Behind the Chair with Stylist David Cheung
Celebrating Stylists Who Help Us Love Our Hair
In honor of National Stylist Appreciation Day, we’re spotlighting the artists, educators, and hair heroes behind the chair. The ones who lift us up, listen, and leave us feeling like our best selves – one haircut, blowout, or color transformation at a time.
David Cheung has been shaping hair—and the industry—for nearly four decades. From founding Seattle’s MargiDavid Salon to mentoring the next generation of stylists, his influence goes far beyond the salon chair.
When did you first fall in love with doing hair, and how long have you been sharing your talent as a stylist?
I first discovered hairdressing through friends who were hairstylists and salon owners while I was a freshman in college. At the time, becoming a hairdresser wasn’t on my radar—I was following the traditional expectations of my Chinese heritage: doctor, lawyer, or engineer. However, none of those paths truly interested me, so I decided to study business instead. While I found school boring, business itself was intriguing.
Spending time with my hairstylist friends, I became involved in fashion shows, which sparked my curiosity. They encouraged me to get my license, even if I didn’t intend to make it a career. I took their advice, and that decision marked the beginning of my journey as a professional hairdresser. I also completed my business degree, which later became instrumental in running a successful company. Now, after 38 years in the industry, I have no regrets.
Do you have a signature style or a particular approach to your work?
Education has always been at the core of my work—both for clients and colleagues. I believe every client knows what they like and dislike; my role is to guide them in finding the look that makes them feel confident and beautiful. I don’t chase trends; instead, I focus on what suits each individual. On the fashion side, my work in photography and backstage is where I engage with trends, helping shape and showcase them.
You and your wife, Margi, opened a salon together—what an incredible experience to create something so meaningful as a team! What inspired you both to start MargiDavid Salon, and how did you decide to not only focus on building your brand but also prioritize education for other stylists?
MARGIDAVID began as a way to elevate education and customer experience in the salon industry. In the 1980s, professional education was scarce, and the salon I worked at lacked ambition in this area. When we opened MARGIDAVID, there was no formal business plan—only a vision to work with the best and prioritize education. We focused on developing talent through apprenticeships rather than recruiting from other salons, despite industry skepticism. We proved them wrong.
Working alongside my wife, Margi, as business partners presented its own challenges, but we agreed early on to keep work at the salon and be present for our marriage and children at home. This balance played a key role in our success. While I focused on the craft and education, Margi managed finances and HR, making us a strong team.
Reflecting on your career, is there a moment that stands out as particularly meaningful or rewarding to you—something that reaffirmed why you do what you do?
Reflecting on my career, I’m most proud of the impact of education and mentorship—seeing those I’ve trained go on to achieve their own successes. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the best in the industry, and these experiences have shaped my journey.
As a Toni&Guy ambassador, I traveled across the U.S. and abroad, gaining invaluable experience. Collaborating with Bumble in its early days further expanded my creativity and motivation. Helping develop the education agenda for Living Proof was another exciting and rewarding opportunity.
Working on the Giorgio Armani Fall Collection Runway Show in Milan is a major milestone. Can you share more about that experience and what it meant to you as both a stylist? Any behind-the-scenes stories or photos you’d like to share?
One of the most unforgettable moments of my career was working backstage with Oribe in Milan and Paris. I never imagined that a kid from Beacon Hill, Seattle, would be at the House of Armani, working behind the scenes and meeting Mr. Armani himself. The experience was fast-paced, intense, and demanding, but it reinforced what I had always believed—passion, dedication, and commitment are the keys to success. Seeing brands like Versace and Dolce & Gabbana in the adjacent rooms was a surreal moment, reminding me that true excellence comes from an uncompromising pursuit of perfection.
With spring here and summer on the horizon, are there any specific color or styling trends you're excited to create or see clients embrace this season?
With spring in the air, many clients seek a change. My advice: stay natural. Brighter highlights can add dimension, but less is often more. I encourage clients to have versatile hairstyles—whether long or short—by learning how to use different products and techniques to create multiple looks. While clients love hearing about trends, they often prefer styles that make them feel their best rather than chasing the latest fads.
Which EVOLVh products are your go-to for yourself and your clients? What do you love most about them, and how do they enhance your work behind the chair?
I’ve been using the Better Roots collection and highly recommend it. The Styling Foam and Curl products are great for nourishing hair while styling. The Serum have been particularly popular among clients concerned about hair thinning—I always suggest being proactive rather than reactive when it comes to hair health.
