Wicker Park Stylist Spotlight: Michael Mullen
In April, we celebrated our 19th year in business on Milwaukee Avenue. Our Wicker Park salon has evolved many times over the last couple of decades, but a few things have remained constant. As we reflect on nineteen years of Fringe, a certain face appears throughout our memories: Michael Mullen. This veteran Wicker Park stylist has been leading the pack since the very start and we’re proud to spotlight his work this month!
Beginnings
Michael made made his first splash in Chicago after migrating from the suburbs of Louisville. It was these early Chicago days when he began exploring his knack for styling hair and makeup.
He soon found himself in a headfirst dive into the beauty industry, proudly wielding his burgeoning talent and natural passion. While a student at the School of Hair Design in 1989, Michael was entered in a state-level competition and awarded First Place.
It was apparent then he possessed the right combination of passion and creative talent required to succeed in beauty. Fringe was lucky enough to work with Michael in the early days, giving our Wicker Park salon some pretty solid legs to stand on.
A Master Among Us
Featured in Modern Salon and Self magazines, Michael is best known for his instinct and deep knowledge of color correction, blended highlighting, and gray coverage. He is also adept at texture work, specializing in the Rusk anti-curl system and customized permanent waves. While his hands are nimble and his eye for color sharp, Michael takes care to guide his clients down the best path for their hair. His biggest piece of advice for every client? “Do your best to accept your hair and make the most of it and enhance it rather than putting your hair through so much.” This advice – a gift that comes with 25 years of expertise – creates trust in a client-stylist relationship.
It is impossible to celebrate nineteen years of Fringe without celebrating Michael Mullen. Through the ups and downs of business and life, he has kept the colors flawlessly blended and the grays far, far away. Our salon would not be the same without this legendary Wicker Park stylist.