
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.
If you’ve been to a trade show in the past year, chances are you’ve seen Julius “Caesar” Arriola on the Wahl or Layrite stages. The charismatic barber and member of the Wahl Education and Artistic Team (WEAT) specializes in precision fading, clipper over comb, point cutting and heavy textures—all executed in mixing classic barbering methods with progressive new ideologies.

If you’ve been to a trade show in the past year, chances are you’ve seen Julius “Caesar” Arriola on the Wahl or Layrite stages.
The charismatic barber and member of the Wahl Education and Artistic Team (WEAT) specializes in precision fading, clipper over comb, point cutting and heavy textures—all executed in mixing classic barbering methods with progressive new ideologies.
He’s had the opportunity to share his talents globally with the WEAT team in Hawaii, Toronto, London, Prague, Tokyo and more, and he tells MODERN that joining the Wahl team was a long-term goal of his that he’s thrilled has come to fruition.
ABOUT JULIUS
Born and raised: San Francisco Bay area; Los Angeles for the past four years
Favorite item in my wardrobe: My collection of wide-brim fedoras custom by Christopher Jay Heller.
Best part of my job: Being a positive voice for those who choose to listen.
Hardest part of my job: Making time for everyone. I’m a workaholic. When you love what you do, there isn’t really a 9-to-5; it’s a 24/7.
If I weren’t a barber, I would: Probably be working in either art or fashion
Best advice I’ve received: Fear nothing. Instead, acknowledge the law of karma. Do good, and good things will find a way back to you.
Favorite hair and style era: Late ’80s retro hiphop. High-top fades and fat gold chains.
Guilty pleasure: Cheese pizza and candy
How I relax: With spending so much time interacting with so many people, I like to relax sitting on my lounge chair playing Amy Winehouse on a rare day-off watching the sunset from my new downtown LA loft, ALLHAILDTLA.
Something that would surprise people about me: No matter how intimidating my tattoos are or how outspoken I come off, I’ve been told that, once they’ve met me in person, I’m approachable and easy to talk to.
Favorite song right now:"Blood on Me" by Sampha
Favorite Wahl tool: Wahl 5-Star Cordless Magic Clip
Favorite tattoo: “Manifest” above my left eyebrow
Craziest tattoos: My whole head set. Each piece represents power symbols.
Curly or straight? Straight
Denim or leather? Leather
NY or LA? LA
Blonde or brunette? Brunette
Jay or Ye? Two different artists, no comparison. Lol!

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.