Beauty Boss: Nick Stenson, Celebrity Hairstylist and Founder of Nick Stenson Beauty
Nick Stenson.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Nick Stenson, renowned beauty expert, global celebrity hairstylist and Founder of Nick Stenson Beauty—a collection of luxury haircare products that are formulated to heal, hydrate and strengthen all hair types with quality ingredients.
Stenson first joined Ulta Beauty in 2016 as the company’s first Chief Artistic Director, and soon after assembled the Ulta Beauty Pro Team of top-level beauty industry artists, which he continues to lead. In his current role as Senior VP of Store and Services Operations for Ulta Beauty, he leads a diverse corporate team across multiple business units, oversees trend innovation for beauty services, and sets the strategic course for services and education for stylists at Ulta Beauty salons and stores across the United States.
Having worked in the professional hair industry for many years as one of the world’s top stylists and spokespeople, Stenson has a deep understanding of the latest beauty trend innovations and specialty hair color. He developed his haircare collection after years of getting to know every person who sat in his salon chair and learning what their needs were when it came to haircare products.
Nick Stenson Beauty products all contain aloe vera gel as the key ingredient for its naturally soothing and healing benefits, in addition to jojoba oil, superfood ingredients like kale, carrot and lemon protein extract; and creatine for restoring luster and volume to damaged locks. Each product is formulated with the cleanest, high-quality water, cruelty-free, paraben-free, Leaping Bunny certified, and meet all of the five Conscious Beauty pillars of Ulta Beauty.
We chatted with Stenson, who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, favorite beauty products, and much more.
When was Nick Stenson Beauty founded and what inspired its creation?
I have been on a journey for over seven years to create the perfect blend of products that deliver results for all hair types. I launched officially in October 2022.
Born into the beauty industry I have had the privilege of working with many great brands. What I noticed was there wasn’t a brand of hero products and I wanted to create a brand built on performance for all hair types.
Nick Stenson Beauty is a collection of luxury haircare products that are formulated to heal, hydrate and strengthen all hair types with quality ingredients.
Do you have a hero product?
My goal was to build a brand of heroes. Each product has something unique and special to it that makes it its own hero.
What are your favorite products from the brand?
That’s like saying which child is your favorite! I love all the products for different reasons. The few that are standouts so far based on consumer feedback have been the Moisture Shampoo and Moisture Conditioner as well as the Hydrating Oil and Leave-In Conditioner. Everyone seems to be obsessed with the performance of the aerosols as well.
Where are your products sold?
All the products can be found on our website, in select Ulta Beauty stores and on Ulta’s website.
Future plans for the brand?
I will continue to innovate to ensure everyone has the most healthy hair with products that give them the results they are looking for. Stay tuned...more to come!
Each product is formulated with the cleanest, high-quality water, is cruelty-free, paraben-free, Leaping Bunny certified, and meets all of the five Conscious Beauty pillars of Ulta Beauty.
Who inspires you?
There are so many people that inspire me. My mom has always been an inspiration for me as she was in beauty for 37 years before retiring. I am also very inspired by Tom Ford. His level of sophistication, quality and detail motivates me to produce the same level of quality.
Secret to success?
Never stop. Keep innovating, and keep pushing forward even when everyone else thinks you are crazy.
Beauty secrets?
Spend the time taking care of your body from the inside out. You only get one body and you have to treat it as well so it will treat you well later in life.
Wellness tips?
Invest in yourself before anyone else so you can be the best version of yourself for everyone else.
Best advice?
Successful people do all the things unsuccessful people aren't willing to do.
How do you like to relax?
Jump on my boat and listen to the waves of the ocean under the sun on the open water.
For more information, visit Nick Stenson Beauty’s website and follow on Instagram: @nickstensonbeauty
[Images courtesy of Nick Stenson Beauty]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk