We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 30 Under 30 contest, sponsored by Denman Professional.
Here, you'll get to know Kevin Kelly (@kevinkelly.hair), a 26-year-old hairstylist and salon owner based out of Kevin Kelly Salon in Keyport, NJ.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Kevin Kelly (KK): I’m secretly a bit of a DIY enthusiast! When I’m not behind the chair or working with clients, I love experimenting with projects. It’s a great creative outlet that lets me tap into a different side of my artistic expression, and it gives me a chance to add a personal touch to my salon space, making it feel like my own unique brand.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
KK: My grandma was a hairdresser when my mom was little, and hairdressing wasn’t the most well paid job back then. When I started to show some interest, she was not that happy, but I continued on, and we turned her garage into a salon before opening my own salon in a little town at 18 years old.
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
KK: One person I consider a mentor and role model in the industry is Priscilla Valles. I've had the privilege of working with and learning from her, and I truly appreciate her approach. She believes there is room for everyone to succeed and always supports others in the industry, which is something I deeply admire. Her guidance and generosity in sharing knowledge have been invaluable to my growth.
BLP: What is your proudest achievement in the industry thus far?
KK: Being recognized and trusted by high-profile clients in the celebrity world. Getting the opportunity to style some of the most influential people in entertainment has been both a humbling and exhilarating experience. It’s a reflection of the hard work, dedication and skill I’ve put into my craft over the years. Being able to work with such a diverse range of clients, from everyday clients to celebrities, has really pushed me to elevate my work to new heights.
BLP: What is your favorite piece of advice you’ve been given by a fellow industry/hair pro?
KK: Anyone will book you once, but will they book you twice? What is your rebooking ratio?
BLP: What is a hair tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful behind the chair?
KK: A tip for color application that’s helped me save time and achieve better results is working in smaller, horizontal sections when applying color, especially for clients with thick or long hair. Rather than applying color vertically or in large sections, I divide the hair into small, horizontal layers. This way, I can ensure that every strand gets an even amount of product, and I can move faster without missing any spots. When you're working on thick or layered hair, small horizontal sections help distribute the color more evenly from root to tip. It also gives me more control, so I don’t have to go back and fix areas that might have been underdeveloped or missed during the initial application. This technique not only saves time in the application process, but it also reduces the need for touch-ups later.
BLP: What is your favorite hair trend currently?
KK: Tape-in extensions — They’re such a game-changer for adding length and volume while maintaining a natural look. Tape-ins are thin, lightweight and seamless, which means they blend beautifully with the natural hair, giving a very real, undetectable finish. The application process is much quicker than other extension methods, and there’s no damage to the natural hair when applied correctly, which makes it perfect for clients who want something semi-permanent without the commitment. They can be reused multiple times, which makes them a great investment for clients who want long-term results without having to replace extensions every few months. Tape-ins also allow for a lot of flexibility with styling, and they’re great for people who want a more subtle, natural look with just a little extra volume or length. They’re perfect for clients looking for low-maintenance, beautiful hair that still feels like their own.
BLP: Who or what inspires your work?
KK: My family, particularly my parents and grandparents, is a major source of inspiration for my work. They've instilled in me a strong work ethic, which drives me every day. I also draw a lot of my creativity from my grandma, who has always had a unique and artistic way of looking at the world. Their support and values continue to shape the way I approach both my work and my creative endeavors.
BLP: What changes would you like to see in the industry to better help hair pros grow and thrive?
KK: While there's a lot of initial education available, ongoing education can be expensive and sometimes hard to access. More affordable or even free workshops and advanced training would be amazing. It could also be beneficial if schools taught more business and marketing skills alongside technical skills, to better equip stylists to build their own brand and succeed in the business side of things.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
KK: As a pro stylist with eight years of salon ownership and stepping into the celebrity styling world, one major career goal I have is to expand my brand into a more global space. I’d love to create a high-end, luxury line of hair extension products and tools that cater specifically to celebrity-level clients, but are also accessible to everyday people who want that professional touch. Additionally, I’d love to mentor and educate up-and-coming stylists, especially in the world of extensions. Sharing my knowledge and techniques through workshops or online courses would not only help grow the industry, but it would also allow me to give back by empowering others to reach their full potential in their careers.
