Kayleigh Schultz: Elevating the Northeast Ohio Hair Scene

The Northeast Ohio hair stylist scene is gaining momentum, with talented professionals pushing creative boundaries. One stylist making a name for herself is Kayleigh Schultz, whose passion and dedication have positioned her as a rising force in the industry.

Schultz’s journey into hairstyling wasn’t a conventional one. Though she had always been drawn to beauty and fashion, she initially pursued a different path.

After high school, Schultz enrolled at Kent State University as a pre-nursing student, believing that healthcare might be the right fit. However, she quickly realized that nursing wasn’t her calling. While at Kent State, she admired students in the school’s prestigious Fashion Design and Merchandising Department and found herself drawn to the creative world. After much deliberation, she made the decision to leave college and fully commit to hairstyling—a choice that would ultimately change her life.

Now, Schultz is thriving at Green Opal Salon, where she specializes in color, blonding, and cuts. A haircut with her typically costs $55, though her pricing structure varies depending on the difficulty and time required.

Like many artists, Schultz finds inspiration from those around her. “People who really inspire me are the people that I work with that have been in the industry for so many years…” she said.

Hair care is considered a luxury service, and while Northeast Ohio boasts a strong stylist community, it doesn’t have the same financial landscape as major beauty hubs like New York City or Los Angeles.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Cuyahoga County’s GDP per capita was $68.3K, whereas L.A. County sat at approximately $78.3K, and New York County towered at $214.9K in 2023. The numbers highlight a stark difference in expendable income, making high-end beauty services more accessible in larger metropolitan areas.

Despite these economic factors, Northeast Ohio holds its own with a unique style and authenticity. Schultz describes the local hair scene as being “edgier” than most places, with stylists embracing bold, fashion-forward trends.

Beyond mastering her technique, hairstyling has transformed Schultz on a personal level. “I think in so many ways it's definitely made me more of a social person…It's given me so much confidence in myself…” she reflected.

Growing up, Schultz considered herself an introvert, but working in an industry that thrives on client interaction has helped her become more extroverted. She now feels more comfortable connecting with people and building relationships—an essential part of a successful career in hairstyling.

For Schultz, hairstyling isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about helping clients feel their best. She explained, “I’m a firm believer in look good, feel good. When your hair looks nice ya know it kinda just changes the whole vibe you feel about yourself. It's very rewarding.”

Seeing a client’s confidence soar after a fresh cut or color transformation makes the hard work worth it. She understands that hair plays a significant role in self-expression and self-esteem, making her job all the more fulfilling.

Schultz isn’t just focused on the present—she has big plans for the future. Her goals include building a loyal clientele, potentially opening her own salon, and mentoring aspiring stylists. She’s passionate about sharing her knowledge and hopes to eventually teach and guide newcomers in the industry, helping them navigate the challenges she once faced.

Breaking into the hairstyling world isn’t easy. Schultz emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance, especially for those just starting. She said, “You do all this work, you go to school, and you wanna see those results instantly. You have to be patient in the hair industry. Beginning off, you’re gonna have days where you don’t have any clients. You can’t let that get to you. There’s gonna be good days, there’s gonna be bad days, but you can’t let those bad days get to you too much.”

Building a reputation as a stylist takes time, consistency, and dedication. It’s not just about cutting hair—it’s about forming connections, gaining trust, and proving one’s skill set.

At the end of the day, Schultz believes that genuine passion is what separates successful stylists from those who fizzle out. Schultz emphasized, “Just to be patient and if you’re not passionate, it's probably not gonna work out. But if it is something that you truly care about and are passionate about, you know clients can see that, your coworkers can see that, your bosses can see that. So you really have to love the profession, or it will not bring you happiness.”

It’s clear that Schultz lives and breathes hairstyling, and with her talent, dedication, and drive, she’s well on her way to leaving a lasting impact on Northeast Ohio’s hair industry.

Follow Schultz:

📸 Instagram: @coloredbykayleigh

📅 Book an appointment: Click here