Mark Bustos

Hair Stylist and Salon Owner

Mark Bustos is a Filipino-American hair stylist, salon owner, and educator based in New York, NY. With over 27 years of experience, Mark is the owner of multiple salon locations, combining creative artistry with business leadership. As a respected platform artist, he has performed and taught on stages at major industry events, earning multiple award nominations and wins for his contributions to education, artistry, and community impact. His work has also led to partnerships and collaborations with a wide range of companies, including major global and Fortune 500 brands. In 2014, he began giving free haircuts to people experiencing homelessness during a trip to the Philippines. This effort evolved into an ongoing global initiative, often associated with the phrase #BeAwesomeToSomebody, through which he provides free haircuts in underserved communities.

Education

  • BS, Management Science, Kean University
  • Cosmetology License, Artistic Academy

Professional Achievements

  • Featured in The New York Times, CNN, ABC World News, Forbes, Huffington Post, GQ, Details Magazine, Vanity Fair, People Magazine, and more
  • #BeAwesomeToSomebody Movement has received international acclaim in several publications across Europe and Asia, notably the Philippines, which is both where his family is from and where the #BeAwesomeToSomebody Movement was born
  • Collaborated with top brands, including Nike, Under Armour, GoDaddy, State Farm, BMW, Hyundai, Charles Schwab, Dewars. Budweiser, VICE, and more
  • Received the Intercoiffure Gala Humanitarian Award (2017)
  • Nominated for the Stylist Choice Awards Educator of the Year (2017)
  • Name Cosmoprof Licensed to Create Awards Inspirational Artist of the Year (2018)
  • Received the USA’s President’s Volunteer Award (2018)
  • Finalist for the North American Hairdressing Awards’ Men’s Hairstylist of the Year (2019)
  • Named International Hairdressing Awards Hair Influencer of the Year (2021)

Favorite Piece of Advice

My favorite advice is to stop chasing trends and start understanding your hair. The best haircut is one that’s designed specifically for your texture, face shape, and lifestyle—not what’s popular on social media.

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Forum Comments (3)

How much should you tip for a haircut?
I think a standard 20% for most barbers and hairstylists is definitely the way to go. You always get what you pay for. I know not everyone is capable of doing that, but most hairstylists and barbers do remember when you tip them well.
How do you braid your own hair?
One thing I'd add here is that braiding your own hair is totally possible if you want a looser, longer braid. But when it comes to tight braids, cornrows, and designs, I recommend seeing a professional.
How do you trim your own bangs without messing up?
Trimming your bangs totally depends on the look you're going for. If you want a blunt look, use something like shears or clippers to get a blunt line.

If you want a textured bang, don't cut it blunt. Instead, cut into the hair vertically using a mini "V" shape, and how deep you cut into the hair will determine how much the hair is going to move.

Co-authored Articles (7)

35 Haircut Ideas for Men with Square Faces (& How to Style Them)

Hair Stylist Mark Bustos explains how a good haircut can balance your angular featuresIf you have a square face—meaning it’s roughly equal in width and height with a sharp, angular jaw—it can sometimes be a little ...

How to

Shave Body Hair (Men)

Want to shave your body hair but aren't sure where to start (or how to avoid those awful red razor bumps)? Don't worry! In this article, we'll walk you through how to manscape like a pro so you can get rid of unwanted bo...

How to

Style Middle Part Hair for Guys

Hair Stylist Mark Bustos explains how to achieve this trendy lookIf you're ready for a fresh look, you might be wondering about all the different ways to style middle part hair. Whether your hair is perfectly straight or...

How to

Use a Beard Trimmer

A beard trimmer is an invaluable tool in a man's grooming kit. A trimmer can clean up that winter beard you've been working on, making it look intentional and respectable. It can also help you get a closer trim that look...

The Best Haircuts for Men with High Foreheads

Hair Stylist Mark Bustos explains the most flattering styles for a high hairlineSearching for a hairstyle that minimizes a high or large forehead? Look no further! In this article, we’re providing a list of 25 men’s ...

How to

Do a Quiff

Hair Stylist Mark Bustos explains how to create a good foundation for this trendy styleThe quiff has become a fashion staple for men, signalling a clean, modern look that you can easily put together at home. Whether you ...

1950s Hairstyles for Men That’ll Rock Your Modern Look

Expert styling tips for 1950s men’s hairstylesIf you’ve been looking for the perfect way to nail that cool and classic greaser aesthetic, look no further! We’ve partnered with expert hairstylists to put together a ...