Erik Jon is a hairstylist at Ramirez Tran Salon in Beverly Hills and has been an AQUIS Ambassador since February 2019. His haircutting methods are focused around clean lines and tight precision with the idea of changing a client’s look without compromising their comfort level.
Drawn to hair at a very young age, Erik Jon’s first ever salon experience left him realizing that with a good haircut and good products, he could have the hair he’d always wanted. After graduating from the Aveda Institute in Washington DC, he moved to the West Coast. Starting in San Diego he eventually moved to Los Angeles in 2013 after landing a job at Helmet Salon, in West Hollywood. One of the owners recognized his natural talent and mentored Erik, teaching him everything she knows, including the strict and difficult to master Vidal Sassoon methods. After two and a half years he earned his spot on the floor taking clients, one of only two people ever to make it through the strict apprentice program.
Erik Jon had his first “big break” a few years later when Tracey Cunningham and Neil Weisberg, of Meche, noticed his Instagram and hired him on the spot to join them as the only hairstylist at their salon inside the Waldorf Astoria, Beverly Hills. He has been seeing clients at Ramirez Tran for the past 2 years. Co-owners Anh Co Tran and Johnny Ramirez have been great influences on his career since. The past year has found Erik doing more editorial work, landing published work and covers with big publications. He is the go-to hair person for some of the top modeling agencies in Los Angeles including Next, Freedom, IMG, and others. And has worked with many brands in the past including Phyto, Virtue, and Unite, plus testing Dyson prototypes before they hit the market. Since the coronavirus shutdown, Erik has been connecting with his clients remotely. We spoke with Erik on the phone about his career and present-day life during the pandemic.
How has the coronavirus shutdown impacted you professionally?
We all have to adjust to this new situation and do the best we can. I’ve had a lot of people reach out to check in on me, which means a lot. I even had a client Venmo me full price for a haircut and send well wishes. Just look at the AQUIS and Khairpep #HairArtistsUnite initiative! It’s cool to see a strong indie brand doing a lot for their community. It kind of sets the tone for where other bigger brands should be at with helping out all of the struggling hairstylist out there.
What do you envision for the haircare industry going forward?
This is such a unique, essential, and ever evolving industry. We work so closely with our clients and make them feel good about themselves. Things are definitely going to change, but I think it will be better long term. I see the industry moving towards being more of a private experience, having separate rooms, pre-pay before you come in and things like that. We’ll all still be connected even if we can’t see our clients as often. I feel that clients will tend to be even more loyal to a specific stylist as well. Having a healthy lifestyle being portrayed online will also attract more clients.
The industry is going to go thru a major transformation, a lot of salons are possibly going to close and new ones with different concepts will come out of it. Personally, I am working on a few exciting projects that will adapt to the industry and can’t wait to show everyone soon!
What have you done during this time to stay connected to your clients and your work? And what advice do you have for clients who may want to do something to their own hair?
I love going thru my photos and posting work from past photoshoots and clients who are putting out content online. I’ve also been posting interactive content, like doing a giveaway, to keep in touch with clients. Even offering to FaceTime with them if they decide to give their man a buzz cut or something like that. I really don’t recommend cutting your own hair at home, especially if you don’t have proper scissors made for hair. Cutting with a dull blade just shatters the ends and the hair will fray out like the bottom of a broom soon after. I personally am using Arc Phantom leftie scissors that cost around $1,000 and also have some amazing Hikari scissors as well! I’m having most clients apply Khairpep Masque semi-weekly in the meantime, to repair damaged hair.
Can you give us some pro haircare tips?
Take preventative measures before too much damage is caused. Always use a silk pillowcase, apply a high-quality hair mask weekly, take a hair/nail vitamin to promote stronger growth. Use your AQUIS hair towels every time you shower! All of these things are great for your hair. Make sure you do some research before you get your next service. Nowadays you can look up anyone’s work online. Make sure they’re going to be able to achieve your desired look. Get regular trims if you are trying to gain length. Make sure once you find your people, to stick with them, we notice and really appreciate the loyalty.
What is your personal hair care routine?
I wash my hair 1-2 times a week. Using the AQUIS detox shampoo makes my scalp feel really clean and my hair feels nice and refreshed, I let it sit for a few minutes so the detoxing ingredients can do their thing, and it gets all the buildup out of my hair. I don’t use any in-shower conditioner and then I’ll apply Khairpep Masque when I get out of the shower. It helps my curls dry nicely. Sometimes I’ll use AQUIS leave-in conditioner—it’s lighter so I’ll mist a little on dry hair to refresh it, and maybe a little organic Argan oil on the ends of my hair.
Tell us a little about your life outside of haircare?
I’m happiest when I’m out in nature. I’m usually at the beach or in the mountains 1-2 times a week just to escape and collect my thoughts. I do a lot of meditation with my huge crystal collection. I love to mediate and will play YouTube videos with 432 HZ frequency. It’s basically like bringing a sound bath into your home with all of the healing benefits. It really calms your mind and balances your chakras as well. I have a dog named Seven I’m very obsessed with, so she keeps me pretty busy!
What is your favorite thing about doing what you do?
I love how much it’s become a creative outlet for me. Getting to be involved with a client’s hairstyle is such a big part of their personality. Them entrusting me with how they look is a very bonding thing. I like to show a client how you don’t have to be stuck in a certain hairstyle, you can constantly be editing your appearance to suit your mood. I can make someone more attractive just by giving them a haircut that will accentuate the right features while minimizing others. Seeing the reactions and making someone feel more confident is the best part of being a hairstylist in my opinion.
To find out more about Erik Jon, find him on Instagram @ErikJonHair and @RamirezTranSalon.