Photography: Courtesy of Marc Mendez/@therealmarcmendez
Marc Mendez (@therealmarcmendez) didn’t just stumble into hairstyling—he was destined for it. Growing up in New Jersey, Marc immersed himself in the beauty industry from a young age, and it wasn’t long before he realized his passion for creating transformative looks. What started as a way to connect with people quickly became a calling, one that would take him from behind the chair to opening his own salon—Beyond Beauty Salon (@_beyondbeautysalon_) in Buffalo, New York.
“I created my salon to be a safe space where all women can feel seen and heard,” Mendez shares. Today, he’s built a thriving career as a sought-after stylist, Redken Pro creator, and SalonCentric #ItTakesAPro Team Artist. When he’s not creating gorgeous custom colors at the salon, Mendez can be found sharing his expertise, professional journey, and viral looks with his loyal followers on social media—where he’s amassed over 122K followers on Instagram and more than 200K followers on TikTok (@therealmarcmendez).
Known for his relatable educational content, magnetic personality, and signature approach to lived-in, low-maintenance blondes, Mendez has earned a reputation as a leading artist in the industry. He stands out for his ability to blend technical precision with artistic flair, creating stunning transformations for clients of all hair types and textures.
Whether he’s teaching the next generation of stylists, collaborating with top brands, or creating trendsetting looks, Mendez's passion for his craft remains front and center. Ahead, learn more about how he stays inspired, the products he can’t live without, and the career advice he has for up-and-coming stylists.
SalonCentric: Was there a specific moment when you realized that hair was your passion? If so, how did it shape your journey?
Marc Mendez: I honestly got into hair because, in the small town I live in, I wasn’t making it as a makeup artist. I needed to make more money, which eventually led me to doing hair. However, I think that my true passion for hair was born when I saw women cry with joy because of the results of my work. It meant more than money at that point to me, to know that I made them feel seen and beautiful.
SC: What has been the most challenging part of opening your own salon? How did you overcome it?
MM: Unfortunately, the industry as a whole doesn't cater to creators of color. I believe that we have to work twice as hard to even be considered. As a salon owner of color, it was very hard to establish my salon as a luxury salon. I’ve experienced moments where people see me and instantly don't want to respect me or my business. By persistently and tirelessly setting boundaries, l am proud to say that I've made a name for my salon as one of the most luxurious salons in my city.
SC: You've built an impressive following on social media. Do you have any advice for stylists and salon owners looking to grow their online presence?
MM: When it comes to social media, I never went looking for this life—I simply wanted to show people what I do and display my talent on a larger platform. It sounds simple but genuinely being myself has helped me achieve the social media following I have now. Of course, consistency is key as well, and you’ll never see results if you're not giving it your all. Don’t try to be perfect or fit a specific aesthetic—none of that matters.
Photography: Courtesy of Marc Mendez/@therealmarcmendez
SC: How do you stay inspired and avoid burnout in such a creative yet demanding environment?
MM: When it comes to avoiding burnout, travel is my personal outlet. I don’t take small, two-to-three-day trips. Instead, I prefer to take two or three weeks off at least four times per year. When I’m traveling, I’m completely detached. I also treat myself to massages because I deserve it. It’s something nice that I like to do for myself, and it helps me remember to be kind to my body.
SC: Every stylist has that one client story or hair transformation they’ll never forget. Is there one experience or story that stands out to you?
MM: I recently did a transformation that took me nine hours. I put my all into that hair transformation, and it was truly the best of my work. I put all of my skills to the test that day, and I’ll remember it forever. It was a color correction, and the stakes were high, but I definitely delivered. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t crying and stressing throughout the whole process, but it made me realize that I have a gift when it comes to color corrections.
SC: What’s one trend that you’re excited about right now, and how have you made it your own?
MM: One trend I love right now is a big blowout with a layered haircut. It’s a very ‘90s-inspired look, and I’m here for it. I actually started to leave brushes in the hair for blowouts (which I call my Brooklyn Blowout) and the internet has gone crazy for it.
SC: What are three products or tools that you can’t live without, and why?
MM: The Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment is something I can’t live without—I use it on every single one of my clients. When it comes to styling tools, the 1.5-inch BaBylissPRO curler is my best friend. I really love this tool, it’s so versatile and you can do so many styles with that specific barrel. Another one of my favorites is the Cricket Carbon Comb. I use it every single day when I’m styling hair, it’s just so durable.
SC: How do you keep your (and your clients) curls looking so healthy and hydrated? Are there any secrets you can share with us?
MM: When working with curly hair, I style the hair when it’s soaking wet to help keep the hydration and moisture locked in. I’d say that this is the main reason all of my clients leave with beautiful, hydrated, and shiny curls.
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Photography: Courtesy of Marc Mendez/@therealmarcmendez
SC: What’s one technique or skill that you think every stylist should master, and why?
MM: One skill that every stylist should master is being able to work with every texture of hair. It’s our job to be able to service every kind of woman.
SC: What has been the proudest moment in your career so far, and what made it so special?
MM: I would say that my proudest moment so far has been styling hair for the women of the WNBA in June 2024. It was crazy to be in a room of stars and recognize that they wanted my skills. I felt so seen in that environment and appreciated.
Want to discover more stylist tips and tricks from Marc? Follow him on Instagram and TikTok @therealmarcmendez.
