Matt Swinney
Multi-award-winning, Matt Swinney (@matt.swinney) is a seasoned educator and salon owner. His accolades include BTC #ONESHOT Hair Awards 2017 Avant-Garde Shot, 2019 Avant-Garde Collection North America, 2022 Hot Shot Collab and four NAHA wins. While Matt is a Minneapolis-based stylist, he travels globally to teach cutting, coloring and editorial styling techniques to industry professionals. Matt was immersed in the industry at a young age with two stylist parents, he went on to hone his skills at the Aveda Institute. He opened Evolution Salon in 2002 with Mike Dahl which launched his career to a whole new level.
What originally drew you to the hair industry, and when did you realize it was your passion?
My parents owned a hair salon for 40 yrs. I started working the desk at age 14. I was a little lost after highschool and decided to go to hair school because that is what I knew not what I loved. However after the first week of Cosmetology school, I was in love with the creativity, the team element and the ability to bring joy to peoples lives.
How would you describe your artistic style in three words, and why?
Authentic, contemporary and effortless. In everything I do I like the hair to appear free. I like to capture a bit of my mind in each look that I do.
Who or what has had the biggest influence on your creative journey as a hair artist?
Anthony Mascolo. For me growing up he was innovated, edgy but the work was still high quality which to me is the key if you want your work to be timeless.
Is there a particular moment in your career when you felt like you'd truly found your artistic voice?
I feel like it is ever evolving. Juts when you think you may have found it you grow and evolve.
What's a project or creation you've worked on that you're particularly proud of, and what made it special?
The video nomination for HBVA 11. It was my videographer Richard the makeup artist Hannah and Olya are model and that's it. It was such an intimate creative experience that ended up better than we could have imagined.
What role do you think competitions like the Hairbrained Awards play in elevating the craft of hair artistry?
These competitions are vital to our industry. We spend a lot of time working to please our clients or students. Competitions like these allow us to please our souls and fill our cups.
Where can people learn from you this year?
There are always projects in the works with my Redken family. We are launching some new amazing education in the 2nd half of 25 and 2026 that I believe will really inspire stylist to live best.
Follow Matt’s journey on instagram at @matt.swinney