At the heart of every great salon experience is a stylist who’s empowered, educated, and inspired. Ulta Beauty helps more professionals step into that spotlight. As a leader in the salon industry, Ulta Beauty continues to create unparalleled opportunities for growth, connection, and creativity—whether you’re just starting out behind the chair or a seasoned pro with big dreams.
Every stylist knows the importance of having their finger on the pulse with trends – from celebrity colors, to TikTok cuts – it’s vital to be on the ball with what your clientele want. Here, we have Leo Valencia translating some of his favorite current trends.
TRENDSPIRATION! Leo Valencia @leo.valencia
For Leo Valencia, trends are more than aesthetics. They’re tools for connection. “In our Trendspiration courses, it’s not just about recreating a haircut. It’s about translating an idea into something that works for your guest,” he said.
Whether it’s curtain bangs or a modern shag, the key is communication. Simplify trends so that stylists can explain and tailor them to each client, Leo says, as he leads education at Ulta Beauty and builds a thriving business behind the chair as a Diamond-level Elite Stylist.
“Sometimes, what the guest loves in an inspo pic isn’t the cut, it’s the vibe,” he explained. At the Ulta Beauty Academy, stylists learn to dissect images like a color correction, identifying the key elements that resonate with a guest. “When we focus on fundamentals and customization, the results speak for themselves.”
What is the top trend Leo is loving right now? “It has to be extensions,” he told SalonEVO from the Ulta Beauty podcast booth at ABS. “When they’re good, they’re so good. But when they’re bad, they’re awful. You need the education to support the trend, and those critical techiques and tools for success are what Ulta Beauty provides.”
To learn more, apply and explore the possiblities yourself, click on Beauty Services under the Career Areas tab at careers.ulta.com.