Meet Andy Judd: Breaking Boundaries with Creative Flair
Eleven years into his hairstyling career, Andy Judd has carved out a niche that’s entirely his own. Based in East Nashville, Andy blends what he calls a "romantic, quirk, queer and punk" vibe into every cut and color. In an industry often defined by convention, his work is a bold statement of individuality and artistry. Andy approaches hair as more than just a service – for him, it’s a form of visual art and personal expression.
Breaking the Mold: Andy isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo of the beauty world. His mission is clear: make each client feel truly seen and respected while pushing the industry beyond the gender binary. In Andy’s chair, there’s no pressure to fit into traditional “male” or “female” hair norms – just the freedom to explore one’s authentic style. He also rejects the toxic competitiveness that sometimes creeps into the hair industry. “No politics of what major hair brand or education company is the ‘best’ — no competition between stylists, no games,” he writes on Instagram, calling for a community-over-competition ethos.
Collaboration, Coffee, and Candid Advice
Q: Dream collaboration?
"My dream collab would be with Sofia Geideby." Sofia, an award-winning hairstylist known for her inventive color and cuts, is the creative powerhouse Andy would love to partner with. It’s a fitting choice – both share a passion for pushing boundaries and reinventing hair artistry.
Q: Go-to coffee order?
"Latte at home – my husband makes it just right. If I’m at a coffee shop, then it’s tea for me."
Q: How many years in the industry?
“11 years now”
Q: Current music obsession?
"Flavien Berger." Andy has the French electronic artist on repeat lately, vibing to the dreamy, genre-bending sounds that spark his imagination.
Q: One piece of advice for a new stylist?
"Set a dream goal, then create many small goals to achieve it
Q: Advice for handling challenging clients?
"It's situational. Make sure you’re comfortable behind the chair – it’s your space. If you’re not the right stylist for them, it’s okay." Andy’s candor here is empowering. He reminds fellow stylists that they have control over their environment and the right to set boundaries. Not every client-stylist match is meant to be, and that’s nothing to fear. By staying true to himself, Andy creates an honest dialogue – clients end up with the stylist who’s best for them, and stylists stay true to their craft without compromising well-being.
Inspiring the Next Generation
His inclusive, artistry-first approach is influencing how the next generation views the profession. Andy leads by example – proving that you can be unapologetically yourself (quirks, punk spirit and all) and still thrive in the hair world. For aspiring stylists who don’t fit the traditional mold, he’s living proof that there’s plenty of room for creativity without conformity. His tips on goal-setting and choosing the right clients serve as guideposts for newcomers forging their own path. In an era of picture-perfect Instagram feeds, Andy keeps it real about the hustle behind the scenes – the long hours mastering skills, the courage to try unconventional styles, and the importance of community over competition. He’s nurturing a culture of openness and continuous learning, where young stylists are encouraged to collaborate and keep growing.
What’s Next for Andy Judd?
For now, Andy continues doing what he loves most: elevating hair into an art form and making people feel truly themselves. Whether you’re a client seeking a transformation or a stylist searching for inspiration, Andy Judd’s journey invites you to think outside the box and embrace your own authentic style. Keep an eye on his work (find him on Instagram @andy_doesyourhair) and prepare to be inspired – the future of hairdressing is wide open, fueled by creativity, inclusivity, and the courage to dream big.
