About

Us

What “Deft” Means:

Skilled. Precise. Purposeful. Everything we teach is rooted in this word and what it stands for.

Meet Our

Educators

THE DEFT TEAM

Woman portrait at Bellevoire
Woman portrait at Bellevoire

Lacey Hanmer:
Founder of Deft Hair Pros. Global Educator • Stylist • Salon Owner • Industry Leader

I’m Lacey Hanmer, Founder of Deft Hair Pros. As a salon owner and stylist with over 20 years of experience, I started this team out of a deep passion for education and a commitment to elevating the craft of hair cutting and styling across the global community.

Some of you might remember me from MTV’s The Real World: Austin—the camera found me early, but the real story has been in the years that followed: building a career rooted in mastery, creativity, and authenticity. I’m proud of where it started—grateful for every step—but even prouder of where it’s going.

Deft Hair Pros brings together a collective of talented friends, mentors, and industry pros I’ve had the honor of working with throughout my career. We’re united by a shared vision: to grow, to give back, and to redefine what it means to be skilled—deft—in this industry.

Together we grow. Together, we are Deft.

Woman portrait at Bellevoire
Woman portrait at Bellevoire

Pooja Shah:
Co-founder of Deft Hair Pros. Global Educator • Stylist • Industry Leader

Pooja Shah began her career in hair in 2004, training at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in her hometown of Los Angeles. In 2006, she relocated to New York City to join Bumble and Bumble, where she spent several years honing her craft as both a stylist and educator within their renowned network.

From 2013 to 2023, Pooja was a member of the Living Proof Global Creative Team. In this role, she led cutting and styling classes, trained educators, and played a key role in developing curriculum and visual materials, including lookbooks that set trends across the industry.

From 2018 to 2022, she co-owned Common Good NYC, where she focused on delivering precision work in a thoughtfully curated space.

Pooja specializes in working with women’s hair of all textures and lengths, men’s barbering, event styling, and light keratin treatments. She brings a keen eye for shape, movement, and individuality to each client. Outside of the salon, she draws joy and inspiration from music, tennis, and stand-up comedy.

Specialties: Blowouts, Women’s cuts (all lengths), Curls and coils, Men’s barbering (all lengths), Razor cutting, Dry cutting, Event styling

Bellevoire Interior

Our Story

Deft Hair Pros is an Independent Hair Education Team that focuses on craft hair cutting techniques and styling mastery. We are not affiliated with any product or brand company, which allows us to deliver a completely neutral, skill-focused experience. 

Use what you love, do what you love. Whether you're a freelance artist, part of a salon team, or a salon owner, Deft Hair Pros welcomes you.

With industry leaders and innovators guiding our courses, you get access to versatile, real-world techniques that work for any stylist, no matter your background or your salon's brand. Our flexible approach means you're free to bring your unique style and preferences while learning the latest trends and timeless skills that elevate your craft.

We are Deft Hair Pros—education for every stylist, everywhere, with no strings attached. Your growth, your way.

Our Story

Deft Hair Pros is an Independent Hair Education Team that focuses on craft hair cutting techniques and styling mastery. We are not affiliated with any product or brand company, which allows us to deliver a completely neutral, skill-focused experience. 

Use what you love, do what you love. Whether you're a freelance artist, part of a salon team, or a salon owner, Deft Hair Pros welcomes you.

With industry leaders and innovators guiding our courses, you get access to versatile, real-world techniques that work for any stylist, no matter your background or your salon's brand. Our flexible approach means you're free to bring your unique style and preferences while learning the latest trends and timeless skills that elevate your craft.

We are Deft Hair Pros—education for every stylist, everywhere, with no strings attached. Your growth, your way.

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Deft

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