We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 25 Under 50K contest for 2025, sponsored by SalonCentric.
Here, you will get to know Lex Ruggiero (@lexruggiero), a hairstylist, content creator and brand owner based out of Londonderry, NH who specializes in lived-in color and hair apparel.
Q&A with Lex
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Lex Ruggiero (LR): I can do an exact impersonation of Britney Spears singing. It's like...scary good.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
LR: I truly wasn’t sure what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was a theater kid and terrible at math. I had an A in chemistry. I thought about going to school for something musical but enrolled in cosmetology school on a whim, and 13 years later, I’m happy I did!
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment/achievement in the industry so far?
LR: My proudest achievement in the industry so far is creating my hairstylist apparel brand “Hot Girls’ Hair.” I am so proud of how much it has expanded, being a fairly new brand. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many hairstylists because of it. It's so amazing and surreal seeing hairstylists wearing my brand behind the chair everyday, to their brand shoots or just out in the world. It's really helped me define who I am in the industry and made me feel like I’m leaving a dent in the hair world!
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
LR: I love a good sleek slick back bun. That's been my favorite trend over the last few years because it's classic and makes me feel like I have my life together when I wear it.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow beauty pros who are looking to grow their following on socials?
LR: BE AUTHENTIC. Show up 100% as yourself because there is only one you. Trends are fun, but if you can make your online presence unlike anyone else’s, that is when you will grow and find your people!
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
LR: I’d say buckle up sister. Honestly, I wanted to quit hair for the first six years I was in the industry honestly, so I would tell her to hang in there and stop stressing that she wasn't perfect because no one is and that she will eventually find her place, and it will be more than anything she could imagine!
BLP: What is a tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful in your services or business?
LR: Having a new client consultation form is my number one business tip. It has truly changed everything for me. I go into every appointment confident and ready, and my clients go in knowing what to expect. Its a win-win.
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
LR: Jen Atkin. Her building her brand and truly being one of the OG hair influencers who was posting their work on IG before it blew up and using her socials to grow is so inspiring to me. I read her book like once a year.
BLP: What is a practice/ritual you have to care for your mental health and set boundaries between your work and personal life?
LR: I have to work out. It's my me time. A good sweat is so therapeutic. I love going to yoga or spin classes where my phone is outside the class in a locker because it's truly the only time I'm “unreachable.”
BLP: What do you think needs to change in the industry to help beauty pros continue to grow and thrive?
LR: I think stylists arguing with stylists on social media needs to change. I see hair stylists with opinions on how others are doing things or what others are charging, and I think we all need to remember we are on the same team. If we can't support each other and take one another’s careers seriously, no one else is going to.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
LR: I want to grow my brand, work with hair brands as an educator/creator, teach a branding course someday…the list really goes on.
