Meet Nico Colon of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nico Colon.

Hi Nico, 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?
In my twenties, while crafting intricate visual displays as a merchandiser, a close friend named Jose Neira—who happened to be a talented hairstylist—persistently encouraged me to consider a career behind the chair. He saw something I hadn’t yet recognized: my innate sense of balance, composition, and artistic eye would translate beautifully to hair as a medium. For years, I brushed off the idea, immersed in my current path. But he left the door open with a simple offer: “When you’re ready for a change, call me—I’ll guide you.”

That day arrived unexpectedly. One phone call later, armed with his clear instructions and key contacts, I enrolled in cosmetology school and began the formal training. Thirty-four years on, I remain profoundly grateful to that insightful friend whose nudge redirected my life toward a vocation that feels like a true calling—serving clients with creativity, precision, and care.

By 2002, after gaining experience in several bustling Los Angeles salons, I craved a more intimate and focused approach to my craft. The traditional salon environment, with its rigid schedules and high volume, often limited the time and attention I wanted to devote to each client. Determined to offer something distinctive, I transformed a townhome apartment into a private studio workspace. This allowed uninterrupted focus, personalized consultations, and meticulous attention to detail—free from the constraints of conventional salon hours.

The concept resonated deeply with clients seeking a quieter, more bespoke experience. Within a few years, word-of-mouth elevated the studio to an affectionate moniker: “LA’s best-kept little secret.”

Fueled by an ever-growing passion, I elevated the vision further in 2010. I relocated to an exclusive private suite in the one of Los Angeles’ most iconic and historic blocks—the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Surrounded by the energy of entertainment legends, the new space became the perfect stage to blend artistry, luxury, and individualized service, continuing a journey that began with a friend’s quiet confidence in my potential.

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?

Shortly after settling into the new private suite on Hollywood’s iconic Walk of Fame in 2010, I faced an unexpected challenge. About a year into the move, the building manager at the time approached me with the suggestion that a more traditional storefront might suit the space better than my quiet, appointment-only studio. His words hit hard—they felt like a direct threat to the very reason I had chosen this intimate setting: to offer clients a peaceful, focused experience away from the typical salon bustle. Discouraged, I started quietly exploring other locations, wondering if my vision for a more personal approach would have to change.

Just a few days later, I received an invitation to a casual mixer in the residents’ lounge. As I walked in, still carrying the weight of that recent conversation, a kind woman approached me with a warm smile. “Are you Nico from Hair By Nico?” she asked. When I confirmed and mentioned I was now looking to relocate because of the manager’s feedback, her response was immediate and reassuring: “We’re the new management company. I’ve been hoping to meet you, I’m so glad to have your private studio here in the building. The previous manager is no longer with us.”

In that moment, relief washed over me like a gentle wave. I felt a deep sense of gratitude, almost as if the path had been quietly preserved for me. I’ve come to see it as one of those tender reminders that sometimes what seems like the end of a dream is simply a pivot toward something meant to be. I’m thankful every day that I’ve been able to remain in this special location, continuing to serve clients in the calm, thoughtful way that feels right.

Above all, I thank God for His perfect timing and grace—guiding me through that uncertain season and allowing me to stay where I truly belong.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in precision cutting inspired by the Vidal Sassoon method, which emphasizes balance, clean lines, and natural movement.

Over the years, I’ve built on this foundation to develop a personal approach that carefully considers each client’s individual hair density, texture, and length, resulting in cuts that feel intentional and well balanced.

I work exclusively with small scissors throughout every stage of the cut, avoiding thinning shears and razors in order to preserve structure and integrity.

This method allows me to create reliable, long-lasting cuts that enhance natural features while remaining low-maintenance and easy to wear.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
In the earliest stages of my journey, I was deeply shaped by the guidance and example of several influential leaders in the industry. Michael O’Rourke—owner of Carlton Hair International and founder of what later became the iconic Sexy Hair concept in the 1980s and ’90s—played a foundational role. I also had the privilege of personally assisting Jimmy Genesta, whose artistry and professionalism left a lasting impression, as well as working alongside Chaz Dean, the creator of WEN Hair Care.

At the time, each was an accomplished stylist, and I was learning the craft as an assistant in an upscale salon in Bel Air, Los Angeles—an environment that profoundly shaped my standards, discipline, and respect for the art of hair.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Hairbynico.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairbynico?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==