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The MODERN Artist Skyla Kuykendall: Putting Yourself Out There
Skyla Kuykendall's work is the kind of hair that makes you happy. As a colorist who loves to blend natural with fantasy, she attributes her continued success in finding her dream clients to being her authentic self.
September 25, 2026
"Be yourself and the ones who are meant for you will come. The ones who aren't will find who is meant for them." - Skyla Kuykendall
Credit:
Skyla Kuykendall
3 min to read
Skyla Kuykendall's work is the kind of hair that makes you happy. As a colorist who loves to blend natural with fantasy, her clients often leave with bright and fun masterpieces. It's the kind of hair she's always dreamt of doing, and she attributes her continued success in finding her dream clients to being her authentic self.
Working from her suite, Opal + Honey in Colorado Springs, Kuykendall knows the value of putting yourself out there. After all, she says, social media is social. Named to the MODERN SALON 100 in 2022, she recommends finding your community and being a friend in order to make friends.
Artist Snapshot
Name: Skyla Kuykendall
Salon: Opal + Honey Salon
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Years in the Industry: 11
Specialty: Custom color, extensions
Instagram:@skylacolors
MODERN SALON 100: 2022
Q&A
Three words that describe you?
Friendly, Creative, Uplifting
What's the best career advice you've ever received?
Be yourself and the ones who are meant for you will come. The ones who aren't will find who is meant for them.
Credit:
Skyla Kuykendall
What's something you wish every beauty professional knew earlier?
There is no easy way to be a beginner! It takes courage to learn something new and put your content out there. Just keep documenting and remember that no one is judging you as harshly as you judge yourself.
What's one habit that's contributed most to your success?
You have to be a friend to have friends! Don't forget the SOCIAL in social media.
What's one mistake you see beauty professionals make repeatedly?
For the love of hair, please stop putting your before pictures first in your carousel!
What's one investment that paid off more than you expected?
Hair shows! Tickets are an investment but there's no better way to connect to the community than having hundreds of people with the same special interest in one place.
What's something you've changed your mind about during your career?
When I first started my Instagram, I never put myself on it. Just completed, polished, after pictures of my work. These days, there's SO much talent out there, and I've learned I really benefit and get my ideal clientele that aligns best with me when I put more of my authentic self out there.
What's one beauty trend you're excited about right now?
I love this era of hair. Literally whatever you like is what's in! As a color specialist that loves ALL things color, this is so refreshing. Lately I've personally loved the mix of natural colors with vivid placement.
Credit:
Skyla Kuykendall
What's one thing our industry should be talking about more?
As a millennial, I would love to take an in depth class on how to edit content professionally. I've done my best with trial and error to keep up with the trends of social media, but I'll be honest, it's a struggle sometimes.
What skill will matter most to beauty professionals in the next five years?
I think this is a field where it is imperative to be sable to change and adapt with the future needs of the clients.
Karaoke song?
"Butterfly season" by Ella Langley
What's one piece of advice you'd like to share with the MODERN SALON community?
If you don't try, it's always a 'no'. There's no harm in putting yourself out there! A hundred no's is worth one yes.
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