This Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we celebrate three hairdressers whose artistry is reshaping the profession: hair colorist Mai Awano, whose dimensional techniques have redefined brunette color; barber Francis Sampang, elevating precision barbering through cultural tradition and modern craft; and stylist Chalei McKee, whose textural expertise bridges heritage and contemporary style. Their work proves that authentic representation isn't just valuable, it's essential to progress.
Mai Awano : The Color Correction Maestro
In the high-stakes world of New York City hair, where one wrong formula can spell disaster, Mai Awano has earned her reputation the hard way—by turning color catastrophes into works of art.
As a Senior Colorist at Bumble and bumble's flagship Downtown salon, Awano is the name whispered among beauty insiders when someone needs a miracle. Fashion directors, creative professionals, and New York's beauty-obsessed elite seek her out for one reason: she can do what others can't.
Awano has become nationally recognized for her mastery of one of coloring's biggest challenges—lightening Asian clients’ hair. She's an expert at navigating what she calls the "dreaded orange crush," those stubborn red and orange pigments that haunt anyone trying to go from jet black to blonde. While others might rush the process, Awano takes a methodical, stage-controlled approach, guiding hair through its natural progression: red to orange to yellow to pale. Her philosophy? Patience over speed. She's been known to spend up to six hours on a single correction, and every minute is in service of the hair's health and integrity.
But her talents extend far beyond lightening. Awano is a brunette whisperer, a miracle worker who specializes in neutralizing unwanted brassy, coppery, or green tones that plague color-treated brown hair. Through precision toning and sophisticated color theory, she transforms damaged, dull brunettes into rich, dimensional masterpieces.
What sets Awano apart is her unwavering belief that color should never be one-size-fits-all. During consultations, she analyzes a client's natural undertones and lifestyle, customizing formulas that are not only beautiful but sustainable and flattering. Copper hues for olive undertones. Orangish-golds for yellow. Every choice is deliberate, thoughtful, and rooted in science.
For all her accolades, Awano remains rooted in the Bumble and bumble ethos—rigorous training, artistic collaboration, and technical mastery. She's not just servicing clients; she's mentoring the next generation of colorists, passing down the careful, considered approach that's made her an urban legend, one perfect tone at a time.
Francis Sampang : The Barber Who Built an Empire from a Garage
At 14, Francis Sampang was cutting hair for friends in his family's garage in Piscataway, New Jersey. Today, he's the visionary owner of Rosewood Barbershop—a multi-location empire that's redefining what it means to be a barbershop in the 21st century.
Born in the Philippines and raised on the East Coast, Sampang moved to Southern California in 2000 seeking warmer weather and new opportunities. He enrolled at Cerritos College but quickly realized traditional academia wasn't his path. Barbering, which started as a "backup plan," became his calling. And when he took ownership of the historic Rosewood Barbershop in Bellflower in November 2005, he didn't just inherit a business—he inherited a legacy dating back to 1954.
But Sampang didn't preserve that legacy by standing still. Under his leadership, Rosewood expanded from its flagship Bellflower corner location to shops in Buena Park and a high-profile spot on La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles' Beverly Grove neighborhood—a sleek, modern space designed by Bestor Architecture that brings contemporary elegance to the classic craft.
What sets Sampang apart is his understanding that barbering isn't just about the cut—it's a lifestyle. In 2007, he co-founded Rosewood Royale, a streetwear boutique, and in 2010, launched Rosewood Cutters, an internal apparel brand. He's collaborated with world-renowned graffiti artist OG Slick on limited edition merchandise, cementing Rosewood's position at the intersection of grooming, streetwear, and urban culture.
As a Master Barber, Sampang specializes in traditional men's haircuts and precision straight-edge razor fades, but his real expertise lies in conceptualizing hair as a complete look. He doesn't do menu haircuts. Every service is tailored to the individual's style and facial structure, a bespoke experience that's earned him a devoted following. His mission? To be a customer's "last 'first time' in a barbershop"—the service and environment so superior that clients never need to look elsewhere. His mantra: "Set goals, make sacrifices, and take risks."
Chalei Malia McKee : The Performer Who Makes Her Clients Feel Like Stars
Known to her devoted clientele as Chalei M. or simply @hulabarbiehair, McKee is a stylist who brings the same artistry to hair that she once brought to the hula stage. And yes, that's literal.
Before she became one of the most sought-after colorists splitting her time between Hawaii and Las Vegas, McKee was a professional hula dancer. In 2010, she was crowned Miss Hapa Haole, a prestigious title in the Hawaiian dance community. She even served as a guest speaker for organizations like the Newcomers Club of Honolulu, sharing the traditions and beauty of Hawaiian culture.
That cultural foundation is what makes her different. Her brand name—hulabarbiehair—is a perfect blend of her two worlds: the warmth and tradition of "Hula" meets the polished, high-glamour aesthetic of "Barbie." It's authentic island soul wrapped in modern sophistication, and you can see it in every head of hair she touches.
Operating out of Aiea, Oahu, with frequent trips to Las Vegas, McKee has built a dual-location empire by delivering what her clients call "transformative" results. She's earned a reputation as a hair magician, particularly when it comes to color. Her specialty? Dimensional custom color—seamless balayage, sun-kissed highlights, and root blends that grow out so naturally you'd swear you were born with them.
But McKee isn't just about the aesthetics. She's obsessed with hair health. For her, great color starts with great integrity, no compromises. And what truly sets McKee apart is her client-centric approach with her ability to listen and translate even the vaguest wishes into a concrete, flattering reality. Whether it's a complex color correction, multi-tonal lowlights, or precise grey coverage, she delivers with technical precision and a big heart. From the hula stage to the salon chair, McKee has always been a performer. But now, her canvas is hair, and every client leaves feeling like the star of their own show.
.png?mw=300&mh=300&as=1)
