Life & Work with Franco of Brea, Ca

Today we’d like to introduce you to Franco.

Hi Franco, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 30 years, and this year marks my 35th year behind the chair. What began as a deep curiosity and love for hair has grown into a multifaceted career that spans, artistry, education, and brand collaboration.
Throughout my journey, I’ve worn many hats within the industry, allowing me to continuously evolve, both creatively and professionally. My work has been published nationally and internationally, and I’ve had the privilege of presenting education on platforms for leading industry brands. Each opportunity has pushed me to refine my craft, expand my perspective, and stay deeply connected to the ever– changing landscape of beauty.
At the core of everything I do is a commitment to growth as an artist. I’ve always focused on elevating my technical skill and creative vision with one purpose in mind.: to create confidence, empowerment and beauty through thoughtful intentional hair design.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any long-term career, it hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Every journey comes with its own obstacles, and I’ve certainly experienced my share along the way. But those challenges have been instrumental in my growth— both personally and professionally.
I truly believe that your past shapes who you become, in one way or another. The things you go through—especially the ones you don’t have control over— teach you resilience. When life presents challenges and there’s no option but to move forward, you learn how strong and adaptable you are.
I’ve navigated recessions, and I’ve lived through a global pandemic while running a business. During those moments, I found myself returning to my craft as a form of grounding and coping. Immersing myself in artistry allowed me to focus, to create, and to find a sense of calm. Watching something come to life through creation has always been incredibly therapeutic for me— it brings clarity, balance, and a reminder of why I chose this path in the first place.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve worked in the creator realm for most of my career, and I believe that when you learn something at a young enough stage, it becomes a part of who you are. Early on as a young stylist, I had a strong desire to learn everything I could. As I developed, I found myself most drawn to the art of color and hair extensions. For me, they naturally went hand in hand— allowing me to designing hair enhancements in a way that fell intentional, elevated and transformative.
That focus ultimately shaped my niche. When people ask what I specialize in, my answer has always been the art of transformation. Creating meaningful change through hair— has been the foundation of my work and a constant source of inspiration behind the chair.
As my career evolved, that passion expanded beyond the salon. I realize I would never be fulfilled doing just one thing, which led me to explore multiple facets in the industry, including editorial work, platform education, and creative collaborations. One of my proudest milestones was competing in the North American hairstyling awards. I was fortunate to work alongside mentors who were true industry leaders, and in 2026, I was honored to be nominated in the Avant-Guard category for North America.
What sets me part is that I see myself as a hybrid— someone deeply rooted in both old-school fundamentals and new-school innovation. That balance allows me to approach hair with respect for tradition while constantly pushing creative boundaries.

What’s next?
I’ve never really known a time when I wasn’t planning for the future. However, as I approach my 35th year in the industry, I’ve taken a moment to pause, reflect, and realigned with intention. At this stage of my career, balance and inspiration have become just as important as growth.
Looking back, there has been a tremendous amount of learning and evolution along the way. Now, I feel it’s time to intentionally position myself in a creative space where I can fully apply that experience— one that not only fuels me creatively, but also inspires, elevates, and uplift those around me.
In the near future, Ill be opening my design studio, Mane Eclectic | Luxury Extension Atelier. The name is very intentional. Hair is the fabric I love working with most, and “ eclectic” reflects who I am as an artist— someone with an expansive range of resources, techniques, and influences to draw from when creating.
What I’m looking forward to is creating hair art rooted in connection— bringing together creativity, craftsmanship, and meaningful experiences in a space that feels both inspired and inspiring.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vagaro.com/maneeclectic
• Instagram: @hairbyfranco
• Twitter: @hairbyfranco

Image Credits
The headshot of me is by Angela Rose Orozco- @angela_doeshair
The NAHA 2016 announcement photo is from photographer Keith Bryce-@keithbryce_
The rest of the images I took myself – Franco Hernandez-@hairbyfranco