Michelle O’Connor

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 one word describes how you felt when you wrapped your NAHA shoot?

I was super excited. I felt that I was very happy with what my team and I were able to bring to life & I appreciated that feeling tremendously, because I also know what it is to feel like to work on a collection that falls short of my expectations.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to enter competitions?

Go for it! I really didn’t identify myself as “that artist” I felt like the ones entering and winning those competitions were so far out of my range & that the goal was unreachable. I’ve since realized that you have to just jump right in and let the moment of being immersed in creating take over!

Beyond hair, what other creative outlets do you have?

Well I am a true girly girl. I luv fashion & make up to a fault. I also love the arts. I was a classically trained dancer for 20 years of my life, so I most definitely have an appreciation for are & images that reflect beauty to me!

Tell us your life story in 3 sentences.

I was born to Immigrant Jamaican parents of mixed racial heritage.

I studied dance for most of my life & transitioned into hair later as another creative medium.

I have an amazing son that has this brilliant mind that works on the opposite side of mine!

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

I would most likely be working in clothing/Fashion design.

What was your biggest F-up with a client? 

Oh boy! I had this client that wanted hair extensions and her hair was curly. I had just learned the Great Length method and was very excited to offer this service. When I went to place the order I learned that they only carried a straight texture, so I’m my inexperienced stylist’s mind, I had the bright idea to order these and perm them. Well long story short, I spent 6 hours installing these and they looked amazing at the time. Fast forward a few days later after she washed them and all the permed curls just fell flat. Disaster & EPIC FAIL all in one!! Womp……womp.

Real life advice to someone entering the world of cosmetology. 

Be excited! It’s a wonderful industry with infinite possibilities. There is absolutely no limit to how much you can grow and where you can go!!!

I knew i was a Hair Nerd when…

I started collecting collecting images of hair and things that reminded me of hair or inspired me to create hair constantly and for HOURS AT A TIME!!!