MENU
SEARCHThese stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
COLOR USED:
PRAVANA has long been trusted to transform color into a rainbow variety of hues. Recently, the brand introduced two new shades to its ChromaSilk VIVIDS line: Juicy (vibrant peachy pink) and Crush (soft rose gold).
Photographer: Joyce Charat – @joycevisuals
Still Life Photographer: Oliver Leighton – @ollie.leighton
Prop Stylist: Nike Schroeder
Wardrobe: Trudy Nelson
Makeup: Suna Myles – @sunamyles_mua
Campaign Colorist: Andy James – @andyjamespaints
Lead Hairstylist: Natalie Rosales – @natalierosales
Set Design: Megan Balthazor
Creative Director: Jamie Isaia: Archer & Anchor – @jamieisaia | @archerandanchor
Behind every magical creature is a magic maker.
These colorists are embracing vivid hues, fantasy palettes, and full-character transformations because they all resonate with hair color as storytelling as much as it is technical skill. They are creating alter egos, inspired by fantasy worlds, while also tapping into their own inner unicorn.
We asked each of them the same questions about their process, and the power of transformation.
Vivid artist | Cincinnati & Dayton, OH | Danger Jones Creative Crew
Stephanie (@hairbylunabelle) enjoying the final results of her model's hair color.
Q: Why did you decide to specialize in vivids?
I first started doing vivid hair around 2019. I’ve been doing hair for 19 years, and I just felt bored, like I needed to change. I’ve always loved color, and I love mermaids and unicorns, so I found my inner unicorn and just went with it. I started taking models, entering contests, and completely re-found my passion.
Color @chromadaddy
Styled with @moroccanoilpro
Strength @k18hair
Tools @bioionic@wetbrush
Q: What do you love most about creating vivid color?
I love being able to customize and mix colors. I especially love pastels. Even when I use the same placement, it can look totally different on every person. There are just so many colors and I love using them all.
COLOR USED:
@chromadaddy @happyhairdrake 🩷🎀
Q: What’s it like creating “magical creature” hair for clients?
It doesn’t feel like work, it feels like art. I love creating a full look: outfit, makeup, accessories, and doing a themed photoshoot. It’s like the ultimate fantasy. Adult dress-up in the best way.
Becky Betts (@the_blonding_rebel)
Pravana Educator, MODERN SALON 100
Becky Betts is a Senior Educator/ Trainer with PRAVANA.
Q: Why did you decide to specialize in vivids?
I’ve always been a starving artist at heart. Creating art is where my passion lives, and vivid color lets me turn hair into a true creative outlet.
This is why I love working with wigs.
They give me complete creative freedom and let me explore ideas without fear or pressure. "When I feel stuck or in a creative rut, wigs help me reset, play, and fall back in love with the art of hair all over again."--Becky Betts
Q: What do you love most about it?
The transformation. Watching someone see themselves in the mirror and feel more confident — more themselves.
A pop-art red that is softened with pink.
Q: What’s it like creating “magical creature” hair?
It feels like storytelling. Every client brings a different vision, and I get to bring it to life in a way that’s personal, emotional, and artistic.
The gorgeous work of Becky Betts.
Q: Any tips for achieving and maintaining vivid color?
Prep is everything: healthy hair, even pre-lightening, understanding underlying pigments, and proper porosity control. For maintenance I always recommend sulfate-free shampoo, cool water, minimal heat, and professional color-care products.
Ulta Beauty Design Team | Pulp Riot Artistic Collective
2025 and 2024 NAHA hair color finalist
Janelle Eyre at work.
Based in Saratoga Springs, UT, Janelle Eyre's color work has twice been recognized as a finalist in the Color Category for the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA).
In the MODERN SALON Spring 2025 issue, we featured these magical creatures designed by Eyre.
The otherworldly energy of this collection by Janelle Eyre was inspired by books that feature the mystery and allure of “the fae” or fairy folk.
Creative director, hair color, styling, cut by @jeyre.hair
Photographer: @richardmonsieurs
Makeup: @druhanesthetics
Wardrobe Styling: @jedan711
Armor: @shieldmaidenjewelry
Paint: @pulpriothair
Support crew: @meghanfelicionehair @kinganthonyyyy
@ultabeauty
Q: Why did you decide to specialize in vivids?
It allows me to be creative in a whole new way. I can challenge myself with color theory, experiment with endless placements and combinations, and help others showcase their authentic, artistic sides while making the world more colorful and fun.
Eyre features deep, midnight hair color hues and also shades of more earthy elements—greens and blues.
Creative director, hair color, styling, cut by @jeyre.hair
Photographer: @richardmonsieurs
Makeup: @druhanesthetics
Wardrobe Styling: @jedan711
Armor: @shieldmaidenjewelry
Paint: @pulpriothair
Support crew: @meghanfelicionehair @kinganthonyyyy
@ultabeauty
Q: What do you love most about vivid color?
