We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 25 Under 50K contest, sponsored by Platinum Seamless.
Get to know Drew Inge (@domyhairdrew). He is a master stylist and owner of Headcase Colour Bar in Newport News, VA.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Drew Inge (DI): I went to school for Political Science and Religious studies as an adult in 2017.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
DI: My little sister and I were very close growing up. I started playing with her hair for fun when I was about 11. Eventually, I ended up doing her hair for all of her middle school and high school dances. We’d have girls lined up in my moms dining room. I made myself late for my own prom doing hair for everyone.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
DI: My proudest accomplishment outside of work accolades is overcoming my personal mental health struggles daily and maintaining my positive attitude even in the darkest of times. As far as work goes, I’d say it was winning Influencer of the Year ’23 by SEHA.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
DI: I’m loving the big ‘90s blow outs! As a kid, I grew up watching my mom round brush her hair, so I love a good blow out.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow stylists who are looking to grow their following on socials?
DI: Be your true self online and figure out who your audience is. Showing my true self to clients and stylists online has allowed me to grow my following as well as my clientele.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
DI: I’d tell myself to put myself out there sooner. The greatest achievements I’ve made were when I did things that scare me.
BLP: What is a valuable hair tip that you want to share with your fellow stylists (whether it’s a business tip or something related to styling/working with hair)?
DI: Stop allowing fear to control your career.
BLP: What inspires your work?
DI: I am inspired by many artists both past and present, vintage hairstyling techniques and my mom.
BLP: What is something that keeps you passionate and motivated in the industry each day?
DI: It's hard to stay motivated some days living with depression, but reminding myself that I have so much more to give the industry keeps me going.
BLP: What changes would you like to see the industry make in order to grow/change/evolve/be better than it was before?
DI: I would like to see more accessible education for lower income stylists and a healthier work/life balance for stylists in the future.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
DI: I want to work for a specific color line and help teach future stylists.
