Stephanie Carrillo's work is instantly recognizable when scrolling through your social feeds. Able to create a shag with gorgeous texture on anyone, Carrillo has found her calling within the beauty industry. But it wasn't always clear to her.

Named to the MODERN SALON 100 in 2022, Carrillo says the style changed the course of her career when she took a shag cutting class just before the pandemic, looking to break the feeling of stagnation. It was clearly a small decision to invest in herself that made a huge impact. Now she teaches shag cutting techniques herself, inspiring countless other stylists to fall in love with creating the popular look.

Artist Snapshot

Name: Stephanie Carrillo
Salon: The Spot Salon
Location: San Clemente, California
Years in the Industry: 25
Specialty: Shag cuts, bangs, bobs, lived-in color
Instagram:@modestspotcarrillo
MODERN SALON 100: 2022

Q&A

Three words that describe you?

Fun, creative, passionate.

What's the best career advice you've ever received?

Work hard, stay humble, and never stop learning.

What's something you wish every beauty professional knew earlier?

Save your money, invest early, and have health insurance. Your future self will thank you.

What's one habit that's contributed most to your success?

Be on time, be professional, and treat your clients and coworkers with respect. Talent matters, but consistency, professionalism, and how you treat people will take you further than anything else.

What's one mistake you see beauty professionals make repeatedly?

If we want longevity in this industry, we have to pour into the next generation. Teach professionalism. Teach punctuality. Teach respect. Protect our baby stylists and set them up for long, healthy careers.

What's one investment that paid off more than you expected?

I was feeling stagnant and wanted more behind the chair. I took a shag class right before Covid, and it completely shifted things for me. During the shutdown, I practiced day in and day out. When we were able to work again, I rebranded myself, my work, and my feed. It gave my career a whole new life.

What's something you've changed your mind about during your career?

I fought social media at first because it was unknown to me, and honestly, it felt uncomfortable. But it's proven how important it is. It's priceless—and free. I've built my clientele and my business because of it. Sometimes you have to stretch yourself and lean into the uncomfortable. That's where growth happens.

What's one beauty trend you're excited about right now?

My entire Pinterest board is French-inspired.

I'm drawn to how effortlessly cool it all feels—low maintenance, timeless, and never overdone. The fashion is endlessly inspiring and the hair aligns so naturally with the way I live and the kind of hair I create. Easy, undone, and intentional.

What's one thing our industry should be talking about more?

I have clients come to me after being talked out of the haircut they actually wanted. Whether it's education, confidence, or lack of interest—we have to keep sharpening this craft. That means better education, more practice, and knowing when to refer out. Cutting should never be a lost art.

What skill will matter most to beauty professionals in the next five years?

Responsibility—financially and professionally.

Managing your money, saving, and planning for your future matters just as much as mastering your craft. Showing up on time, communicating clearly, and carrying yourself with integrity creates longevity. Talent gets you started. Responsibility keeps you going.

Karaoke song?

"No Scrubs" by TLC

What's one piece of advice you'd like to share with the MODERN SALON community?

Don't build your career chasing validation—build it on skill, consistency, and integrity. That's what lasts.