Meet our PRO, Doug O'Connell aka @dougoconnell13 ! Doug is a professional licensed hairstylist originally from West Covina, CA. He sometimes goes by Dougie, a nickname that has stuck since childhood. As a PRO, Doug shares the importance of always learning and understanding no one knows everything, so we can never stop learning! He has since always been taking classes and staying on top of trends, which has helped in his specialty of balayage and blonding.
Doug consistently offers advice that extends beyond his professional expertise. He champions authenticity and consistency, urging both his clients and peers to remain true to themselves and their personal brands. Fun Fact: Doug loves plants; he has over 45 of them in his house. For some good unwinding time, he always enjoys indulging in a rejuvenating facial.
With his blend of skill, wisdom, and genuine warmth, Doug continues to inspire and uplift those around him, both in and out of the salon chair.
Q & A With Doug
Get to know Doug as he shares his journey of becoming a licensed hairstylist, his rise on social media, and his tips for success.
Fun Facts About Doug
Q: What is your full name? Age? Reside in?
A: Hi! I’m Doug O’Connell, I’m 32 years old and currently reside in Huntington Beach, CA.
Q: When and where were you born? Where have you lived?
A: I was born in West Covina, CA. I have lived in California my whole life!
Q: What is your zodiac sign?
A: My zodiac sign is Taurus. I’m a stubborn, loyal, hard working person! LOL!
Q: Do you have a nickname? How did you get it?
A: My nickname that a lot of people call me is Dougie. I think family and friends started calling me that when I was a kid and it just stuck overtime.
Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was young.
Q: What is an interesting/fun fact about you?
A: I love plants! I think I have like over 45 house plants!
Q: What is your favorite activity or hobby?
A: My favorite activity would be going on a good hike! I mean you get to see amazing views and be in nature, but you’re also working out! LOL!
Q: Favorite candy, treat, or guilty pleasure?
A: My favorite candy is definitely anything gummy! Also I’m a huge snacker so give me any snack and I’m good!
Q: What is your favorite self care routine?
A: My favorite self care routine is definitely skin care! I love a good facial!
Time At Cosmetology School
Q: What year did you start Cosmetology School?
A: I started cosmetology school in 2011.
Q: What was your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it?
A: The biggest obstacle I had during cosmetology school was definitely not understanding color and how it worked. In school I always told myself and everyone that when I graduated I was never going to do color, I was only going to cut hair. Well that changed very quickly once I got licensed, I really dove into the basic color knowledge and experimented with it. So I guess just pushing myself and stepping outside of my comfort zone was the way I overcame not wanting to do color. Now color services are 90% of what I do in the salon.
Q: What advice do you have for current cosmetologist students?
A: My advice for the students would be never stop learning! Always engage in classes and groups of other stylists out there to collab and grow from! No one knows everything, so we can never stop learning!
Q: Have you continued your education and if yes why do you think it is important?
A: Yes! I’m always continuing my education because I want to know it all! It’s so important to stay up to date on current trends because you never know what a client might ask for when they sit in your chair!
Social Media Journey
Q: How important of a role has social media played in your professional career?
A: Social media has played a huge role in my career! Instagram really took off when I first started doing hair so I definitely jumped on that train and studied how to use it to build my business! Engaging with followers and constantly posting has helped me tremendously!
Q: Which platform has been most impactful to you?
A: Instagram has been the most impactful for me.
Q: What advice do you have for someone starting out as a stylist and trying to get their name out on Social Media?
A: My advice would be to just stay consistent, post things that represent you and your brand, engage with your audience and really just be YOU!
Life As A Hairstylist
Q: What's your specialty service you offer? Blonding? Color? Color Correction?
A: I would say my specialty service would be balayage/blonding.
Q: What salon do you work in?
A: I currently work at The Nest in Brea, CA.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about being a stylist?
A: The most rewarding thing about being a stylist is client connection. Really connecting and getting to your client is so important. Yes it’s definitely about the hair and services we provide, but getting clients stories and relating with them is so special.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in your salon?
A: I love how supportive and creative the team is.
Q: What advice do you have for your fellow stylist, followers, and people you inspire?
A: One piece of advice I have for up and coming stylists is reach out to your favorite brands and followers! Collabing is such a good way to connect with people and throw out ideas that someone might not have thought of.
Q: Is there anything you would like to share?
A: I really want to encourage people to reach out to me via Instagram or email if you ever have any questions or just wanna chat. I’m all about connecting and learning from each other so reach out to me! I try my best to respond to everyone and love to check out other stylists work!
The Passion
Q: Who inspires you?
A: All my close hairstylist friends & co workers they are always teaching me something new and inspiring me to do better.
Q: Who is someone you admire, and why?
A: My boss Nikki she had built the most beautiful salon and is always doing the most! She’s not just a salon owner but an amazing stylist.
Q: What is a cause you are passionate about?
A: Mental health awareness.
Q: What inspired you to become a hairstylist?
A: I took my dreams to reality, for as long as I can remember that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do and love the creativity that comes with it.
A Positive Impact
Q: What mark or impact do you want to make in this industry?
A: I would love to have my own extension line one day.
Q: What do you love most about this industry?
A: The creative aspect of it.
Q: What legacy do you want to leave behind?
A: For all clients to leave loving their hair.
Q: Short term goal you would like to achieve?
A: Mentor newer stylists.
Q: Long term goal. Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?
A: Having my own extension line.
Words Of Advice
Q: What is one thing that you like to share with your followers? One is one piece of advice you can share that will help them grow personally and professionally?
A: If you follow me on Instagram thank you for engaging in my content & if you have ever been in my chair thank you so much for supporting my dream job! I can’t imagine doing anything else. For any stylists just starting out alway believe in yourself & don’t be afraid to try new thing there are so many things in our industry that we can do.
See some of Doug's amazing hair works!