Meet Dani Hernandez of Dh Hair in West Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dani Hernandez.

Dani, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am originally from a small town in El Salvador. My family came to the US when I was six years old. We lived in Mid City, LA. I attended Pasadena Community College where I graduated Cosmetology school.

As my first job, I worked for Corey Powell, a very famous hair professional. He worked on Farrah Fawcett, Elizabeth Taylor, and Debra Messings’ hair among many other A-list celebrities. Powell started me working as his assistant.

Two years after starting to work for him, Corey opened his own salon. On our first day on the floor, Mr. Powell handed me a full clientele list. I worked for him for another six years and he taught me the foundation of the career in which I now excel. That started my work life at 24!

I continued to always look for the best salons in town and have had several outstanding jobs. I have been fortunate enough to work with outstanding people like Kamala Harris, Ellen DeGeneres, Victoria Beckham, to name a few.

How did I get to where I am today? Hard work, perseverance, keen business sense, top-shelf skills, and integrity. That’s how I got here and that is how I keep myself here.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The first obstacle was to find that first job! How, where? I decided to make cold calls to the major salons in Los Angeles. So, I would leave my house in the morning, visit the upscale salons, and ask if they were hiring.

You have to tap on that inner resource of strength and belief in yourself to pursue your dreams. Today I see that I inherited this same strength in my resolve from my mother, a wonderfully strong and courageous woman.

I got rejections, of course! I was told by one person that I should give up the industry altogether. He said that, in his opinion, I was not going to succeed at all. But I couldn’t let that stop me from my dream. It wasn’t just a dream, I needed to work.

Please tell us about Dh Hair.
I specialize in balayage, a French technique to paint hair by hand to create various different effects. My skill set separates me from others. Just recently, I was invited to get into a partnership with Sally Hershberger salon, also a top-tier house.

Definitely, the basic personal qualities will always keep you in evidence: Good work ethics, good manners, being on time, integrity, and kindness in dealing with others. In my view, we are all trying to get somewhere. I just make you look great for when you get there! Thus, most of my business is from repeat customers and referrals. I develop relationships with my clients. They are loyal to me and I am proud to acknowledge that!

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t do anything different! It’s been a crazy ride but I’m in a happy place.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 310-854-4422
• Instagram: Colorbydani_h

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