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Owner/Stylist, P!ay Hair Lounge, Simi Valley, CA
Licensed: Simi Valley School of Cosmetology, 1996
First job: Model for Clairol at the Long Beach show as a student
Clients per week: 40
Price point: $250 average for cut & color
playhairlounge.com, brigvanosten.com
Why did you choose beauty? After watching me tragically experiment on myself through my teen years, my mom suggested it. Just 10 months of school appealed to me.
Milestones: Getting my work published in 2000; opening P!ay Hair Lounge in 2006; winning Shear Genius 3 in 2010
Big break: Nova Salon Systems & ISO gave me a stage to set foot on. Guest artist and stylist extraordinaire Francie Sorem gave me a hand up, and plenty of pointers.
Career advice you’ve received: Failing is not ever trying.
Career advice you’ve given: Stop at NOTHING! Don’t listen to anyone who has a negative point of view of YOUR goals. Kindly let them know that they are wasting their breath.
Your mentors: The amazing artists that surround me in this industry and in the design world—unique pioneers that unknowingly mentor and inspire me through social media and magazines.
You mentor: A handful of stylists at P!ay, a few more at other salons and a cool group of international stylists and students that have reached out to me through Facebook after being inspired by my determination on Shear Genius 3.
Are there benefits to being a woman in beauty? Unique opportunities exist for all in our industry if they are willing to work hard. As a woman, I find I am able to relate to my clients.
Are there challenges for women in beauty? No. I have loved seeing more women take the stage for manufacturers over the last decade, though.
Risk and lesson: I took a huge risk when I opened P!ay five years ago. I have learned a priceless amount of knowledge about running a business and about human nature, including my own.
What does “work/life” balance mean to you? Finding that balance was hard for me. Why not add clients to the beginning of the day and also to the end? I learned the hard way, through being run down, that sometimes you have to say NO. My life outside of the salon is always creative, so sometimes the two worlds blur, and that’s fine by me!
If a woman new to the beauty industry wanted to follow in your footsteps, she would have to: Set high goals. Write down a plan. Go for it. Stop @ NOTHING!
Famous woman you would like to style: I’d drop back to 1921 and cut Louise Brook’s bob! What a powerful era for women.
Next change to my personal style: Honestly? Drop a few pounds.
Reading: Atomic Ranch Magazine. I love Mid-Century Modern style. My home was built in ’51.
Playlist: I just bought 2 new CDs—Young the Giant and Cage the Elephant
Every day, just for you: I eat a bowl of cereal. Breakfast is important.
Working on: I have a photo shoot coming up with Skye Bryand, the winner of Pravana’s Show Us Your Vivids contest, which I judged. In 2012, I have more TV work coming.
Sofia Vergara, Lucy Hale, Alison Brie, John Salley, Brian Austin Green and more honored the best achievements in Science Behind Beauty, Health & Wellness at this glittering event.
Stress was the factor respondents blamed most often when their skin worsened, cited by 54%, followed by diet at 37% and hormones at 35%.
This year’s awards centered around the Monochromatic trend, which is rooted in minimalism and intentional by design.
Haircare brand The Doux has launched “My Salon Empire,” a free-to-play salon management game on Roblox, helping the next generation celebrate the diversity of textured hair and explore salon entrepreneurship.
The show reported 30% attendance growth. It felt that way. This event for the southwest professional beauty community had heart, spice, and something for everyone.
Wella artists presented the Monochromatic trend movement, introduced new Pure Perfection color and Sebastian styling innovations, while the Wella team created interactive fun throughout Wella Studio in Los Angeles.
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.
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.
