PATRICK CHAI
REGIONAL - GROOMING 

Originally from Texas, Patrick holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree in education from Harvard University. Following opportunities, he moved to Los Angeles, where he worked three years as a software engineer in the defense industry. Unfulfilled and disillusioned with corporate life, he began exploring his creative side and soon discovered a passion for both photography and hairstyling.

Told that he wouldn't make it and that he was making an "illogical decision" to quit his engineering job, he followed his heart and set out to prove the doubters wrong. After completing both photography and cosmetology programs, he assisted for a year before securing a spot at the prestigious Michaeljohn Salon. In 2012, he entered and unexpectedly won his first national men's haircutting competition, which led his unconventional story to be featured in such publications as Men's Health and Modern Salon. The following year, he added a barbering license to his resume and became sponsored as an educator for American Crew.

Presently, he travels the country teaching hair classes and works with celebrities as a session hairstylist. His work can be seen on the red carpet and has been published in FLAUNT, Nylon, ELLE, The Hollywood Reporter, and many other influential editorials. Combining his technical background with his artistic eye, Patrick brings a fresh perspective to his hair work, and he's not afraid to take big risks to pursue his passions.