It can be customized to fit any personality. It delivers an instant hit of dopamine not just for the wearer, but for everyone around them. Color is powerful.
Q: What’s it like creating magical creature hair?
It’s my bread and butter. You can create entire characters through haircolor. A person’s aura and demeanor can transform into something new and exciting.
Eyre's models are framed by darkness and caught in shadow, emphasizing their powerful presence.
Creative director, hair color, styling, cut by @jeyre.hair
Photographer: @richardmonsieurs
Makeup: @druhanesthetics
Wardrobe Styling: @jedan711
Armor: @shieldmaidenjewelry
Paint: @pulpriothair
Support crew: @meghanfelicionehair @kinganthonyyyy
@ultabeauty
Q: Any maintenance advice?
Wash in cold water. Use a repairing, color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Keep heat tools off or turned way down.
George Blanco (@georgeeblancoo)
Pravana Team Member | MODERN SALON 100 (2023)
George Blanco peeks out behind models during a photo shoot for PRAVANA.
Self-described “Merman Hairdresser,” Blanco brings childhood fantasy into adult artistry.
"On today’s episode my guest who I previously did rainbow on had to come back in for a refresh. I knew when I did rainbow it was gonna be difficult to remove certain colors from her hair.. but to MY surprise the majority came out with ease.
"I used PRAVANA CREME LIGHTENER with ZERO LIFT Developer while I processed her roots and the colors just rolled off her hair.
"I wanted to utilize the remaining tones left in her hair to my advantage.. so I used the one color that shares equal amounts of warm and cool.
VIOLET.
"Violet will not only help cover any imperfections in tone BUT also thanks to even amounts if cool and warm tones will set me up for success upon removal as well as the warm and cool tones with neutralize any warmth or coolness left in the hair.
"I custom mixed this dusty violet and lavender tones using PRAVANA VIVIDS EVERLASTING.
We embraced the split again since it made us feel SO EXXXTRA and even stepped it up flipping the colors on the money piece for extra drama!"
Q: Why vivids?
I’ve always been artistic. Growing up, nothing a good coloring book couldn’t fix. As an adult, vivid hair feels like an evolution of that love of creating art but now I get to do it for someone else.
Q: What do you love most about it?
It brings me joy. It’s living art that travels everywhere my client goes.
M E R M A I D🧜🏻♂️
"My client was ready to bring the magic back!
She had a grown out balayage, grey sparkles and old vivids that needed a revamping.
"We did a full head of foils and balayage to do blend it all out and then custom formulated 3 vivids and dyed her extensions to match!
"We installed the hair, cut and layered it all up and the final look was beautiful!
Another mermaid walking!"
Formula:
Teal: 10g Aquamarine + 2g Neon Yellow
Blue: 6g Clear Dilute + 6g Blue
Purple: 6g Wild Orchid + 6g Violet
Q: Where does the “merman” inspiration come from?
I grew up fascinated by mythical creatures, especially mermaids. Doing something my younger self would be proud of truly fills me with joy.
Z O M - B A E 🧟♀️
"Today we transformed a friends look again!
She came in ready to get the spooky vibes back on her
"We lightened out her regrowth and removed her previous color.
She had ultimately decided she wanted to go back to her green (a color that she frequents)
Only the request is that we make the color more swampy, not so neon and at the same time custom to her 💚
"The final look came out sickening."
Q: What makes a vivid transformation successful?
Like any color service consultation is key. Set realistic expectations. Make sure the client can maintain it. Aftercare is crucial, maybe even more important than the application itself. With good products, proper education, and good work, there’s nothing a guest can’t maintain.
The magic of Artificial Intelligence cannot replace the magic of the hands-on artistry of a colorist. Because behind every magical creature is a stylist who understands that hair isn’t just aesthetic, it’s identity.
This is an AI-generated image. Refer to our Terms of Use.
Loading data...
Full Service
If you can help a client in the early stages of hair loss, you not only help preserve their hair but also their relationship with you is preserved. We hear from certified trichologists on some myths, early warning signs, plus a launch that will help stylists support their clients with an easy solution.
The most successful salon suites balance personality, function, and comfort. Megan Communale of My Salon Suite shares her best advice for designing a space that supports your business goals and leaves a lasting impression on every guest.
Career
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
Color
As rich red-violet tones continue trending, the brand introduces two new demi shades designed for depth, shine, and dimensional color.
Color
A master colorist on why great hair color is never “simple.”
Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
Wellness
For salons and stylists ready to tackle hair-thinning, understanding the why, building the right network of partners, and offering scalp-focused services will be key.
