Hilary Bilstad Nelson

At 17 years of age, Hilary made the move from Cheyenne, Wyoming to New York City studying and receiving her early education in cosmetology from the Aveda Institute (2003). Through her work with her mentor, Jillian Dempsey, founder of Delux Beauty, she found inspiration and courage. In 2004, she embarked on what would be an intensive, fulfilling career at ARROJO as one of the first formal apprentices. This was an intensive four year hands on education in the craft of classic precision based scissor cutting and a revolutionary straight edge razor cutting technique. This education of distinction gave Hilary a master skillset and afforded her numerous platforms. They included, but are not limited to the following: cutting educator, ARROJO, cutting educator, Wella, cutting educator, Master of Beauty, Empire Beauty Schools, cutting educator, Goldwell.


Praised in Timeout New York for “Best Men’s Haircuts”, Hilary is a world-class precision based scissor and razor cutter. Hilary has graced countless sets, photoshoots and stages. Most notably as personal stylist to Carole Radziwill, on-set stylist for Bravo’s Real Housewives Of New York, and at Goldwell’s Color Zoom in Berlin where she dazzled the crowd of over 5,000. Hilary’s strength of character compelled her to organize a fundraiser with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, called “Primping for Parkinson's”. Through engagement and community outreach close to $80,000 was raised for research and cure. The Michael J Fox MVP awards recognized her with honor. 

After 18 years in New York City and building her own brand and business as an independent stylist for the last five years, Hilary recently relocated to the Twin Cities. She will be operating her own chair at Sloan’s Beauty Bar in Minneapolis. Hilary has numerous industry and professional affiliations including Educator for IntelligentTM I-N, supporting their network of salons, retailers and global distributors. 

Instagram: @hilarybilstadhair

Website: hilarybilstadhair.com