At our MODERN SALON’s Artist Session Creator Series this past September, 16 hair artists (eight stylists matched with eight colorists) came together at Ulta Beauty’s Herald Square location in the heart of NYC for two days of education, creation, and collaboration. Styling products and tools were provided by sponsors Dyson, Schwarzkopf, Great Lengths, and Takara Belmont. On day two, model prep was followed by a professional photoshoot with celebrity and fashion photographer Udo Spreitzenbarth (@udophotography). The salon buzzed with creative energy at all times and the finished looks were incredibly inspiring.

In addition to the 16 artists, we were lucky enough to have professional editorial nail artist and NAILS Next Top Nail Artist S8 competitor Tara Haye (@tipsxtara) work with us on set. Haye had to prep eight models for the shoot without any knowledge of what the hair would look like ahead of time. Knowing she would be short on time but long on fingers, she arrived with pre-designed press-on nails with a variety of beautiful designs based on the theme “Renaissance.”

Haye had a few brands at her disposal when creating these looks that made her job a bit easier. OPI was excited to send her some of their newest press-on products, xPRESS/ONs, while Artistic Nail Design provided some fun Chrome Pens. Haye used the Chrome Pens for all of the chrome looks, as well as Artistic Nail Design's No Wipe Gel Top Coat on all nails. She also made use of some beautiful Julie K Nail Art foils for some of the designs.

“It was a great pleasure to be given the opportunity to be free with the designs and artwork,” Haye says. “I appreciate MODERN SALON being open to extended nails with bold art.”

When approached to be part of this editorial photo shoot, Haye followed the advice of her mentor, Julie Kandalec, who says, “Whatever it is, the answer is ‘yes’.”

“What this saying refers to is to always find a way to turn your reply to a client into a ‘yes,’ while maintaining your boundaries,” Haye explains. “When a client asks for us to squeeze them in tomorrow and we aren’t available, instead of saying ‘No, I’m not available,’ say what you CAN do – ‘Yes, I am available Monday.’”

We’re so grateful Haye said “yes” to us for this shoot.