MATT [Owner]

Matt began his cosmetology apprenticeship at Chas Hair Design in 1984 and received his license in 1986. During the next thirteen years he worked as stylist and educator for Lola Jones, Inc. helping to train new talent. For three of those years, Matt worked as a Regional Design Artist for Sebastian International, educating in the Mid-Atlantic area. In early 2000, he launched Balance the Salon.

Throughout his career, Matt has advanced his skills through his participation in education at Sebastian International in Woodland Hills, Modern Organic Products (MOP) at Art + Science in Chicago, Vidal Sassoon in Miami, and local toni & guy and American Crew classes and videos.

Ken [Senior Stylist]

Ken began his education at the Robert Paul Academy and obtained his cosmetology license in 2003. He then trained under Mario Tricoci, regional hair cutting educator for Elizabeth Arden's Red Door Spa. Ken went on to become the in-house cutting educator for the Red Door Spa in Baltimore. He has enjoyed working backstage at fashion shows and working on event hair.

Throughout his career, Ken has advanced his skills through his participation in education with Graham Webb Academy.

Ken joined the Balance team in November 2010.

Woody [senior STYLIST]

Woody began his education through an apprenticeship at Studio 1612 and received his cosmetology license in 2002.  He went on to become the East Coast Deputy Director for TIGI Bedhead Cosmetics for six years.  this position gave him the opportunity to work on stage with some of the best hairdressers in the industry.  Later Woody worked for Textur salon for three years. 

Throughout his career, Woody has advanced his skills through his participation in education with TIGI Advanced Academies, Surface, Italy Hair Fashion, Goldwell, and, Framesi.

Woody joined the Balance team in July 2011

KAREN [Senior Stylist]

Karen began her cosmetology apprenticeship at Harlow and Bogart, one of the first unisex salons in Maryland. Vidal Sassoon inspired and trained, she became licensed in 1977. After expanding her coloring, cutting, and styling knowledge at About Faces Day Spa and Salon , Karen became a founding member and educator at Stars salon, and was responsible for training new talent in their apprenticeship program. For the past fourteen years, Karen worked in the Aveda salon, Eastbank Hair.

Throughout her career Karen has advanced her skills through participation in classes with Sebastian, Graham Webb, Framesi, Gino Stempora, and Nick Arrojo. In recent years she has attended classes at the Aveda Academy in Alexandria ,Virginia and the Aveda Institute in Washington,D.C.

Karen joined the Balance team in September 2021.

lorijean [Senior Stylist]

LoriJean received her cosmetology license in 2007 and began her education through an apprenticeship program at Sassoon Salon NYC. Training as a color specialist, LoriJean participated in quarterly workshops for Sassoon Collections developed by the Sassoon Academy. During her eight years there, LoriJean participated in Sassoon representation at the annual fashion shows as well as stage demonstrations at New York’s International Beauty Show each year. Before moving to Baltimore in 2015, LoriJean studied under Sassoon creative directors to expand her cutting and styling knowledge.

Throughout her career LoriJean has advanced her skills through the Sassoon continuing education system.  For the last seven years she worked at the Chop Shop, where she built up a loyal clientele, using her range of color skills and exceling with short hair and natural hair textures.

LoriJean joined the Balance team in December 2021.