The beauty industry is evolving fast, but the foundation for lasting success remains the same: skill, professionalism, and strong business sense. For the next wave of stylists—especially younger generations in hairstyling—industry veterans are stepping up to mentor, guide, and raise the bar. Leaders like Elgin Charles, Dezi Santiago, and Tamara Taylor are showing that in 2025, thriving as a stylist takes more than creative talent—it requires a commitment to excellence, client care, and entrepreneurial discipline.
Elgin Charles: Craft, Professionalism, and Persistence
Known as the “King of Hair” and one of the few Black salon owners in Beverly Hills, Elgin Charles has styled icons from Gabrielle Union to Serena Williams. With four decades of experience, he’s now expanding his mentorship through the upcoming reality competition series Hair Camp, premiering next year on Blacktivity. Contestants will compete for a $25,000 grant and licensing rights to one of his salons—while proving their skills both behind the chair and in business management.
“You can be a jack of all trades, but you have to master one,” Charles says. “Longevity in this industry is about more than hair. It’s about people, professionalism, and persistence.” His message is timely, as younger hairstylists face rising criticism for missed appointments, inconsistent quality, and poor time management—issues he’s determined to address head-on.
Dezi Santiago: Turning Apprenticeship Into Leadership
Detroit-born Dezi Santiago built her career through rigorous apprenticeships before launching her own salon in 2010. Her brand, Biomni, now offers high-performance, non-toxic products for all hair textures—earning a loyal following for its signature shampoo, leave-in conditioner, and hair mask. Santiago’s philosophy is simple but powerful: respect your clients’ time, maintain professional standards, and run your business like a corporation, not a side hustle.
“This is not a hustle—it’s corporate,” she says. “Your clients are paying for your lifestyle. Respect their time, respect their hair, and set up your business right from the start.” Her approach has positioned her as both a creative and entrepreneurial role model for younger generations in hairstyling.
Tamara Taylor: Building the Business Backbone
As founder of Mastermind Mgmt, Tamara Taylor manages hair, makeup, and wardrobe professionals. She quickly noticed that many talented creatives struggle with paperwork, contracts, and compliance—barriers that can cost them major opportunities. Through her nonprofit, Mastermind Matters, she offers workshops on everything from tax readiness and credit building to protecting intellectual property.
“People talk about making money, but not about maintaining it,” Taylor explains. “I’ve seen multi–six-figure earners miss high-profile jobs because their business structure wasn’t in place.” For Taylor, preparing stylists for success means ensuring they have the systems to sustain it.
A Shared Mission for the Future of Hairstyling
From mentorship and skill mastery to business education, these three industry leaders are aligned on one goal: empowering the next generation to meet higher standards in artistry and professionalism. For Millennial and Gen Z stylists, the message is clear—success in hairstyling today demands more than talent. It requires a mindset of excellence, a commitment to learning, and the business skills to build a sustainable career.
As Elgin Charles says, “It’s time to pass it on.”
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