Amid increasing reports of violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community – including a series of mass shootings at Atlanta spas that left eight people dead with six of the victims being Asian-American women — many people are looking for ways to support Asian American and Pacific Islanders. Besides participating in protests, educating yourself, having open discussions about racism, buying from Asian-owned businesses, and donating money to organizations that benefit the AAPI community, it might be a good idea to consider diversifying your social feed and following some talented AAPI creatives on Instagram.
As hair pros who spend a great deal of time on social media seeking inspiration, networking opportunities, and even education, it’s important that we are making a point to support AAPI hair pros online as much as we are offline as well. This means following more AAPI stylists, colorists, and groomers and making sure to continually consume, celebrate, support, and amplify content from these incredible pros who help make the hair industry what it is.
To honor some of the contributions AAPI stylists, colorists, and groomers have made to the hair world, we’ve spotlighted 7 AAPI hair pros that you need to follow ASAP — if you aren’t already.
Jenny Cho, @jennychohair
When stars like Jennifer Lawrence and Emilia Clarke want an effortlessly cool look that’s sure to turn heads, they know to call Jenny Cho. The LA-based stylist is the creative mastermind behind the innovative hairstyles regularly seen on Hollywood’s leading ladies including Amanda Seyfried, Scarlett Johansson, Lucy Boynton, and Charlize Theron. Known for her highly versatile, texturized styles, Cho’s work has appeared on countless red carpets and in the pages of top publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Elle, Allure, and Harper’s Bazaar.
Kim Vo, @mrkimvo
You probably recognize Kim Vo from his television appearances such as Extreme Makeover for ABC, Daily 10 on E!, Shear Genius on Bravo, How Do I Look for The Style Network, and most recently as the premier hairstylist for Access Hollywood’s “Makeover Mondays”. Over his decades-long career in hair, the Vietnam-born master colorist has worked his hair magic on a laundry list of A-listers including Gwyneth Paltrow, Britney Spears, Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn, Alicia Silverstone, Katherine Heigel, as well as Nicky and Paris Hilton, earning him the title of “best blonder in the business.” In addition to his work with clients, Vo serves as the owner of Kim Vo Salon in West Hollywood.
Josh Liu, @thejoshliu
If you’ve ever wondered how Ariana Grande manages to achieve her signature snatched ponytail, you can thank Josh Liu. This LA-based stylist —who’s of Chinese and Mexican descent— doesn’t just do hair, he knows hair having honed his skills training under the likes of hair legends such as Chris Appleton, Christian Wood, and Anthony Turner. In addition to styling Grande, he has also tamed the mane of stars like Miranda Kerr, Olivia Munn, Demi Lovato, and Laura Harrier. Now with his very own accessories brand Utiles Beauty, Liu is well on the way to building his own hair empire.
Aika Flores, @aikafloreshair
Philippines-born Aika Flores has cut, styled, and groomed some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. A graduate of Vidal Sassoon Academy, this LA-based men’s groomer regularly works with Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas, Patrick Schwarzeneggar, and Jamie Miller. When she’s not producing clean cuts for her clients, you can find Flores putting in work at her salon Project The Studio, which she co-owns with one of her best friends.
Anh Co Tran, @anhcotran
Considered by many to be the original creator of LA’s trademark “lived-in hair” look, Vietnam-born Anh Co Tran is the man behind some of the coolest hair looks seen on stars like Anne Hathhaway, Emily Ratakowski, and Julianne Moore. The innovative stylist currently serves as the Global Creative Director for Milbon, the number one professional hair brand in Japan and co-owns Ramirez | Tran Salon in Beverly Hills with celebrity colorist Johnny Ramirez.
Cherin Choi, @mizzchoi
One of LA’s most in-demand colorists, Cherin Choi has the ability to make dreams come true when it comes to all things hair. She pushes the envelope with her hair coloring and is known for turning out a kaleidoscope of hair colors on the regular and transforming dark strands into blonde with minimal damage. A graduate of the acclaimed Toni & Guy Academy, Choi sharpened her skills a color apprentice at the Neil George Salon in Beverly Hills and then the Ramirez | Tran salon before stepping out on her own to co-found the Nova Arts Salon in LA.
Mark Bustos, @markbustos
Beyond being a celebrity hairstylist to stars like Norah Jones, Marc Jacobs, and Phillip Lim, Filipino-American Mark Bustos uses his passion for hair to give back to the community. On his days off, Bustos can be found hitting the streets of NYC (or traveling the globe) to offer free haircuts to the homeless. He shares his message of goodwill on Instagram with the hashtag #BeAwesometoSomebody —the same name he has also given his charity. In addition, the talented stylist also serves as the owner of his own salon called Silver Vine Room in Summit, New Jersey.
Do you already follow any of these hairstylists? Let us know below!
