Local Stylist Semi-Finalist in 'Master of Beauty' Contest

A local stylist is competing to show she's a cut above the rest.

Lindsay Welsh, a 27-year-old White Marsh hair stylist, is a top 10 semi-finalist in the nationwide "Master of Beauty" contest.

The winner of the contest receives $10,000, a chance to present work onstage with celebrity stylist Nick Arrojo and a high-end hair education package.

"This is definitely exciting," said Welsh, who works at in Timonium. "Making it this far has been awesome."

Darrell Barrett, the 40-year-old owner of the eponymous salon, who is also an Abingdon resident, praised Welsh as one of his most creative stylists.

"She takes a leadership role and is very detail-oriented," Barrett said.

Welsh completed hair school at age 20 and started working at salon in after she received her license. She has also showcased her work at New York Fashion week and styled hair alongside Rodney Cutler, another celebrity hair stylist with whom she has traveled across the country. 

"I always knew this was what I wanted to do," Welsh said.

She settled down in Baltimore County, however, to provide a more stable environment for her 4-year-old son.

Welsh entered "Master of Beauty" by submitting a photo of her work to the contest's Facebook page. She was named a quarter-finalist by public vote and input from Arrojo and his staff. The quarter-finalists then uploaded a two to three minute video highlighting their talent. Ten semi-finalists were chosen from this bunch.

"I love the concept of this contest, because it’s really what Masters of Beauty is all about," Nick Arrojo said in a news release.

The public can vote for three finalists via Facebook until April 1. They will then travel to New York for the final leg of the competition.

"I'm ready for the next step in my career," Welsh said.