Best of Masters: Neeko Abriol

Neeko Abriol went from a Los Angeles gang - dodging bullets, dealing drugs, and escaping the threat of prison - to finally finding his passion in the beauty industry. The end result: Neeko received NAHA’s Editor’s Select Award in 1997, 1998, and 2000.

A hairdresser since 1991, Neeko signed on with the LA-based Crystal Agency in 1994, an agency that represents hair, makeup, and styling artists for the fashion and entertainment industry. His magazine credits include Elle, Vanity Fair, YM, Us, Esquire, Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, In Fashion, Ebony, Allure, Essence, InStyle, Entertainment Weekly, Movieline, Vibe and LA Times Magazine among others.

His hairstyling credits include music videos and CD packaging, a feature film with celebrity Halle Berry, commercial and print advertising for Cover Girl, Bill Blass Denim, Schlitz, Dark & Lovely, McDonalds, Revlon, and Macy’s.

Interviewed by Winn Claybaugh, this talented industry professional shared his distinct beliefs and practices for “getting.” It didn’t take Neeko 20 years or more to go from LA gang member to $3,500 per-day session hairdresser.