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SEARCHOwner/Stylist, Strands Hair Studio, Wheaton, MD
SHIRLEY GORDON
Owner/Stylist, Strands Hair Studio, Wheaton, MD
Licensed: Rockville Beauty Academy
First job: Stylist at Kelly Hair-Em
Clients per week: 20
Price point: Cut: $95, Highlights: $240
www.strandsstudios.com
Why did you choose beauty? So I could help others recognize their inner and outer beauty. Having confidence is an important part of who you are. So I figured, the best way to help people embrace their own true beauty is by sharing my talent, my belief, and my true passion.
Milestones: Realizing my potential, believing in myself, and then acting on it; becoming an entrepreneur and owning my own salon; learning to break my own rules
Big break: God blessed me with this amazing gift. Because of this blessing, my career has been flooded with many opportunities.
Career advice you’ve received: Become an advocate for continuing education
Career advice you’ve given: Don’t be afraid to break you own rules!
Your mentors: Vivienne MacKinder, Trevor Sorbie, Robert Lobetta and Vidal Sassoon
You mentor? My stylists, assistants and other aspiring stylists who wish to follow in my footsteps.
Are there benefits to being a woman in beauty? Yes! Women not only represent beauty, they express beauty. Beauty is part of a woman. No matter what a woman’s size, shape or color, there will always be an opportunity for her to relate to another woman, share an experience, and most important, to learn from other women.
Risk and lesson: After working at a salon for eight years as a stylist, I decided to become an entrepreneur and open my own salon. It was a little scary, but I learned that all things are possible when you have a spiritual connection.
To follow in your footsteps, a woman would have to: Work hard, never be afraid to ask questions, be an advocate for continuing professional education and believe in herself.
Famous woman you would like to style. Hummmm! I would have to say Beyonce. I admire her hard work and determination to take whatever she does to the top.
Next change to personal style: My hair! I change it monthly.
Reading? My bible, the Vidal Sassoon book, and Don’t Die In The Winter, Your Season is Coming.
Playlist: “I Was Here” by Beyonce and “Hello Fear” by Kirk Franklin
Important client experience. I had an experience with a client who was suffering with severe hair loss. It was out of her control and she did not know what she could do about it. I had recently added hair replacement to my services, so I was so happy that I was able to give her some options.
Every day, just for you: I exercise and I pray
Working on: What am I not working on (smile)? Preparing for NAHA 2012; seeking a new salon location; developing a product line; debuting a series of “total look” DVDs for women,, and training under my industry icons.
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.
