in print. She also now shares her years of experience with salons, schools, spas, and hotels around the world as the founder of Masterclass Nail Academy.
ASKED AND ANSWERED:
I am known for: My hair!
Favorite item in my wardrobe: My Alexander Wang LBD. It is so versatile that I’ve worn it everywhere from to a cocktail party to out dancing until 4am in Vegas.
Favorite accessory: My pearl stud earrings. They are sentimental, plus they instantly elevate any outfit.
If I hadn’t become a nail artist: I would have become a flight attendant.
Most people would be surprised that: I am crazy about Garth Brooks.
My guilty pleasure: Vegan chocolate chip cookie dough.
My mentor: My best friend.
My style icon: Audrey Hepburn.
My best vacation: Was in 2017 - Maldives for a week with my best friend, then we spent a night at the iconic Burj al Arab in Dubai - my dream for 20 years.
Every beauty professional should: Specialize - do not try to do all services.
To relax: I go to the spa - I love sitting in the sauna, followed by a long facial and hopefully a foot and leg massage.
Shout out to someone who helped me along the way: My dad! He was always supportive of my career in beauty and never tried to convince me into another more “traditional” career path.
My goal as a professional is to: Inspire other beauty professionals to step outside their comfort zones and create new things, learn, and grow.
The coolest look I ever created: Anything I’ve ever done with Jamie Nelson! Also, I led the nail team on Thom Browne for seven seasons before he started showing in Paris. Those looks were always my favorite to create with him.
I am most proud of: Moving away from home and to NYC. I’ve been here for 10 years now.
For fun: I re-organize my nail art and polish collection! I have a separate beauty room with a floor-to-ceiling closet and every time I organize, I find a treasure I forgot about.
Favorite place on earth: I can’t choose just one! I’d probably say the Italian Riviera or Maui though. Or Maldives!
My favorite styling tip: Wear eyelash extensions!
The one product I use most often: Skincare from Chanel and self-tan by Tan-Luxe. I love their “The Butter” bronzer.
The talent I would most like to have: Is waking up early considered a talent? I think it is!
My motto: Luck is when preparation and opportunity meet.
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