Get Like Me: Hairstylist Seto McCoy

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Starting off as an apprentice at a Paul Mitchell signature salon, stylist Seto McCoy is now sharing his coiffing skills with Bravo, WeTv, Elle.com and more. He stepped away from prepping beauty looks behind the scenes of some of your favorite publications to sit on a park bench with us and discuss personal style, professional inspiration, and the power of positivity.

Name: Seto McCoy

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Personal Style: “Unrehearsed, Simple and Grungy”

Favorite Designer(s): I love Nicholas K. What speaks to me about his style is it’s unrehearsed. Every piece is unique.

Must Have Accessories: “A gold watch, my handmade rings from Cassandra Collection, and gauges-I think they’re sexy.”

How do you find inspiration? 

My family. Seeing my niece, my nephew, my mom, my dad, my little brother smile and show support for even the littlest things I’ve done is amazing. They’re my rock. My mom actually texted me this morning saying “I’m very, very, very proud of you”. That’s my inspiration.

What do you think is your strongest professional asset?

My creativity. I don’t look at hair as a thing, I look at it as an art. If somebody comes to me and says “I want this hair style” I can do it.

What’s been the greatest moment in your career so far?

All of it. I never take any moment in my career for granted. Each moment is like wow.

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Seto McCoy for Island Boi Photography

How did you begin your journey as a hairstylist?  Where did you train?

I was in Kansas City Missouri attending college and I just felt it in my gut that it wasn’t what I wanted to do. I was at a low point, trying to figure everything out. There was no option but to find what fulfilled me. I did my sister’s hair in the faux-locks that are so popular right now, and this was years ago so I was ahead of the trend.  We walked into a hair salon together. The owner Roshanna Campbell asked her “who did your hair?” She pointed to me and Roshanna said that she had been looking for an apprentice and asked if I wanted to do it. I said “hell yeah!” So I studied at a Paul Mitchell signature salon called Salon Ambiance owned by Roshanna Campbell. I see her giving me that opportunity as a blessing and I still keep in contact with her now. I make it a mission to try and mentor others the way she did with me. Mentoring is trying to bring about positive change in the world. That’s so important.

How did you get into artistry for film and print?

I’ve always wanted to do print. I started working with modeling agencies doing test shoots. Once I was able  to figure out how to monetize something I love to do. The rest was history. It was all about branding and who better to brand me than myself? I figured if I can make my clients look great, why can’t I do that for myself?

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Seto touching up Christina at her “Year of 28” photo shoot.

Connecting with the client is a big part of doing hair. Is it difficult to make people feel comfortable on set?

No not at all. Christina and Jess will tell you before we went and did the iconic “We Are Black History “ series, we prayed. When you put the force of positive energy and people doing positive things together there is no room for negativity. When I’m on set nobody breaks the vibe. I will not allow it. I know how to translate nervous energy into happiness. If I’m happy you’re going to be happy even if you’re having a horrible day.  

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Seto constructing the hair look worn by designer Jessie Adore in the “We Are Black History” photo series.

What’s the toughest part of your job?

Even though I try and keep a positive attitude it’s still tough at times to find a way to please everybody. It takes a strong person.

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Seto single-handedly styled all of the digital influencers photographed in the “We Are Black History” series.

What three pieces of advice would you give someone who emulates your career path?

1. Don’t get caught up in the hype. You have to stay grounded.

2. Be you. It’s hard to be you because you want to be accepted but nobody else can be you.

3. You have to have patience. You’re going to figure it all out just be patient.

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Seto McCoy for hip-hop artist She’s Ryan

What can we expect next from your brand?

I’ve been working on a secret project for two years that’s almost ready. It’s going to be great. I’m working with someone really close to me, Olivia Anthony of House of Olivia Anthony, we’re going to do a project together. My website will be launching in June. I’m really excited about that. I’ll also be releasing more tutorials and doing a lot of traveling. I’ll be bi-coastal, this is the time.

 What’s in your pockets right now? 

Lip balm, my house keys, my blackberry and my iPhone 6.

To learn more about hairstylist Seto McCoy check him out on Instagram, and Twitter under the hashtag #SetosJournal.

-Keyaira N. Boone

1 Comment
  1. Great interview! Love you Seto and so proud of all the work you’re doing. You are immensely talented and have a beautiful, humble spirit. And I do remember praying with you before our shoot – one of my best memories from that day. <3 Continued success! xx Jess