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SEARCHMorgan Willhite, Creative Director and Lead Stylist, Ouidad Salon in Santa Monica, CA
First job in beauty: Assistant at Los Olas Beauty, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Licensed: Cosmetology school, Keene, NH
Three highlights of your career:
1. The day that the Ouidad team came to the salon in Florida to train me to master the art of curly hair. This was my opportunity to branch out as my own stylist by doing this new cutting edge cutting technique for curly hair. After 19 years of struggling with my own hair, my confidence changed overnight!
2. Ouidad offering me a job at her NYC salon. A smalltown girl moving to the fashion mecca of the world My dream was coming true.
3. After working at the Ouidad salon in NYC for over 5 yrs, I was offered the position to move to LA to open the new Ouidad salon. I paid my dues. I had worked hard and showed my artistic ability. I was now promoted to the artistic director and lead stylist at the Ouidad salon in Santa Monica, CA. It was a wonderful feeling to be handed such a large responsibility.
Beauty legend you respect: There is truly one woman who I owe everything to. It is my mentor, Ouidad. She is one of the smartest business women I have ever met. She has built an empire for curly hair. She gives her heart and soul to the success of her business. She gives women the ambition to become successful. She saw something special in me, and kindly took me under her wing. She gave me opportunities that I had only dreamed about.
Choose beauty because: In this economy, I believe that beauty is the last thing cut out of the budget. People will always need a haircut, always want gray covered.
Tip: Fashion evolves, and so should you as a stylist.
Quote or mantra: Watch and learn.
Dominique LyVar, an influential educator and artist, is remembered by those who loved him for his significant impact on the industry and contributions to the community.
Known for his buttery blondes and a technique for highlighting hair with more precision that he called chunking, Brad Johns died on August 27. His friend and fellow colorist, David Stanko, shares thoughts on his talented colleague and close friend.
As technology evolves at an accelerated rate, you want to make sure you have the best in your business toolkit to help you grow sales, motivate your team, communicate with your current and future clientele, and streamline your managerial tasks. The 2026 SALON TODAY Technology Solutions Guide is designed to help you navigate today's growing landscape of salon and spa technology. In this guide, you'll find a curated look at more than 50 of the latest software platforms, digital solutions, and innovative features to help you compare options and identify the best fit for your business.
The Davines Edit reflects the brand’s passion for people and planet.
RÜTE Wash introduces a shower cap designed specifically for crown washing, helping clients with hair extensions cleanse the scalp while protecting the lengths from water.
Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric returns for its fourth edition August 30-31 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, delivering its biggest and boldest event to date.
One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
A live education series explores the ideas, collaboration, creative decisions and processes behind the winning work.
According to the report, people are moving away from copy-paste trends and toward community, using real experiences to develop a sense of taste and beauty that reflects who they are.
Hairstylists and barbers can showcase their creative and technical vision in two global categories with cash prizes and a chance to represent in Portugal.
The BBR Beauty Show featured a prominent speaker lineup including Lacy Redway, Karrueche Tran, Danessa Myricks, Chelley B., Sabrina Elba, Jessica Harris-Dupart, and more.
The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai
The Good Patch is a leading wearable wellness patch brand, offering wellness and skincare patches that support everyday needs including energy, sleep, relaxation and more.
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
Ulta Beauty has announced its partnership with Black Beauty Roster to launch the pilot of All Textures Certification (ATC). The new program is aimed at addressing gaps in education within the beauty industry and raising the level of skills and guest satisfaction for all.
