For Riley Vail, hairstyling is more than just a craft—it’s wearable art. Growing up in her dad’s barbershop, surrounded by the bold, pin-up-inspired aesthetic, Riley was drawn to the effortless cool of that world. With a family full of artists, creativity was always a given, but it wasn’t until later that Riley realized hair would be her ultimate medium.
After training at Toni & Guy and honing their skills for over five years, Riley has developed a sharp eye for color, a perfectionist’s approach to tone and placement, and a love for the intricate, detail-oriented work that comes with it. She thrives on the balance of soft and edgy, glam with a little grit—always creating looks that feel effortless yet striking.
What truly surprised Riley about this industry? The connection. As an extrovert, she never expected to love the constant conversations, but now, the check-ins with clients and the relationships built through hair have become one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
Working at HAIR Los Angeles feels like being in an art studio every day, and that inspiration fuels Riley’s work. Whether it’s transforming color, refining shape, or completing a client’s look in a way she didn’t even realize was missing, Riley finds endless gratification in making people look and feel like the best version of themselves.
Born and raised in LA, Riley draws inspiration from the city’s energy, its people, and the ever-evolving beauty scene. She always knew she loved hair, makeup, and the world of glam, but it wasn’t until spending time on set as a model that she saw firsthand how transformative the right styling could be. Now, Riley brings that same vision to every client—helping them step into their own version of effortless, confident beauty.
