PRESTON WADA
HAIR STYLIST
Preston Wada is a Los Angeles–based hairstylist whose mastery of cut and color, texture and styling, and structural hair and wig design has garnered him a loyal clientele of the world’s biggest entertainers and tastemakers. With two decades in the industry, he has honed his trademark style as the edge of avant-garde and editorial, while remaining equally passionate about crafting effortless, wearable looks for the fashion IT girl.
Preston’s fascination with hair began when he was old enough to start playing with dolls. At 17, he followed his dreams to the Aveda Institute of Los Angeles, where he refined his technique and broadened his influences under the school’s elite training and mentorship—becoming an expert in Aveda coloring and the Vidal Sassoon style of cutting. Though the salon helped him hone his skills, he left shortly after graduating to pursue his first love: styling avant garde hair.
Preston started assisting in music videos for artists such as Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, David Guetta, and Tinashe, where he built lasting relationships that led him to the editorial world—and the opportunity to work with renowned photographers such as Ellen Von Unwerth and John Russo.
Preston also became the go-to hair stylist for Aveda’s Global Artistic Director of Color, Ian Michael Black, who appreciated his unique eye. He was named the key hairstylist at Ian’s Aveda show in 2016.
His clients include: Jennie Kim (Blackpink), Poppy, Tove Lo, Peggy Guo, Michelle Zauner (Japanese Breakfast), Paris Hilton, Leona Lewis, Grimes, Kehlani, Kesha, Tove Lo, Rico Nasty, M.I.A., Coi Leray, Haim, and Naomi Campbell.
His work has been published in Vogue, Paper Magazine, Nylon, Schön, Playboy, L’Officiel, NME, Uproxx, King Kong, Exit Magazine, Salty, THEM, and Fault Magazine.
