Franco Hernandez

Since its humble beginnings in 1989, NAHA finalists and industry elite have brought this iconic photographic beauty competition to new heights year after year. NAHA continues to recognize the beauty industry’s most talented artists and advance the careers of stylists around the world. Nothing makes us happier than meeting artists we REALLY want to root for… Good people who love the industry, value education and aren’t afraid to put in the hard work.

What word describes how you feel when you hit submit on your entry?

“Nostalgic” comes to mind I have been entering since 2007 and for the first time if felt everything was leading to this collection. I was so happy to click submit.

What advice would you give to some one wanting to enter competitions?

Know that every step is a lesson and listen to your heart that you are doing it for the love and passion and that already makes you a winner.

Beyond hair, what other creative outlets do you have?

For me hair is all I have ever done and everything outside of that always leads me back to it, from drawing to music I always find a way to connect it.

Tell us your life story in 3 sentences.

The world of hair has been very good to for the past 25 years. I’m surrounded by love and support. I couldn’t imagine life with out Starbucks coffee

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

I know it would be something with people. I have always found myself connecting and helping people. I’m just blessed I get to use my hands to do so much.

What was your biggest F-up with a client?

In beauty school I did a men’s hair cut. He specifically said not to cut to high around his ears and I did. When he noticed he pointed it out I quickly grabbed his this framed glasses put them on him and said “see it’s not that high at all” that has always stuck with me and tell that story all the time and chuckle

Real life advice to someone entering the world of cosmetology.

Believe that it is the one craft that the amount of love you put in is the amount it will give back you. Always pass on what you learn and you will never be alone.

I knew I was a Hair Nerd when….

As a child I would always watch my mother tease and style out her hair, this intrigued me. I would always point out spots she missed and I loved handing her Bobby pins.