Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Johnston.
Hi Ariel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Ariel Johnston. I am a free-spirited modern-day hippy with a southern accent and a California vibe. I am a Holistic Hair Stylist ; Owner of Wave a Holistic Hair Studio located inside Image Studios in North Raleigh.
I have always been drawn to beauty as a form of self-expression. In 2008, my senior year of high school, I was offered to take a cosmetology program through the community college in my small town. I saw this as an opportunity to put my toe in the water to see if this would be the right path for me.
In Summer 2009, after I graduated from High school, I attended the Aveda Institute in Chapel Hill. I chose the Aveda Institute in Chapel Hill due to their alignment with my passion for protecting the environment and “cleaner” ingredients in their products.
After completing hair school in May 2010, I chose to work in a commission based Redken Elite Salon located in North Raleigh based on their educational values. I loved the performance of Redken haircare but unfortunately in 2017 I began to start having skin sensitivities to their products. In Spring 2019, I stepped out of my comfort zone and decided to go independent and fall back to where it all began, My love for the environment and clean beauty.
I relocated from the commission salon, to a booth rent style salon to see if I would like working “on my own” at the time it was me and one other stylist. She had similar work ethics to me and what she wanted to also achieve for her and her clients well being behind the chair.
The pandemic rolled around in 2020, due to the shut down I was able to do a lot of research and learn ways I could offer my clients a safer salon experience. When salon’s re-opened I was able to bring in some of the best holistic hair care.
November 2020,Wave a Holistic Hair Studio was born. I made the decision to go fully independent in a private closed ceiling studio. Where I could focus on clean air, separating my clients from the exposure of harmful salon chemicals.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. My biggest challenge has been learning the business side of things — especially running numbers, budgeting, and understanding taxes. Im naturally more of a creative, so that side didn’t come as easily to me. Over time, Ive had to teach myself how to track my income and expenses, price my services properly, and make sure Im staying on top of the financial details that keep a business healthy.
One thing I am incredibly grateful for is how supportive my clients have been through my transition from a traditional hairstylist to a holistic hairstylist. Not only did many of my existing clients embrace the change, but I’ve also attracted a wonderful new community of like-minded clients who value clean beauty and a more mindful approach to haircare. That’s made the hard part worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Wave a Holistic Hair Studio?
Wave is a private holistic hair studio in Raleigh, Nc, where beauty meets wellness. I specialize in creating customized hair color, cuts and styles using cleaner, non-toxic products from brands like O&M, Oway, and Cult+King. My approach blends artistry with mindfulness- helping clients achieve their dream look without compromising their health or the health of the planet.
What I’m most known for is my intentional, one-on-one experience. Every appointment is private, which allows me to give clients my full attention and create a relaxing, personalized environment. I focus on enhancing natural beauty, creating low-maintenance styles, and using products that are safe and sustainable as they are effective.
What sets Wave apart is that it’s not just about hair- it’s about the whole experience. From the moment you walk in, everything is designed to feel peaceful, grounding, and uplifting. I want clients to leave my studio not only looking great, but feeling lighter, more confident, and cared for,
Brand-wise, I’m proud that Wave reflects my values: clean beauty, mindful living, and building genuine connections. My service offerings include O&M Cor.Color one of the cleanest color lines on the market, precision haircuts, and holistic treatments that focus on both hair health and scalp wellness. For me, its about creating beauty that feels good from the inside out.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think the quality that’s been most important to my success is my ability to really listen, In this industry, its not just about cutting or coloring hair- its about understanding the person in your chair, their lifestyle, and how they feel when they leave your chair.
I approach every appointment with kindness and understanding, so my clients feel heard, cared for, and comfortable being themselves. That connection builds trust, and I believe that’s the foundation of a long-lasting client relationship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.waveholistichair.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wave_holistichair
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-johnston-94318b28b
