Serene Barlond

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?

Excitement.

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

Our creativity and imagination is what makes us all unique, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try something new.

Beyond hair, what other creative outlets do you have?

Art has always been a creative outlet for me. I love to sketch, paint, and sculpt, especially objects in nature. I think these other creative outlets have helped me in my cosmetology career, by training my eye to see shape, depth, and tone.

Tell us your life story in 3 sentences?

I grew up in the military and settled down in Michigan with my mom. I quit college to pursue my dream of becoming a cosmetologist at Douglas J Salon and Day spa. I have been very fortunate to have many amazing experiences during my cosmetology career, including NAHA, as well as a very supportive family and friends.

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

Special effects makeup for movies.

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

My biggest fear in life as well as in my career is disappointing my family and peers.

Real life advice to someone entering the world or cosmetology?

Entering cosmetology was the scariest but most rewarding time of my life. I could finally use my creativity every day to make people feel good about themselves, that is what makes all of the long hours on your feet worth it in the end. So my advice would be to have fun and don’t be afraid to put yourself and your ideas out there, even if you haven’t been styling hair for a long time, someone will recognize your hard work and talent.

I knew I was a Hair Nerd when…

I figured out that I am really good at finger waves. I was so excited that I was able to do them, that I came into work with my hair in a vintage finger wave up do the next day.