John Douglas Byers is a Sassoon Trained Cutter who attended Roger's Hair Academy in Evansville, Indiana. John also attended the Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica, CA. Along with John's precise and geometric cuts, he loves to color and balayage hair all on the fly. A TRUE MAVERICK. Hair is not his job but more like a passion. John is interested in evolving in hair and collaborating with talented artists.

John Byers recently shared a very personal part of his hair journey and what we learned honestly surprised us. We would have easily guessed that John was a hair veteran with at least 15+ years of experience. Instead, we were pleasantly shocked to learn that John only became licensed about 3 years ago. Moreover, prior to entering Cosmetology school, he served 20 years of a 53 year sentence in Federal Prison. We invited John to share more of his personal hair journey with our hair community.

Do you remember your first day of Cosmetology school?

I really can't recall the first day. I was originally in Barbering. Eventually, I switched to Cosmo. I knew because of my recent release from prison that I had no time to waste. I went in with the mindset of being a humble student.

I was focused & determined to study the theory of barbering and allow the practice of that theory to refine me. So I took my education as a job. I was totally dedicated from the outset.

Fave hair product you would pay (gasp) retail for?

I would definitely pay retail for a lot of Kenra finishing products. I just think they are amazing. But the one I have to have is Kenra Blow Dry Spray!!

Who are three Hair-Heroes you would love to collaborate with?

Definitely Vidal Sassoon. He is a big part of my belief in my hair journey. I think he was not only a great cutter and theorist; but he was the quintessential human being.

I would love to work with Anthony Cuts. I think he is an amazing artist.

Next would be Mane Ivy. She just gets it. She's a wonderful soul.

What is something most people don't know about you...

That I absolutely love to bowl and I have bowled in leagues!! I also own my own ball and shoes.

Also, it completely invigorates me to go talk to kids at schools, jails, youth centers and beauty schools. I love to share what I have learned about choices, discipline, structure, education, obedience and vision.

Best advice you've ever been given...

To allow No One to dictate your joy.

Tell us a little about who or what encouraged you to pursue a career in Cosmetology.

Well, when I came home from my incarceration after 20yrs it was such a different place. I knew I wasn't going back to prison and I knew that I didn't want to be a laborer where I would basically be told what to do. A friend of mine recommended that I go to Barber school. I thought about it for around 2 months and then I decided to give it a try. HERE I AM!!

Please share a fun and/or interesting experience as it relates to social media in the hair industry.

One time, me and one of my hair BFF's almost came to blows over a disagreement about a background in a social media hair post. (All in good fun, we love to debate and are passionate so things get rowdy.)

Tell us about what motivates and excites you about the hair industry.

What just gets me going in the hair Industry is all of the different approaches to hair. The different languages. That excites me. To learn and connect with some of these amazing artists. I'm motivated by watching other great artists. They all help inspire me. I realize we all have more in common throughout our lives. I also love debating methods and products! I get hype!

Please share some advice you would you give to anyone wishing to pursue a career in Cosmetology.

Approach it all as a Student. Listen well. Learn what to do and not do. Read and study after school. Show up. Especially on Saturdays. Practice on mannequins. Allow no one to get in the way of what you love. Invest in expensive continuing education- the value is there. You get out what you put in. Basically, educate the shit out of yourself. Then hustle and work your ass off to get where you wanna be.

What is your next big career goal?

I want to add some form of Micro Links extensions or something along those lines to my menu. And I'd love to invest into coloring and selling all types of wigs. I also would love to assist a great artist where I can learn the business side and new techniques.

I knew I was a Hair Nerd when..

I would go to bed watching DVD'S of hair cutting and color from Sassoon. Then, I would wake up a few hours later and the music would still be playing in the background. You have to know this Sassoon sound on its' cutting DVD'S...

Where can people stalk you?

Definitely not a night club because Im too tired for that mess. I love going to local high school sports games, hanging at my friends' houses causing trouble and debating hair stuff.

Instagram: johndouglasbyers

Facebook: John Byers and John Douglas Byers

Snapchat: wisdombyers1929