Studio 18 Salon — the best salon to work for in Tempe, AZ. Multi-stylist, multi-specialty, owner-operated. Hiring color stylists, cutting specialists, extension specialists, and event stylists. Tuesday-Saturday schedule. Contact us to book an interview.
Why Studio 18 is hiring
Studio 18 (formerly Zynergy Salon) is in active growth mode. We acquired the salon in May 2026 and are expanding the team to support our existing client base, the rebrand momentum, and future expansion into Queen Creek.
If you've been working at a salon where you feel undervalued, micro-managed, or where the owner isn't behind a chair themselves — Studio 18 is built differently. Our co-owner Jordan Lilly works Tuesday and Thursday. Co-owner Kenny Wentworth handles operations. We're hands-on owners building a place we want to work.
What we offer Studio 18 stylists
- Competitive commission structure — tailored to experience and book size
- Profit-sharing for senior stylists with sustained book
- Modern chair + tools — we're expanding to 13 chairs with a center color-processing table
- Continuing education support — we cover certifications that benefit the team
- Marketing + booking infrastructure — Vagaro, Instagram, GBP, all maintained at the salon level so you can focus on craft
- Owner-operated culture — decisions made by stylists, not corporate
- Hair lounge feel — we work hard but we don't run the salon like a factory
- Career growth path — Queen Creek expansion creates opportunities for senior team members
Who we're hiring
- Color stylists — Highlights, balayage, root color, color correction. Experience with bond-builder protocols required.
- Cutting specialists — Women's, men's, kids. Precision technique. Modern shapes.
- Extension specialists — Certified in hand-tied, K-Tip, or Tape-In (or willing to certify).
- Event/bridal stylists — Long-hair coloring, intricate updos, bridal-day coordination.
- Combination specialists — Many of our best stylists do multiple service categories.
What we look for in a stylist
- State cosmetology license in good standing
- 2+ years professional experience (we'll consider new graduates with strong portfolios for assistant positions)
- Portfolio of work — photos, social posts, or examples to talk through
- Continuing education commitment — we invest in stylists who invest in themselves
- Client-first mindset — we don't upsell, we don't rush, we don't run the chair like a clock
- Reliability — show up, communicate, take care of your book
What our team is saying about working at Studio 18
"Studio 18 retains the working stylists who built the salon's reputation. Most of our team has been here for 5+ years — that says more than any review of management."
Frequently asked questions
What does Studio 18 pay stylists in Tempe?
Studio 18 offers a competitive commission structure with stylist autonomy. Specific compensation is discussed during interviews — we tailor offers based on experience, book size, and which days you'd like to work. We also build in profit-sharing for senior stylists.
What's the work culture like at Studio 18?
Studio 18 is owned by working stylists. Co-owner Jordan Lilly is behind the chair Tuesday and Thursday. That means decisions are made by people who do the work — not corporate. We value craft, continuing education, and treating clients (and each other) with respect.
Do you provide tools and education?
We invest in ongoing education — color theory, extension methods, brand certifications. Tools (chairs, color stations, capes, basic products) are provided. Stylists often have their own preferred scissors and brushes; we don't dictate.
Do you book me clients or do I bring my own book?
Both. New stylists at Studio 18 inherit some of the previous Zynergy client base who's looking for a new stylist. Established stylists bring their own book and we support that with marketing, social, and our Vagaro infrastructure.
Why work in Tempe specifically?
Tempe is part of the East Valley salon market, which is one of the fastest-growing in Arizona. Studio 18 is positioned as a premium-leaning, multi-specialty salon — meaning your work doesn't get pigeonholed. Color stylists, cutting specialists, extensions specialists, and event-styling specialists all have a place here.
How do I apply?
Send your portfolio + a brief intro to TBD or stop by the salon at 78 North Cooper Road, Ste 103 during open hours. We'll set up an interview from there.
How to apply
Send your portfolio + a brief intro about yourself to the Studio 18 team via:
- Direct message on Vagaro
- Stop by the salon at 78 North Cooper Road, Ste 103, Gilbert, AZ during open hours (Tuesday-Saturday)
- Call (480) 539-1111 to set up an interview
Note: We are actively interviewing for stylists in Tempe and surrounding East Valley cities (Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek).