Dana Bee - Hairventure Experience

Let’s shine a light on Dana, a trailblazing stylist from Philadelphia, PA, with a vibrant past rooted in Northern California. As a queer non-binary individual, Dana brings a fresh and inclusive perspective to the world of hairstyling, specializing in identity-affirming haircuts and creative coloring. Their journey into the beauty industry is one of unwavering passion and dedication, having known from the age of nine that this was their calling. Despite starting formal education in cosmetology at 23, Dana's commitment to their craft has only deepened over the years.

Dana's role as an assistant manager and technical trainer at Supercuts showcases their continuous quest for personal and professional development. Their participation in a Hairventure, organized by The Hair Nerds, was a significant milestone, offering not just advanced hairstyling classes but also a deep dive into a community that cherishes diversity, creativity, and the transformative power of beauty. This unique experience, set against the historic and dynamic backdrop of London, allowed Dana to refine their skills while connecting with fellow professionals from around the globe, further enriching their career and personal journey in the beauty industry​

Tell us your story in 3 sentences...

I’m a queer non-binary (they/them or he/him pronouns) stylist from Philadelphia, PA (by way of Northern CA) specializing in identity affirming haircuts and creative color.  I’ve been licensed since 2013 and while I didn’t make it to cosmetology school until I was 23 years old, I’ve known since I was at least 9 years old that this was the career I wanted.  I am currently employed with Supercuts as an assistant manager and technical trainer but am always seeking out sources of enrichment and inspiration.

What sparked your decision to head off to London for the Hairventure, and has that experience reshaped your approach to life? 

I first heard about the trip via a Facebook post by Douglas McCoy—the last time I had visited London was in 2008 as a college student who wasn’t nearly as well-versed in navigating big cities at the time (I have since explored and become well-acquainted with multiple cities). Given all the offerings of the Hairventure, I knew it would be a fantastic opportunity to not only return to one of my favorite cities, but to experience it from a hairstylist’s point of view.  This trip reshaped my approach to life in that I returned with the desire to continue seeking out inspiration through travel and exploration!

How has your artistic expression in hairstyling evolved since your time in London?

I drew a lot of inspiration in particular from the hair jam at Bebop and our hands-on class with Sally Rogerson and Alyssia Dotson.  Whether I’m channeling Vidal Sassoon’s impeccable eye for precision in shapes and lines, challenging myself to be more organized and disciplined behind the chair (thanks to Sally), or working with a client to accentuate their natural texture by using the appropriate haircutting/styling techniques and implementing products that best suit their hair fabric (thanks to Alyssia), my clients always value the initiative I take to further my education and delight in hearing my travel stories and about my encounters with those who inspire and motivate me.

 I'd love for you to share one of those "wow" moments from London that still sticks with you.

Aside from our group adventures to Abbey Road and Notting Hill, one of the biggest wow moments for me was my solo trip to  visit a few of the local salons in London whom I’d been following on social media for some time—mainly Not Another Salon (@notanothersalon) and Kitch Hair (@kitchhair)—I was welcomed with open arms by each salon and was honored to be given a tour of each space—not to mention these visits were further proof that no matter where in the world we are or how much we charge for our services, we all share a strong passion for hair.

What would you tell someone interested in attending a Hairventure?

It’s well worth the investment regardless of your level of experience in the industry and you will leave having made some amazing friends and lifelong connections! Erin, Annie, and Russell are the best planners and guides so there are never any qualms about logistics or any other issues.

How has the London trip influenced your goals or the new styles you're itching to try out?

I was especially influenced by the salons who lean more towards the creative yet wearable cuts and colors—if a client leaves it up to my imagination, I love sharing with them the inspiration I’ve gleaned from my travels and my favorite social media outlets and bringing that to life with their hair—I love encouraging my guests to venture outside the box!

I knew i was a Hair Nerd when...

I started watching makeover shows and hair videos at a young age and all the hair-related shows over the years (Blow Out, Split Ends, Shear Genius, Tabatha Takes Over, etc.), began attending hair shows in 2014, and saw my hair family and circle of hair besties start to grow!

Where can people find out more about you?

Find me on Instagram @danabeecreative! Currently working on refining my digital portfolio.