How Living Proof Celebrates National Hairstylist Appreciation Day

Hairstylists and colorists do important work all day, every day, whether they’re fixing a bad cut, advising on a new hair color, or making someone feel more like themself once again—so it’s only a given that we celebrate their contributions on April 25 with National Hairstylist Appreciation Day. 

Not only are they essential for people to feel their best, but stylists are integral to the Living Proof community, too, as they help share new ways to use our products, give their insight on new formulations, and help educate customers in the chair about how they work. With that in mind, we wanted to shine the spotlight onto five hairstylists in the business about what inspired them to pursue it—and what they find most rewarding.  

Answers have been lightly edited for clarity.  

Michael Shaun Corby, Living Proof Global Creative Director

Instagram Handle: @michaelshauncorby 

Location: Los Angeles, California 

Specialty: Editorial styling

How did you get started as a stylist and what inspired you to get into the industry?



I knew from the age of five that I wanted to do hair. By styling my nana and mom as a kid and then eventually every cheerleader I could get my hands on in high school, I honed my skills, which lead to the great fortune of working with Disney teen celebrities by the age of 19. The rest is, as they say, history—and I am so grateful for the many years of working with amazing humans! 

What’s your favorite part of being a stylist or your proudest moment? 

My favorite part of being is stylist is showing someone a new technique and having them say, “Thank you for teaching me something new today” or “I can use this behind the chair!” My proudest moments are when I see my work in print and can say “I did that!” Seeing someone enjoy your work is always a thrill for me. 

Are there any other stylists you’re inspired by right now? 

Yes, I am currently obsessed with Sylvester Finold (@sylvestre_finold), Esteban Emmanuel (@estebanhair), and my most fave of all time, Lucas Wilson (@lucas.a.wilson). 

Pooja Shah, Living Proof Global Creative Team Member  

Instagram Handle: @hairbypooja, @thegrandpooja 

Location: New York, NY 

Salon: Common Good NYC 

Specialty: Cutting with shears and straight razor, event styling, and keratin treatments

How did you get started as a stylist and what inspired you to get into the industry? 

College wasn’t not the move for me. After checking out Vidal Sassoon, I realized this is a skill I can learn. The apprenticeship at Bumble and Bumble was extremely challenging. The reward of learning all those cutting, styling skills, and shortcuts came together to build a clientele. Being part of a team is invaluable to me. 

What’s your favorite part of being a stylist or your proudest moment?  

My favorite part of being a stylist is being part of a team and creative atmosphere. My proudest moments were opening Common Good NYC in 2018 and, being part of the Living Proof Global Team, experiencing hair on an international level is more than I could have ever asked for. 

Are there any other stylists you’re inspired by right now?

Christie Terranova (@electricalchemist), Angela Soto (@paintedbyangela), and Marcus Phillip Hatch (@marcusph333). 

Lacey Hanmer, Living Proof Creative Team Member and Educator

Instagram Handle: @imalacey 

Location: Tallahassee, FL 

Salon: Tryst Salon 

Specialty: Specialized Educator for hair cutting and styling

How did you get started as a stylist and what inspired you to get into the industry? 

I wanted to work in a field that brought out and cultivated both my artistic and business side. 

What’s your favorite part of being a stylist or your proudest moment?

Traveling internationally as an educator to share my passion with others within the global stylist community.

Are there any other stylists you’re inspired by right now? 

Pooja Shah (@thegrandpooja) who navigated owning and operating a salon in NYC through the Covid-19 pandemic. Her resilience, determination, and phenomenal hair cutting abilities continue to shine and inspire.  

Thom Costello, Living Proof Creative Team Member and Educator 

Instagram: @thomcostello1 

Location: Spokane, WA 

Salon: Thom Costello Salon 

Specialty: Although I specialize in advanced hair cutting and styling techniques, I also love color and spend an equal amount of time studying and practicing current trends and practices.

How did you get started as a stylist and what inspired you to get into the industry?

There isn’t a part of the industry that hasn’t sparked my attention. Growing up in the Seattle area with a stylist mom, it was impossible not to learn about hair. During the ‘80s and early ‘90s, I found inspiration everywhere, things would come and go, but music was constant. I consider myself very fortunate to have been surrounded by such good family and friends that shared that love of noise. 

After beauty school and a multiple-year apprenticeship, I began my career in the salon. I got involved in education early on. I love it. Having the opportunity to help your industry evolve and connecting with other like-minded stylists is awesome. 

Being a husband to the most amazing woman and the father of two amazing children forces me to learn every day. I’m so about that world now. It feels good to be in a place where I can let go of the pressures of it all and just be. And taking that attitude into the salons has been so rewarding. I’m super stoked to see life play out! 

What’s your favorite part of being a stylist or your proudest moment? 

There are way too many favorite moments to list one. This industry is so rich with creativity and individualism that you learn something new every day behind the chair. I get to carry on the legacy of hair that my mom started. She taught me the importance of connecting with your community—the importance of always being in the moment. Everything I am inside and outside the salon is because of her and her love.  

Cara Crafton, Living Proof Creative Team Member and Educator

Instagram Handle: @caracraftonhair and @craftedhairgroup 

Location: Milwaukee, WI 

Salon: Crafted Hair Group 

Specialty: Curl cutting and razor cutting 

How did you get started as a stylist and what inspired you to get into the industry? 

I have an art background and was planning on a career in fine art printmaking, but I was also very drawn to hair. I had a stylist friend who was an educator, platform artist, and salon owner who encouraged me to consider hairdressing. It appealed to me as a creative and seemed like a more tangible career encompassing travel, business creation, and artistry. I signed up for hair school at 20 and never looked back. 

What’s your favorite part of being a stylist or your proudest moment?

Inspiring others, both clients and staff. Mentoring young stylists on how to create a career that feeds them both professionally and emotionally. Proud moments include some of those challenging situations on high-pressure shoots or shows, where you lay it all out there and watch your magic walk a runway. Those moments are forever in my memory. 

Are there any other stylists you’re inspired by right now? 

So many! Instagram gives us access to such incredible talent. I’m really inspired by curl magicians like Ursula Stephen (@ursulastephen), April Kayganich (@_thehalfrican), and Evan Joseph (@evanjosephcurls). I could also watch Randa Rivera (@randa.rivera) and Beau Bollinger (@beaubollinger) razor cut all day long. I pay close attention the artists on The Left Brain Group (@theleftbraingroup), too—tons of talent and inspiration.