We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 30 Under 30 contest, sponsored by Denman Professional.
Here, you will get to know Aoife McCarthy (@aoifemariebeauty), a 29-year-old board-certified trichologist, salon owner and hairstylist based out of AMBER Salon and Headspa in Austin, TX.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Aofie McCarthy (AM): I got my start in hair through doing drag wigs when I was in my late teens for friends.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
AM: I went to beauty school immediately because I loved styling hair for friends and knew that I wanted to be a stylist. Throughout my years, I have worked in every facet of the industry: from bridal to the salon, New York Fashion Week, editorial and becoming an educator, all the way to where I am now as a trichologist and owner of a salon and head spa, specializing in extensions and wigs for people dealing with hair loss.
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
AM: Naeemah LaFond has been a mentor of mine since 2016. She taught me the importance of thinking outside the box and pushing the limits. I never thought I would be doing what I’m doing, but she taught me that if you can dream it, you can do it.
BLP: What is your proudest achievement in the industry thus far?
AM: My proudest achievement is opening my salon. I wanted to create a space that was different than any environment I have worked in before. I love working behind the chair at the salon, but I also love wellness. I wanted a space that captured all facets and could be a safe place for anyone experiencing hair loss, as well as having a head spa for scalp treatments or to come and relax.
BLP: What is your favorite piece of advice you’ve been given by a fellow industry/hair pro?
AM: A quote from Vernon François that I think of constantly is “Your mind is your greatest asset — train it, trust it and it will shape everything you create.”
BLP: What is a hair tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful behind the chair?
AM: As simple as it sounds, stay in your own lane. Comparison is the thief of joy, and if you’re constantly worried about what other stylists or salons are doing, you’re wasting energy that could be used working toward your goals. When you know what you want, you need to put those blinders on and work until you reach the finish line.
BLP: What is your favorite hair trend currently?
AM: My favorite trend right now is how we are normalizing wearing extensions, toppers, mesh, etc. I feel like the stigma behind wearing hair enhancements is leaving, so people can feel more comfortable expressing themselves without being limited by what their biological hair is capable of.
BLP: Who or what inspires your work?
AM: I find inspiration everywhere! Specifically, I am really inspired by my clients' stories. Women are so strong and resilient even when facing a disease or cancer. It’s an honor to talk, listen and help them feel beautiful.
BLP: What changes would you like to see in the industry to better help hair pros grow and thrive?
AM: I would love to see more texture inclusivity, especially when it comes to extensions. There aren't many people or brands that cater to curly hair. I think investing in curly education would help new stylists set themselves apart. Especially in the extensions world, offering everything would really put you on the map as doing something extraordinary.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
I love educating, and my goal is to have a school where I can teach other hairstylists about hair loss, extension methods for hair loss specific clients and have a huge network of hair loss specialists around the world.
