Gabi

Colourist

Name

Gabriela (Gabi) Noriega

Where were you born?

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas

When and why did you become part of this industry?

I became a part of the hair industry after finishing hair school in the fall of 2021, but in many ways, hair has been woven into my life since childhood. My mom has worked at a salon since I was five, and I remember spending countless hours there with her—captivated by the lights, the smells, the products, and the creative energy in the air. That atmosphere left an imprint on me I’ll never forget.
Ironically, I never imagined I would become a hairdresser. Before hair school, I studied fine arts at the Maryland Institute College of Art. I’ve been a visual artist since I was twelve, and after graduating from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, it felt natural—almost automatic—to continue my art education. But I soon realized I didn’t need a degree to prove I could paint. What I truly wanted was a new creative path, one where I could grow, connect, and express myself in a different way.
That clarity led me back to my roots—back to the salon environment I grew up in. Once I started hair school, everything clicked. I discovered how fulfilling, inspiring, and creatively rich the world of hair really is. And from that moment on, I knew I had found exactly where I’m meant to be.

What is your favourite hair to colour?

I enjoy working with all types of hair!
My favorite to color would have to be dimensional brunettes and soft natural blondes.

Tell us what inspires you (it could be travel, film, books, long walks on the beach etc.)

I’m inspired by anything within the creative realm—visual art and music are constant sources of energy for me. In visual art especially, I find endless connections to the world of hair. I’m deeply influenced by Renaissance and Baroque artists like Caravaggio, Gentileschi, Botticelli, and many others who used color, movement, and contrast to bring emotion to their portraits.
I’ve always been drawn to portraiture and the way expression can be captured through lighting, tone, and dimension. For years, I found myself painting and drawing people, experimenting with shadows, highlights, and subtle shifts in color. I now realize that those same principles guide me every day behind the chair. When I’m working with hair, I’m essentially painting a portrait—using gentle brush strokes, intentional saturation, and an eye for the tonalities not only of the hair, but of the client’s skin and overall presence.
Hair may be a different canvas, but it still requires the vision, sensitivity, and technique of an artist.

Fantasy dinner date?

Being invited to the Goblin Kingdom to have dinner with Jareth, The Goblin King (aka David Bowie) (duh).

Ad lib time: When a potential client is reading this bio of yours, what do you want them to know? Be free and write as much as you want - don’t worry about punctuation or vocab - just let it flow baby.

I am a SUPER old soul who loves to listen to music ranging mostly from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. I love to go to concerts, art galleries and antique/ thrift stores. I am into all things vintage, mostly clothes and jewelry, love a good find. On the weekends I find myself listening to music, going to different restaurants with friends/ family and loving on my sweet kitty, Twiggy. I love connecting with people and truly learning about what makes them unique.