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

How does competing help you as an artist?

I believe competition is the best way to sharpen and hone in skills. It forces you to grow and develop an eye for shape, balance, and texture. The discipline required to compete in NAHA elevates the industry as a whole and further defines what it means to be an artist … Hard work..

Beyond hair, what other creative outlets do you have?

When I don’t have my hands in hair, I love to cook.. I think it is so important to develop all senses to keep the creative juices flowing..It also allows you to experience other cultures without leaving your house! Plus, good food makes people happy, and uplifting moral is always a good way to stay positive..

Have you ever been victim of a hair travesty?

I have THANKFULLY never been a victim of hair travesty.. I have been working with the Aquage team in production from a young age, so I have always been surrounded by great talent

What’s your biggest fear in life or your career?

My biggest fear in life… germs…haha..

My biggest fear in my career not being prepared.. Because so much of where I am today came from being prepared..

Tell us your life story in 3 sentences.

My life story in 3 sentences is very cliche but very true…

1. Fake it til you make it

2. Luck is when opportunity meets preparation

3. If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far; go together

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

The best advice I’ve ever received is from my greatest mentor Luis Alvarez… “Without pressure there would be no diamonds.. ”

I knew I was a Hair Nerd when..

I knew I became a hair nerd on 2 separate occasions..

1. When I was locked in a room with the infamous Ann Bray to copy write the script for the Aquage ‘B-Glam’ DVD… She unfolded 50 years of structural backcombing technique in 2 days.. Talk about a deeper understanding of what it means to coiff hair..

2. Was when I was asked to jump in and “fix” the hair on set.. I was there for production, but ended up doing the hair.. Luck is when opportunity meets preparation

Nicole Gary