We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 30 Under 30 contest, sponsored by Denman Professional.
Here, you'll get to know Rebecca Dahan (@beccas_beauty_page), a 26-year-old hairstylist and salon owner based out of Golden & Glow Hair Studio in Philadelphia, PA.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Rebecca Dahan (RD): My family is French/Moroccan, and I speak French!
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
RD: My start in the industry is all thanks to my mom. When I graduated high school, my plan was to study Fashion Design in Paris, and I was accepted at a top school. However, some things didn’t work out, and I decided to take a gap year. While figuring out if I wanted to make Paris work or not, my mom suggested I go to cosmetology school, since I wanted to combine fashion design with hair and makeup. Once I started school, I fell in love with doing hair. If it hadn’t been for her support, I don’t know where I’d be.
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
RD: Last year in January 2024, I took a bridal class with @senadakxo in Staten Island, and she told me I could come back and shadow her for a wedding. I ended up coming back in April 2024 for a whole weekend, and I was able to be by her side Friday-Sunday for all five weddings she had that weekend all over NY and NJ. She was amazing to let me tag along, help and ask questions. On Monday, I was lucky enough to assist her again at her salon during her bridal trials.
BLP: What is your proudest achievement in the industry thus far?
RD: I’ve only been in the industry for about six years. On April 4, 2025, I will have reached two years of having my own salon suite! Coming from someone who never thought she’d have her own business, I feel so grateful to have had amazing support from my family, clients and other artists in the industry these past two years.
BLP: What is your favorite piece of advice you’ve been given by a fellow industry/hair pro?
RD: It’s okay to take your time! In January 2025, I took a 1:1 bridal class with @emboldenedhairartistry, and I asked her about her timing when it comes to her brides, especially when doing glam waves. When she told me her timing, it was so reassuring to know that it’s okay to take plenty of time doing bridal hair to ensure the best possible quality.
BLP: What is a hair tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful behind the chair?
RD: I have a stylist belt that I use for weddings. A lot of the time people refer to it as my “Bob the Builder tool belt," but I personally love it. I feel more efficient and organized when I have it around me at weddings!
BLP: What is your favorite hair trend currently?
RD: My brides want glam waves. I will love those forever and always.
BLP: Who or what inspires your work?
RD: Most of my inspiration comes from other artists in the industry, as well as my own clients. The amount of talent we have in our industry all over the world is truly amazing. Whenever I have free time, I love looking on social media at other artists' photos/videos. It’s truly inspiring and challenges me in perfecting my craft. Regarding my clients, my main goal in my job is for whoever is in my chair to feel as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. We listen to our clients achievements, struggles. We cry and laugh. If they can leave my chair in not only a great mood, but also feeling great about their hair and themselves, then I’ve done my job.
BLP: What changes would you like to see in the industry to better help hair pros grow and thrive?
RD: Social media and technology have been a great tool for helping grow artists and showcasing their work. However, with that comes not only face-tuning, but also AI, which can give clients a false reality of what real hair can look like. In turn, it can be difficult for newer hair pros to navigate.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
RD: I would love to become one of the top bridal artists in my area/the East Coast and start educating newer hair pros looking to become bridal hairstylists.
