Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Renegar.
Hi Cody, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
If I were to summarize my story in one phrase, it would be: Homeless to Hollywood. I was abused most of my childhood – my mother was a prostitute and abusive towards my siblings and me; I was placed in and out of foster homes where I also experienced abuse, was homeless, and without much direction/thought about my future because of all that I had experienced at a young age. That was until I started volunteering in a nursing home as an after-school activity. At the time, I didn’t have parental figures in my life; the concept of grandparents was foreign. I wasn’t sure what career path I would take, and one of the residents suggested I jot down all the things that I loved to do and wanted out of a profession, so I took that recommendation. After putting all the puzzle pieces in place, I landed on hair care because I wanted to travel, be around people, and have unlimited earning potential. I started working at a local barbershop, and the owner saw my talent and suggested I start cutting women’s hair. From there, things took off. I began doing hair at the prestigious Aveda Day spa in Arkansas. Aveda’s lead-style team recognized my skills and talent, and at only 23, I was promoted to cutting director. I eventually became regional cutting director and traveled around the country teaching Aveda’s signature cuts. I was later tapped to join Bumble and Bumble, New York. The team sent me to Los Angeles to teach a class, and I ended up relocating permanently to Los Angeles in 2004 after falling in love with the city. That same year, I began my career at the prestigious Jose Eber Salon on Rodeo Drive, working alongside Jose on the main floor and in his private styling room. After two years, I moved back to Arkansas and, by 2015, was back in LA, working at the legendary Cristophe Salon in Beverly Hills. Since then, I have taken on private clients on both coasts – I travel between LA, DC, and Arkansas. I also published my memoir, Changing the Stars, last year, which chronicles my childhood abuse and how I became the man I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Entering the LA scene was a challenge. The culture was entirely new for me, and the bar was much higher. I came in thinking I knew everything and was I wrong! I quickly realized that I needed to be a sponge, behave with more humility, and learn and respect those who came before me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a licensed cosmetologist, a master barber a concept stylist – I cut, style, and color hair for men and women. People know me for my cuts – especially layers and bangs. I’m most proud of my ability to connect with the person in the chair. I’d say that’s one of my superpowers! Perhaps it’s because of my various life experiences, but I’ve always felt like I could “see” the person sitting in front of me. I take the time to get to know every client – and give them a look I know will help them shine from the inside out! I form a bond with most of my clients. I’m proud to say that I’ve had the most incredible human beings as clients for over 20 years. I travel between LA, DC, and Arkansas because they have remained so loyal to me. I’m also a bit of a chameleon – I can cut, color, and style women’s and men’s hair, which is also very unique – most stylists have one specialty, and I am pretty versatile.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I read all the beauty magazines – Vogue, InStyle, Elle; I’m constantly scouring the net to see what the latest trends are; I’m active on social media and follow my clients to see what state their hair is in between appointments and also like to keep up with their lives/lifestyle. Crowning Glory by Sydney Guilaroff is a book I thoroughly enjoyed; it’s all about old Hollywood, which is an era I’m fascinated by.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.codyrenegar.com
- Instagram: @hairbycody
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jcrenegar
- Other: @codyrenegar on TikTok
