With Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month well underway, we can’t think of a better time to highlight some of the incredible Latinx hair artists who are making waves in the hair industry. Not only are these talented creatives keeping us all inspired with their trendsetting hair looks that frequent just about every magazine and red carpet, but they are also doing their part to bring some much-need representation to a space that hasn’t always done the best job of catering to their community.
To celebrate the ongoing contributions that the Latinx community has continued to make in the hairstyling world, we have curated a list of 12 talented Latinx hair pros that deserve to be on your radar — now and always.
DJ Quintero, @djquintero
San Diego-born hairstylist Dominigo Quintero, also known as DJ, is the creative mind behind the ever-changing hairstyles frequently seen on Hollywood’s leading ladies such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Chastain, Lily Collins, Julianne Moore, Charlize Theron, Reese Witherspoon, and Katie Holmes. Currently based in New York, the talented stylist’s incredible work has graced the pages of nearly every magazine imaginable from Vogue and W to Rolling Stone and Sports Illustrated.
Marc Mena, @marcmena
Often called “Hollywood’s Hair Extension King”, hairstylist Marc Mena’s talents are unmatched when it comes to the art of hair extensions. In fact, the highly sought-after stylist’s technique has gained him notable recognition for his ability to create outstanding hair transformations. It’s no wonder why major stars like Mindy Kaling, Madelaine Petsch, Jordana Brewster, Chrissy Metz, Ashley Benson regularly call on him to transform their tresses.
Castillo, @castillo_13
Castillo has made a name for himself in Hollywood as a top celebrity hairstylist thanks to his innovative hairstyles that enhance his client’s natural beauty. The Los Angeles native discovered his love of hairdressing while studying Visual Communications at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and later assisted fellow Latino celebrity hairstylist Carlos Ortiz. Now, you can find Castillo regularly tending the locks of celebs like Bella Thorne, Meghan Trainor, Priyanka Chopra, Ruby Rose, and Halle Berry.
Marcos “Reggae” Smith, @regdabarber
Whether it’s NBA ballers, musicians, or notable actors, there aren’t too many leading men in Hollywood who haven’t had the pleasure of being groomed by Marcos “Reggae” Smith. The New York-based barber is frequently hit up by stars like Jack Harlow, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, Jason Derulo, John Boyega, and Luka Sabbat to deliver fresh new cuts.
Jennifer Yepez, @jennifer_yepez
Even if you don’t already know Jennifer Yepez by name, you’ve more than likely seen her work across literally every major red carpet. Known for her high-drama hairstyles, the New York-based Ecuadorian hairstylist has styled just about every It-Girl and A-Lister, including Salma Hayek, Kim Kardashian, Naomi Campbell, Zendaya, Cindy Crawford, and Gigi and Bella Hadid.
Malcolm Marquez, @malcolm.marquez
Los Angeles-based hair artist Malcolm Marquez has a special talent when it comes to creating bold, statement-making hair. The intricate and often colorful hairstyles that he frequently dreams up for his clients including Barbie Ferreira, Rihanna, Tinashe, Amandla Stenberg, and Ryan Destiny are truly works of art.
Priscilla Valles, @priscillavalles
Priscilla Valles doesn’t just do extensions, she knows extensions. The entrepreneur and extensions expert has spent over 20 years helping stars like Britney Spears, Christina Augilera, Megan Fox, and the Kardashian-Jenners achieve the flowing, voluminous hair of their dreams—earning herself the nickname of “Hollywood’s Hair Extension Queen”. Now the hair guru has set her sights on growing her hair empire with her very own extension line with Glam Seamless.
David Lopez, @davidlopezzz
When it comes to all things hair, there is nobody better to call then David Lopez. The Puerto Rican celebrity hairstylist, beauty expert, and Ulta Beauty Pro Team member has lent his expertise to countless publications like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and Essence as well as to celebrities such as Chrissy Teigen, Ashley Graham, Lily Aldrige, and Kristen Stewart. Passionate about degenderizing the beauty space, Lopez regularly uses his huge platform—he’s 123 thousand followers strong on Instagram—to defy gender norms by advocating for dress-wearing across gender and showcasing his full-glam transformations, which often feature waist-length wigs.
Robert Ramos, @robertramoshair
You can thank Robert Ramos for all the gorgeous hairstyles frequently seen on your favorite celebs like Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Alba, Melissa McCarthy, Eva Mendes, and Nick Jonas. For the last 30 years, the Emmy-nominated hairstylist has built a successful career designing iconic hair looks for the red carpet, stage, and big screen. Aside from his styling work, Ramos is also the co-owner of Ramos Carreon Salon and also founded his own hair care line, Robert Ramos Hair Products.
Cynthia Alvarez, @cynthiaglam
Bronx-born Cynthia Alvarez is incredibly talented at her craft. From styling and braiding to applying creative color and even advanced extension and wig training, this hairstylist and groomer seems to do it all. Not to mention, she can slay just about any hair type and texture—hence why celebs like Shakira, Alicia Keys, Becky G,and Adrienne Bailon constantly turn to her for fresh, new looks.
César de León Ramîrez, @cesar4styles
Hairstylist to the stars and resident wig master, César de León Ramírez never fails to serve up hair inspo with all the iconic hairstyles he regularly creates for his clients like Winnie Harlow, Bebe Rexha, Demi Lovato, and Ciara. The Puerto Rican stylist got his start assisting top hairstylists including Orlando Pita, Michelle Caruso, and Ruthe Roche and his work has since been featured on TV like X Factor and Keeping Up With The Kardashians as well as in the pages of Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vogue. More recently, the industry veteran has been named a brand ambassador for Paul Mitchell.
Rob Ferrel, @robtheoriginal
Roberto Ferrel, aka “Rob the Original,” is the mega-talented artistic barber behind all of those viral three-dimensional hair portraits you are likely to see all over Instagram. From Tupac, and Selena Quintanilla to Marilyn Monroe, the San Antonio-based artist has paid tribute to some of the most iconic people of our time with the life-like hair designs that he cuts and shaves into the back of people’s heads.
Which hair pros do you follow? Share with us below!
