The Beauty Consultant Magazine (TBC): Recently, you hosted Cosmo Prof’s Third Annual Color The World Virtual Showcase. Can you tell us about the day, the classes, and the overall experience?
Jon Carlos De La Cruz (JC): Color The World is a day filled to the brim with education from a range of industry leaders – this year included classes such as “Color Blocking” hosted by Wella and Joico’s “Salon Social Playbook,” which shared tips and tricks on how to utilize social media best to grow your business. With a strong focus on color trends from 2023, this event was designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and inspiration they need to excel in their artistry. I was so honored to have been able to be a part of this year’s show and to host alongside my dear friend Presley Poe whom I always learn so much from – we had an amazing time working side by side. We were also fortunate to have Celebrity Hair Artist and Creative Director of ColorWow, Chris Appleton, join us again this year as a special guest – his masterclass is always so fun and informative. Being a part of the event as a host is a totally different world than just being behind the chair – these shows truly help build deeper connections and community with other industry professionals. This year’s virtual show also brought back the opportunity for licensed professionals to compete for a live feature during the event and a chance to win some really great prizes, which encouraged creativity and inspiration across attendees.
Responses attributed to: Cosmo Prof’s Color, Cutting, and Style Transformations Expert – Jon Carlos De La Cruz
Trust the process; you are going to make and find success.
Jon Carlos De La Cruz
TBC: The Beauty Consultant Magazine is a trade publication for the professional beauty industry, so many of our readers are students. Why did you choose the beauty industry as your career path?
(JC): Growing up in the salon with my mom (who is a hairdresser), I learned key techniques early on, so my skill set with doing hair was there from a young age. For a while, I didn’t want to go into the industry full-time, but life came full circle, and I fell in love with working in the beauty industry and loved the creative process. Once I started diving in and growing up in cosmetology school, I knew it was the career for me. As soon as I hit my stride, it was only up from there – growing, learning, and continuing to foster my creativity.
TBC: Where did you get your cosmetology education and start as a hairstylist? How long have you been a hairstylist?
JC: I got my education from TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy and have been practicing for 13 years. Although I have been around the industry my whole life, watching and learning from my Mom.
TBC: Your Instagram and TikTok are filled with dynamic cuts and top-notch color techniques. Can you tell us how social media has influenced your career?
JC: Social media is one of the only ways to promote for free and grow your own personal brand and clientele. Most of my clients today come from my social media following, and thanks to Instagram and TikTok, I always have someone new in my chair. Word of mouth and virality can definitely take a hairdresser’s brand far. From social, I also love to learn from people and find inspiration from other hairdressers who are excelling in their trades, businesses, and techniques. It’s an amazing resource for expanding your toolkit and knowledge.
TBC: In your videos, women are either crying with happiness or leaving your chair with renewed self-confidence. What is your secret?
JC: You have to listen and remember that the client’s time in the chair is all about them. It’s important to ask them about their concerns and build their trust. It all comes down to listening and making it an enjoyable experience. Build the relationship and listen to their story while also being willing to share yours.
TBC: What are your favorite products to use for your color? How has being a Cosmo Prof professional team member helped with choosing your products?
JC: I am a big fan of SoColor Sync Alkaline Toners by Matrix, and I love Schwarzkopf Professional because their lightening products, such as the BlondMe Bond Enforcing Premium Lightener, have changed the game for me. For coppers, I am obsessed with Paul Mitchell. Overall, Cosmo Prof has provided me with the tools I need to succeed and has connected me with the best brands in the industry, as well as options to find which ones I like best and which ones clients best respond to. They truly are an ally to the professional community, and their support goes beyond quality product offerings with a mission to support stylists by arming them with the latest techniques and category innovation to express their creativity.
TBC: What technique do you use for color correction?
JC: Customization – Every situation and every client is different and requires a personalized approach, so I always consult with the clients and find their hair’s needs first and foremost.
TBC: What trends do you see happening for 2024?
JC: Mullets, lots of mullets. At first, I was hesitant, but now I am rocking one myself. I am also seeing live consultations rise in popularity on social media for hair stylists. People are talking to their clients on camera more to show what the chair process looks like, which includes showing client interactions from start to finish.
TBC: Who is your inspiration in the beauty industry?
JC: Presley Poe is always a source of inspiration for me. I love working with her and taking a page out of her book. From her on-stage presence to how she works with clients, I always feel inspired by Presley. Color by Carlos is another source of inspiration for me.
TBC: If you could speak to your younger self, what advice would you give?
JC: Trust the process; you are going to make and find success.
TBC: Can you tell us what are you most proud of in your career so far?
JC: I am proud that I have set out to accomplish what I’ve wanted to accomplish and have gone after it wholeheartedly. I am also so happy to have been a part of hosting Cosmo Prof’s Color The World and Iconic Blonde events in the last year, and just hope to use my platform to give back to the stylist community.
TBC: Can you tell us how being a third-generation Latino hair stylist influenced your current position as one of the most sought-after hair stylists to be styled by?
JC: Growing up in a Latin salon with my Mom and learning how to work with all hair types from the start of my career has helped me grow and learn from day one. I had to learn how to care for all types of hair, and now I’ve created a holistic approach to take on cuts, colors, and hair types instead of specializing in just one.
TBC: How do you want to inspire the next generation of beauty professionals?
JC: I just want to keep supporting them and targeting more students because they need continuous education and encouragement to fight past imposter syndrome. I want to target newcomers and give them inspiration not to give up and keep going. One piece of advice I would share with them is that you don’t have to build your brand; your brand builds itself along the way.
TBC: You are an expert educator in textured hair; what are the top educational tips you share with your audience?
JC: Don’t be scared of challenges or fear different hair types. Once you master a technique, anything can be quick and easy, so long as you’ve mastered it.
About: Jon Carlos De La Cruz (@joncarlosdelacruz) specializes in color, cutting, and style transformations; he is an expert educator in the arena of textured hair. Jon Carlos is a third-generation Latino hair artist with a celebrity clientele based in Hollywood. He believes hair is a form of self-expression and that confidence is key. His work has been featured in Beauty LaunchPad and Modern Salon, among other media outlets.
