Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Ward.
Hi Mandy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Mandy’s journey as a stylist has taken her all over the map—starting in Texas and weaving through DC, Virginia, and Maryland as she built her career. Her unexpected love for the beauty industry sparked in 2008 after a transformative experience as a client, which led her to leave behind a corporate job in finance and dive headfirst into a new path. She trained at The Temple: A Paul Mitchell Partner School, where she embraced the creative community, joined the Green Team, and lived out the “Be Nice Or Else!” philosophy.
After graduating, she began freelancing in Austin, TX—work that quickly opened doors for international experiences in Germany. During her two years abroad, Mandy sharpened her skills in clipper techniques and fully embraced sustainable, low-impact beauty practices. Back in the States, she settled in Frederick, MD, but continued to travel back to Austin every 6–8 weeks to serve her clients. In 2016, she earned her Senior Cosmetology License and began educating at The Temple’s Phase Two Honors Program, all while staying rooted in clean beauty and sustainability.
In 2020, Mandy opened Neon Moon Salon—a cozy, private boutique studio offering clean color services and certified B-Corp products. By 2021, she had flipped her commute and moved back to Austin full-time, traveling to Neon Moon monthly until she sold the salon in 2022. That transition allowed her to focus fully on her work at Salon Wyld, where she had been guest spotting for years. Between 2012 and 2022, guest spotting in salons across the country gave Mandy the chance to grow her skills, collaborate with fellow stylists, and build a wide-reaching network rooted in community over competition.
With over 15 years in the beauty industry, Mandy brings a sharp eye, a deep understanding of style, and a real love for education into every client experience. She’s worked as a senior stylist, barber, educator, guest artist, and salon owner—creating spaces where authenticity, creativity, and connection come first. Whether she’s behind the chair or mentoring others, her approach is intentional, flexible, and always rooted in artistry.
Mandy specializes in “lived-in” cuts and color that match her easygoing, low-maintenance style. She’s passionate about continued education and building real, lasting relationships with her clients. For her, it’s about helping people feel like the best version of themselves— because you deserve it!.
When she’s not in the salon, you’ll probably find her working out, adventuring with her dogs, or planning her next trip. Mandy is fluent in German and English and holds a Master Stylist License.
At Salon Wyld, Mandy offers Cutting, Coloring, Hand-tied Extensions, and Body Waxing services.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The struggles were so real.
Cosmetology school was 2500 hours, which is the equivalent of a 5 year Bachelors. I was 23 years old, in school, and working two part time jobs trying to survive. It took me two years all in all. The term “beauty school dropout” is so real, especially for older students living independently.
Finding the right salon after school was also full of learning curves. I think I made 5k my first full year in the business. That is ABSURD. I was definitely being taken advantage of, but too naive to know where/how.
Moving forward, navigating salon culture is an art in itself. Because boutique salons are small businesses, there isn’t an HR, or benefits, or base salary. You’re able have a bit more freedom than a corporate salon, but you have to find the right place that will allow you to grow, and not abuse you in the process. Egos, greed, entitlement, verbal abuse, etc is unfortunately quite common for newer people in the industry to experience. I HIGHLY recommend reading “This Ugly Beauty Business” to anyone who’s starting out. Know your rights, and find your people! There is a statistic that 90% of Hairdressers won’t last more than 5 years in the biz. That breaks my heart. For as many challenges as there are, there are enormous gifts as well.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I fully embraced the “lived-in” clean beauty lifestyle back in 2012, and it’s been my north star ever since. I specialize in low-tox, ammonia-free dimensional color that grows out gracefully—most clients only need a touch-up once or twice a year. I also got really into razor cutting around the same time, leaning into natural texture instead of fighting it. My vibe? “Natural, plus”—because you’re already enough just as you are. Don’t get me wrong, I love a bold, fashion-forward moment, but I live for effortless, surfer-girl hair that looks like you woke up that cool.
I also bring five years of pure barbering experience to the chair (and yes, I’ve grown my own hair out from a shave, so I get it). That range means I’m down for pretty much anything—whether you want to go short, long, or somewhere in between.
What really sets me apart is my background as an in-school cosmetology educator. I don’t get flustered easily. Messed up your color at home? No problem. Cut bangs on a whim? Been there—let’s fix it. Want to shave half your head? Easy. Let’s fade it out and make it look intentional and elevated. I got you.
Most recently, I leveled up with advanced training in professional body waxing and hand-tied extensions. I love that we can customize a full-body session all in one convenient spot.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
This Ugly Beauty Industry, Three Education, The Left Brain Group, Cult + King, etc. There are SO MANY resources! Honestly, the biggest advice that changed my world in this industry, is learning that your fellow neighbor Hairdressers, Estheticians, and Waxers are your community and not your competition. We all share clients in some way, we all cross paths in some way, we can all share insights and grow as one. There is enough for everyone!
Pricing:
- 155 per hour gratuity inclusive
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.salonwyld.com
- Instagram: mandy.h.ward
Image Credits
SarahElizabethPhotographyATX
