Our 8th annual 30 Under 30 spotlight highlights the next generation of colorists — all under age 30 — who are poised to take their careers to the next level. Hailing from coast to coast and different countries, these color experts comprise an eclectic 2020 crew. We learned about their lives and hue loves, who motivates and what inspires them, how they got started and where they hope to go. Julie Christopher (@jbootybb) is 25 years old and a senior cosmetologist at Blown 25 in Baltimore, Maryland.
I’ve been involved in the arts as long as I can remember. If I wasn’t at dance class, I was painting or drawing on the nearest surface I could find. As I got older, I started expressing my creativity through makeup, my wardrobe, and—you guessed it—dying my own hair. I couldn’t be left unsupervised in Hot Topic. Somehow my friends thought that coloring my own hair meant I knew what I was doing, so I started coloring their hair as well. I started working in a local salon at 16 and completely fell in love with the environment. I was still somehow convinced I wanted to pursue visual arts and toured multiple art schools, but I kept falling back into working at salons. I impulsively decided to apply to hair school one day and started the next week. My love for color and color theory easily translated into my love for hair. Aside from working behind the chair, I also occasionally teach painting classes at local paint night bar!
What are your goals?
I hope to one day become an educator and do platform work. Consistent education is a huge part of staying fresh in this industry. I currently have an apprentice, and teaching her has sparked my love for education. It keeps my mind fresh and sometimes I feel like I’m teaching myself as well.
Any accomplishments so far that you’re most proud of?
I recently traveled to Europe for a collaboration with some of my greatest inspirations/influences in the industry, and I’m very lucky to call these colorists my friends now. Im also very proud of being chosen for 30 under 30!
What do you love most about being a colorist?
I love having creative freedom and playing with new formulations and color placements. I’m very fortunate to have clients that trust me and let me do whatever I want. The possibilities are endless.
Who would you consider to be your mentor/role model, and why?
My mentor/role model is Rebecca Taylor. She’s obviously an amazing colorist and educator, but she’s extremely down to earth. She has done more for my career than I could have ever imagined. She keeps things real and keeps the best attitude about everything regardless of what life throws at her.
What’s your favorite color trend/technique of the moment?
My favorite trend at the moment is unconventional patterns stamped/painted on the hair. Two colorists in particular who execute this regularly are Kelsey Pebler (@bohobrushed) and Shannon Romano (@_p_i_g_m_e_n_t_). Their work is absolutely breathtaking and super inspiring! It is such a creative twist and so different than anything trending currently. It takes true talent and patience to pull off work like theirs!
What makes you most proud to be part of this industry?
I’m proud to be a part of an industry that is so creative and consistently growing. I am constantly surrounded by like-minded people who love what they do, and that is so refreshing. Not everyone has the luxury of loving what they do every day. It is something I will never take for granted.
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