Our Authors

Celebrity hairstylist George Papanikolas has his hands in the hair of Hollywood’s most mercurial Misses including Miley Cyrus, Megan Fox, Britney Spears, and the Sisters Kardashian. His ability to create quick change-ups in their hair color sets trends. His trademark“beach-style” highlighting techniques have evolved into today’s popular ombré and balayage techniques.

Gina Escandon is the Digital Content Strategist at MODERN SALON, SALON TODAY and NAILS. As a seasoned beauty reporter and editor, she's an expert in product testing, identifying trends, and exploring the intersection of beauty, wellness, and culture. Gina is based in Los Angeles and spends her free time reading novels, redecorating her apartment, and weighing whether or not to get bangs again.

Helen Oppenheim, hair guru, has been Creative/PR Director for Vidal Sassoon US/Canadian Salons (1979-1981) and for La Coupe Salons (on and off for 14 trend-setting years like no other) …"Ambassadress" for John Sahag and his Workshop for a total of 4 years … She has been US Correspondent for Spain's Peluquerias Magazine for decades, and freelanced for many of the world's hair magazines, including Modern Salon... Judging duties include Global Salon Business Awards in 2008, NAHA in 2015.

Ivan Zoot is ClipperGuy, a highly sought after presenter and trainer in the world of men's hair. Learn more about Ivan's educational support and programming at clipperguy.com.

Jamie Newman is the Senior Digital Content Strategist of MODERN SALON. The Chicago-based editor collaborates closely with salon professionals, social influencers and brands to connect them with MODERN’s readers and online community. Newman is a key contributor to MODERN SALON Media’s Artist Connective influencer program, social media platforms, digital channels, print publications and custom media projects.

Amazon Best Selling Author, Consultant, Educator Jeff Grissler has been published in many beauty trade magazines. A gifted businessman and consultant, Jeff prides himself on his networking ability to bring people together to share new ideas and explore partnerships and marketing techniques.

Jenny first worked at Cosmopolitan Magazine in New York. She went on to take a position in public relations at CHANEL, Inc., coordinating press efforts for the Beauty & Fragrance, Boutique and Accessory Divisions. After CHANEL, Jenny became Accessories Author - Editor at W and Women's Wear Daily. Besides reporting on the jewelry, handbag and shoe markets, she covered social events for the Eye column. Currently she divides her time between London and the US.

Karie Z. Bennett cut her own bangs on her third birthday, wrote a book at the age of eight, and the rest is destined for her memoirs. She celebrated her 30th year as a hairstylist by launching a second career—as a writer, and a third as a salon business consultant. Currently working her way through The Writer’s Studio program at Stanford University, she is a freelance correspondent for Salon Today magazine.

Kelly Ehlers is a recognized leader and expert in social and mobile media for the salon and beauty industry. Her firm, Evoke Brand Strategies, specializes in providing innovative digital solutions for salons, stylists and brands looking to connect with their customers in today’s technology-driven society. By combining traditional PR and relationship building with today’s social platforms, Ehlers bring a fresh perspective to the industry.

Kristi Valenzuela is the founder of Crystal Focus Salon Coaching; a salon coaching company specializing in teaching “people skills for profitability."" Their latest product launched, The Front Desk Doctor Training System, promises to turn receptionists into extremely effective sales professionals by teaching real-life sales systems specifically designed for the salon industry.