We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Doug O’Connell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Doug below.

Hi Doug, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

If I could go back in time, I’ve definitely had moments where I wondered what it would’ve been like to start my career in hair earlier—but truthfully, I think I started at the right time for me. I was 21 when I graduated from cosmetology school and officially stepped into the industry. I was young, motivated, and excited to finally be doing something hands-on and creative, but also something that had real impact—helping people feel confident and seen.

At that point in life, I wasn’t coming from a perfectly mapped-out plan. I just knew I loved working with people, had an eye for beauty and detail, and needed a career that would constantly challenge and inspire me. Doing hair checked every box. It gave me a way to express myself, connect with others, and build something that was mine.

Looking back, I think if I had started earlier—say, in high school—I might not have taken it as seriously or understood how powerful this career can be. I might’ve rushed through it or treated it like just a job, instead of the passion and purpose it’s become. And if I had waited any longer, I would’ve missed out on some of those key early years where I got to try new techniques, fail a little, learn from great mentors, and really develop my own style behind the chair.

So do I wish I had started sooner? Not really. Every step of the journey—starting at 21, learning through trial and error, growing through each client and every new challenge—has shaped the artist I am now. The timing felt right, and more importantly, I was ready. And that made all the difference.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi! I’m Doug O’Connell, a Southern California-based haircolorist and extension specialist with a passion for creating effortlessly elevated looks—especially for blondes and balayage lovers. I got into the industry when I was 21, fresh out of cosmetology school, and never looked back. Hair has always been more than just a service to me—it’s a form of artistry, connection, and confidence-building.

I work behind the chair full-time and specialize in dimensional color, custom blonding, and hair extensions. A huge part of what I do is helping clients achieve a look that not only fits their lifestyle but makes them feel like the best version of themselves. Whether someone’s struggling with damage, brassiness, flat or thinning hair—or just feels like they’ve lost their spark—I love being the one who brings that back for them.

I use high-quality color lines and extension systems, which I rely on to ensure the health and longevity of every transformation. My approach is thoughtful and strategic: I consider everything from natural texture and skin tone to maintenance levels and long-term goals. I don’t believe in “one size fits all”—and that personalized experience is something my clients really value.

What sets me apart is my eye for detail and my ability to translate a client’s vision into a lived-in, luxurious result that grows out beautifully. I’m not interested in trends just for trend’s sake—I’m focused on timeless, customized looks that enhance someone’s natural beauty. I also pride myself on creating a welcoming, judgment-free space where my clients can show up as they are. I truly see this as a collaborative relationship, not just a service.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come by staying true to my style, investing in ongoing education, and building strong, real relationships with my clients. Word of mouth and client trust have been everything to me. I’ve built a business I’m proud of, and that means a lot in an industry that’s constantly evolving.

For anyone new to my work: I want you to know I care deeply about quality, consistency, and helping you feel confident—whether it’s with a full transformation or a subtle refresh. My chair is a place where you’re not just getting your hair done—you’re being seen, heard, and taken care of with intention and artistry.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think one thing non-creatives might struggle to understand is how personal the creative journey really is. When you’re in a creative field—whether it’s hair, design, art, or anything else—you’re not just clocking in and doing a task. You’re putting your ideas, your taste, your energy, and a piece of yourself into every single thing you do. That can be incredibly fulfilling, but it also makes the work feel more vulnerable.

People sometimes think being creative is just “fun” or “easy”—and sure, there are days when it’s amazing and everything flows. But what they don’t always see is the mental load that comes with it: constantly pushing yourself to evolve, staying inspired, handling rejection or criticism, and managing burnout while still showing up for others with your best self.

In the hair world specifically, it’s also physically demanding. You’re on your feet all day, multitasking like crazy, thinking technically and artistically at the same time. There’s this pressure to make magic happen on demand, every single time, and to keep up with trends while still staying true to your style.

What I’d want non-creatives to understand is that creativity is work. It’s emotional labor. It takes discipline, resilience, and constant learning. But for those of us who truly love it, it’s also a gift. It’s how we connect, how we communicate, and how we help people see themselves in a new way. That’s what makes all the behind-the-scenes hustle worth it.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my career came during the aftermath of the pandemic. Like so many stylists, I was forced to step back from doing hair entirely when salons shut down. At first, it felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. I had built momentum, a loyal clientele, and was really finding my groove—and suddenly, everything stopped.

But that pause made me re-evaluate everything. I realized how much of my identity was tied to doing hair in person, and I started asking deeper questions: What else can I offer? How can I evolve? How can I make my business stronger and more sustainable in the long run?

That’s when I pivoted from just being behind the chair to really investing in the business side of my craft. I started focusing more on branding, refining the kind of clients I wanted to attract, streamlining my services, and creating better systems for communication and booking. I even began exploring creative ways to educate clients digitally—whether that was through tutorials, product recommendations, or behind-the-scenes content that kept people engaged and informed even when I couldn’t be hands-on.

That pivot wasn’t just a temporary solution—it completely changed the way I work today. I came back to the salon with more clarity, stronger boundaries, and a deeper respect for my time and talent. It was a hard moment, but it forced me to grow in ways I wouldn’t have if things had stayed comfortable.

Now, anytime I face a shift or challenge, I remind myself that pivots are part of the journey. They don’t mean you’re off track—sometimes, they’re just redirecting you to where you’re really meant to go.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Dougoconnellhair.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougoconnell13?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/7xWbmGwVAl