Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Dao
Hi Diana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my journey in hair about ten years ago. At the time, I was burning through my financial aid in college and looking for a way out of the nightlife industry. I had no clear direction, but I knew I wanted something different—something I actually had an interest in. Hair seemed like a short commitment at first, but I quickly realized it was much more than that.
Coming from a traditional family, I was terrified to tell my parents. They expected me to pursue a career in medicine or something prestigious, but I had this gut feeling that I needed to follow my own path. Once I got into hair school, I found myself drawn to the challenge of Asian hair coloring. Back then, balayage and icy platinum tones were just starting to take off, and I became obsessed with mastering the techniques—especially on dark, stubborn hair.
With the connections I had in nightlife, I hustled my way through the club scene, turning bottle girls and dancers into my first loyal clients. But my first salon job wasn’t what I imagined. The person I looked to as a mentor didn’t help me grow—instead, they made me feel like I was failing for not being the kind of assistant they wanted. I was given little to no guidance, and instead of developing my skills, I was left feeling inadequate and stuck. Eventually, I quit—and nearly walked away from hair altogether.
That’s when a good friend saw my potential and pulled me back in. He gave me a space in his salon, and I spent the next eight years honing my craft. I didn’t just want to be a great stylist—I wanted to push boundaries. I studied East Asian hair trends, traveling to Japan to work and to Korea to learn advanced techniques. That experience didn’t just shape my skills; it influenced my salon’s entire aesthetic and philosophy.
One of the biggest lessons I learned along the way was how important mentorship is. I know what it feels like to expect guidance and not receive it, so I promised myself that one day, I’d be the mentor I never had. Now, I’ve built the dream I always wanted—a salon that’s not just about hair, but about community, creativity, and breaking the limits of what’s possible.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. As an Asian hairstylist, I had to break away from the traditional expectations placed on me. My family expected me to pursue a career in medicine or something more “stable,” so choosing hair felt like going against everything they envisioned for me. That pressure alone made the journey challenging, but I knew I had to carve my own path.
On top of that, the industry itself wasn’t always welcoming. Early on, I worked under toxic mentors who didn’t invest in my growth. Instead of guidance and support, I was made to feel like I wasn’t good enough simply because I didn’t fit the mold of the assistant they wanted. That lack of mentorship forced me to teach myself, seek out new education on my own, and push through the doubt.
Then there was the challenge of building a brand in an industry that’s already oversaturated. Standing out as a hairstylist takes more than just talent—it requires strategy, consistency, and an understanding of what makes you different. For me, that meant specializing in Asian hair coloring and East Asian trends at a time when there weren’t many people doing it at a high level. It took years of trial and error, but I stayed committed to my vision, and now I’ve built something I’m truly proud of.
The road hasn’t been easy, but every struggle has shaped me into the stylist and business owner I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a hairstylist, salon owner, and educator specializing in hair color transformations, with a strong focus on East Asian hair trends. My expertise lies in balayage, vibrant fashion colors, and high-contrast blonding on dark hair—techniques that require a deep understanding of how Asian hair lifts and processes. I’ve spent years refining my craft, traveling to Japan and Korea to study their advanced techniques and integrating that knowledge into my work.
I’m most known for pushing the limits of what’s possible with Asian hair, creating custom color blends and placements that enhance natural features while maintaining hair health. My salon, Dirty Haus, isn’t just about doing hair—it’s about building a creative, welcoming space where both clients and stylists feel empowered.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built. I didn’t just want to be a stylist; I wanted to be a mentor, offering the guidance I wish I had when I was starting out. Seeing my team grow, my clients trust me with their transformations, and my work influence other stylists makes all the struggles worth it.
What sets me apart is my approach—blending precision with creativity, Eastern techniques with Western trends, and technical mastery with an artistic eye. I don’t just follow trends; I adapt and refine them to suit each client, making every transformation unique. More than anything, I want people to walk out of my salon not just looking good, but feeling like the best version of themselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is seeing growth—whether it’s in myself, my team, or my clients. Watching someone transform, whether through a hair makeover or their own personal or professional journey, is incredibly fulfilling. I love the moment when a client sees their reflection after a big change and lights up with confidence. That’s what keeps me passionate about what I do.
I also find happiness in creativity and pushing boundaries. I didn’t follow the traditional path expected of me, and I take pride in carving out my own space in this industry. Being able to experiment, refine techniques, and bring East Asian hair trends to a broader audience fuels my drive.
And beyond the work itself, it’s the people—the community I’ve built, my team, my clients, and the support system around me. Seeing them grow, succeed, and trust me with their hair and careers reminds me why I do this every day. That sense of connection and purpose is what truly makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vagaro.com/dirtyhaus
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtyhairbyd/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@Dirtyhairbyd
Image Credits
photography by @shotsbylinh
salon team @dirty.haus
