Hair and Make up artist Aaron Barry reveals his story and how he made his way to Hollywood as an Immigrant from Ireland

Aaron Barry, originally from Cork city in Southern Ireland, is a talented hair and makeup artist based in Los Angeles. After discovering his passion for hairstyling in Dublin, a chance encounter in Amsterdam led him to LA, where he has since built a successful career.

Known for his fresh makeup looks and relaxed hair styles, Aaron focuses on enhancing his clients’ natural beauty. His work has been featured on red carpets and in high-profile events, with clients like Jennifer Morrison and Bebe Wood.

Dedicated to professionalism and sobriety, Aaron values the trust and collaboration with his clients. He is also a strong advocate for fair treatment and compensation of freelance artists in the industry. Through his involvement in meaningful campaigns, Aaron continues to make a positive impact in both the beauty world and beyond.

Why did you decide to move to the states from Ireland? 

I grew up on the outskirts of Cork city in Southern Ireland. Throughout high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I had no plans or ambitions and received very poor career guidance from the Irish education system. The day after my Leaving Cert (High-school graduation) , I moved to Dublin and started a relationship with someone who was training to be a hairstylist. I thought to myself, “Oh, I’ll give this a try,” and fell into doing hair. After the relationship ended and after working in salons for a couple of years specializing in hair extensions, I was randomly invited to meet with a renowned psychic. She told me I was going to travel specifically to Amsterdam and that I would meet someone there who would set the ball in motion for the rest of my life. I thought nothing of it. However, on a pre-planned trip to Amsterdam, I was walking down the street when a group of Americans asked me for directions. It turned out that one of them was an LA-based hairstylist who, by the end of the night, invited me to LA to assist and intern with him. That’s how my journey to LA began.

What’s the most difficult part of this job in your opinion?

The most difficult part of my job is creating a look that my client envisions for themselves. The consultation is key. When I show up for a job, I have to recognize the client’s natural beauty and enhance it. Many people have specific likes and dislikes when having their hair and makeup done. I’ve realized that it just takes time to gain trust and learn someone. I’ve been blessed to have long-time clients; I’ve been doing their glam pretty much since I arrived in LA. When we work together, it’s nice that the trust is there, and they know my style of makeup and hair. They feel comfortable advocating for themselves if they want adjustments to the look. It’s amazing to have clients with that sense of trust because I, myself, find it hard to give up that kind of control in my own life. So, it truly is a blessing when you gain that trust from a client.

FOLLOW AARON ON IG HERE

Check out JENNIFER MORRISON by Aaron Barry 

How would you describe your style of hair and makeup? What is your beauty philosophy.

I always see makeup application as a collaboration between the client and the artist. I would describe my style of makeup as fresh, with the mindset of using subtle enhancements to showcase someone’s natural beauty and features. For hair, I prefer a not overly styled look. Hair is constantly in motion, so I like to create texture that is relaxed and makes my clients feel like they can touch their hair without ruining the overall vibe. Generally, the “model off duty” look is always the vibe for hair. My beauty philosophy is, “The natural beauty you bring out in someone is not momentary; their natural beauty is a beauty they carry with them.”

Can you share with us a couple of your favourite looks you’ve created and tell us why you love it?

One of my all-time favorite looks that I’ve done was for my long-time client Jennifer Morrison for a 2018 Pre-Emmys party. Jen has naturally stunning skin, and I always think of that moment as her skin being radiant. We did a nude lip with a smoked-out lash line eye look and peach blush, and it was just such a moment. I was also obsessed with full brows at the time, so I’m grateful to Jen for allowing me to have that moment! Earlier this year, I had the exciting opportunity to do glam for Miss Bebe Wood for the Mean Girls The Musical press tour. Bebe is super chill, and again, it is a total collaboration, which I love. We did so many looks within two weeks, but the look that stands out to me the most was for on-camera press. We did a sleek side-part bun with burnt orange hues as makeup inspiration. I don’t like to use a lot of powder when doing makeup, and Bebe is totally on board with that. We did minimal eye makeup, focusing on skin and a glow from within, topped off with a burnt umber lip stain with a touch of gloss. I’m still obsessed and want to do this hair and makeup every day!

Check out MEAN GIRLS’ BEBE WOODS Make up by Aaron Barry

What do you love most about your work?

The thing I love the most about my work is the people I meet. I am the happiest when I’m creating and having conversations with people in my chair. I’ve worked with models from all over the world, and I have clients ranging in age from 14 to 75. I love hearing everyone’s perspective on life. I love all the recommendations I get for music, where to eat out, and dating advice. Everything! Don’t get me wrong, there are days I’m stressed out of my mind and have only two hours to get four models’ hair or makeup ready, but you just have to laugh about it. It all works out.

Is there anything you would change about the scene or industry?

The creative side of the hair and makeup industry is awesome, but as a freelance artist, I feel the biggest change that needs to happen is regarding the payment process. Being hired by huge corporations comes with great opportunities, however as an independent contractor I often spend more hours trying to get payment for a job than the amount of hours I’ve spent working on set for the same job. This needs to change.

What’s the work or artist you worked with that you are the most proud of and why?

A proud work moment for me was doing hair for PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk for an animal rights campaign on speciesism. The campaign was shot by Robert Sebree, an incredible photographer. It was wonderful to be involved in a project that aligns with my own belief system, and I loved seeing the main image on a billboard close to where I live on Melrose and La Brea in Los Angeles. Through PETA, I’ve had multiple opportunities to do hair and makeup for celebrity activists, but the one that stands out to me the most was working with transgender model Carmen Carrera for the “Transform Your Wardrobe, Don’t Wear Fur!” campaign. This was an LGBTQ+ inclusive campaign, and its impact was powerful.

What kind of work would you like to explore in your next chapter?

Throughout my years working on set, consulting with corporate leaders, elevating my individual clients beauty toward success I have realised that I enjoy being involved in all aspects of the beauty narrative. The next chapter in my career I would love to explore is collaborating with brands, art direction and photography. Hopefully, that can all be accomplished without the interruption of a global pandemic or industry shut down.

Who are your idols and inspirations? 

The people who have inspired me the most in my life have been women. I come from a family of strong-willed and driven women. My mother, my aunts, and my grandmother have really ingrained me with the life skills I’ve needed to get this far. My father is another big inspiration for me; he would work 24/7 if he could, so I think I get my motivation from him. However, I will admit I do like to sleep eight hours a night, to my father’s disgust, haha. Professionally, there have been many incredible artists I’ve idolized over the years. Most people probably idolize actors, singers, and models, but I idolize the people who create the magic behind the scenes and who create the looks.

Best career advice you’ve ever gotten? 

I just celebrated 10 years sober from alcohol. The best advice I’ve ever gotten was from a fellow hairstylist, which actually led me to becoming sober. He said, “I’m bringing you to all of these great events to meet people and network, and you want to make every night I bring you out into a party. These opportunities are not about that; you need to showcase yourself as a reliable person to the people I’m introducing you to.” For me, being sober is very important. I wake up in the morning on time and am not dragging my feet thinking, “Oh my god, I don’t want to go to work,” and battling a hangover. Moving to LA, there are so many events, and at these events, the alcohol is free-flowing. I had been drinking alcohol since age 14, and it was very tough to navigate that when I first moved to LA. Most people get caught up in the vacation aspect of LA when moving here, but you have to hit the ground running and showcase yourself in the best light to connect with people and build relationships. It’s what you do outside of work that reflects on how you work.