The Colorist's 30 Under 30 Class of 2018: Eric Vaughn

The Deets: At 28, Eric Vaughn has certainly accomplished a lot. Not only has his Instagram page @realericvaughn just surpassed 200,000 followers, but he also owns REV Salon in Houston. His color specialties include blonding, dimensional brunettes and color correction using Wella Professionals and Matrix—"I love correcting in every aspect," he says—but he's also an expert extensionist to boot. 

I became a colorist because: When I was a receptionist at a salon before cosmetology school I saw the relationships you can form with people. Aside from that, I come from a ballet background so it was important for me to find an artistic career. Like dancing, hair is so movement-based, and it really spoke to me. 

My goals: To grow my salon and be the best mentor to aspiring young artists that I can be. Personally, I’d also like to be a creative director for a color line. 

I love being a colorist because: I give my clients the haircolor they never thought they could have. Being able to see someone’s entire appearance change because of the tone of their hair and how it can compliment their features makes me love being a colorist. 

I look up to: The generation of hairdressers before social media because they paved the way for us. Their knowledge, skill and stage presence is something I aspire to. 

I’m inspired by: @romeufelipe. He has his own aesthetic and stays true to it at all times. You can spot his work from a mile away. His work has shown me I should always trust in myself and stay true to who I am as an artist.