Over the course of the month, we will be spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 30 Under 30 for 2023, sponsored by Denman Pro.
Today, you will get to know Hunter Walden (@hairxhunter). He is a 27-year-old stylist at Bombshell’s Hair Studio in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Hunter Walden (HW): I am an animal lover. I have three dogs, two cats and two ferrets. ]
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
HW: Honestly? Without a doubt it is this moment right here and now. It is surreal that my work was chosen amongst all of the talented and worthy applicants– I feel honored and proud of the work I have accomplished and will accomplish in this industry.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
HW: Lots of layers with block coloring! I love creating pops of dimension or contrast in heavily layered haircuts for edgy, transformational color and cuts!
BLP: What is a hair tip you have for your fellow stylists?
HW: Never give up on yourself. Believe in yourself even when others tell you otherwise. Be open, and listen to hear, not to form a response.
BLP: What do you love about your work?
HW: I love the transformations and the connections I build in the process. We are healers in a way. Our guests trust us more than their best friends sometimes. What I love most about my work may not be all encompassing of my technical abilities, but my ability to listen, form connections and understand my guests on a deeper level than their hair is something I love.
BLP: What motivates you about the industry you are in?
HW: Kindness and compassion – when I meet other stylists who uplift the younger generation of stylists instead of bullying them the way the industry has for so long. I believe there is room for EVERYONE to be who and what they want to be in this industry. When I meet other stylists who are on that same wavelength, it inspires me to elevate myself and my craft.
BLP: What is a professional goal you have for yourself?
HW: This was the first of many goals I am hoping to achieve this year. I am setting a goal to be taken more seriously in my education this year. I want my message and my passion in rooms bigger than I’ve been in before. I want to share the stage with icons who inspire me and so many others. Most importantly, I want to inspire this industry with love, kindness and some KILLER hair color.
You can see the full list of this year's 30 Under 30 by reading Beauty Launchpad's May/June 2023 digital magazine.
