Anh Co Tran Discusses DA-Link with Milbon USA
Did you miss Anh Co Tran and Milbon USA’s live conversation about DA-Link?
During the virtual session on June 22nd, Anh connected with professional stylists to share insights from his experience as a longtime educator and DA-Link judge. He discussed the role that a signature style has played in building his career and how Milbon supports stylists’ professional growth through the DA-Link event.
If you’re considering participating in DA-Link or looking for ways to grow as a stylist, here are some of the biggest takeaways from the conversation.
Your Online and Offline Presence Should Speak the Same Language
One of DA-Link’s defining concepts is the connection between showcasing your artistry online to offline. Contestants will first present their signature style through photo and video submissions before bringing that vision to life during the in-person showcase on October 19th.
For Anh, strong submissions will create consistency between both experiences. The work presented online should feel true to the stylist’s real-world clientele, and the in-person presentation should reinforce the same point of view, but in a customized way for their model.
Be Authentic & Tell a Story
When asked what makes a DA-Link contestant stand out, Anh’s answer was simple: “Be authentic.”
For Anh, the strongest DA-Link submissions are the ones that clearly communicate the artist’s point of view and tell a story. He encourages stylists to focus more on what genuinely represents their work, aesthetic, and clientele.
When developing a storyline, Anh highlighted that it doesn’t need to be elaborate. Your story could be as simple as following a client’s day, showing how a haircut moves through real life, or highlighting a transformation.
A strong story helps communicate the intention behind a look and shows how the cut, color, and styling all work together. Anh also recommends considering the full concept, including makeup and wardrobe choices for your model, to create a cohesive final presentation.
What is a Signature Style?
Anh shared insights on how he developed his own signature style – Lived-In Hair – and how stylists can discover theirs. Anh’s inspiration originally came from fashion, particularly a 1990s image of Kate Moss that evoked effortless beauty. He was drawn to her style that felt soft and feminine, yet undone and strong. Over time, that inspiration to create such a look evolved into what is now known as Lived-In Hair.
For Anh, a signature style isn’t about repeating the exact same haircut on every client. It’s about developing a recognizable point of view that can be adapted for different people, hair types, and situations.
Some versatile stylists wondered how they can define a signature style without limiting their careers. Anh provided encouragement that a signature style doesn’t have to be a specific, single haircut. Instead, it can be a technique, an approach, or a philosophy. For example, your signature may be creating dynamic textures, dramatic transformations, or even in the way that you personally connect and build relationships with your clients.
At DA-Link, the goal is to identify the common thread that connects your work and present that signature clearly, from online to offline.
How a Signature Style Can Help Your Career
Anh shared that developing a signature style can create opportunities far beyond the salon. When people can clearly identify what makes your work unique, it becomes easier for clients, brands, and fellow stylists to recognize and seek out your expertise. That recognition can open doors to education, collaborations, editorial work, and other professional opportunities.
The Importance of Play
For stylists who haven’t discovered their signature style yet, Anh offered one piece of advice: “Play!”
As Anh explained, you never truly know what resonates with you until you put your hands on it and try. He encourages you to play with techniques and follow what excites you. Patterns will begin to emerge and become the foundation of a signature style.
Why DA-Link Matters
One of the strongest themes that surfaced throughout the conversation was the idea of community.
While DA-Link is a competition, Anh emphasized that many participants walk away with much more than a trophy, and that’s what makes DA-Link so memorable. The relationships, inspiration, education, and professional growth often continue long after the event ends. For stylists looking to challenge themselves, showcase their creativity, and connect with others in the industry, DA-Link offers a unique opportunity to do all three.
Interested in learning more about DA-Link? Follow @milbonusa for updates or sign up to speak with last year’s pilot event participants in one-on-one virtual office hours. Registration is currently open for contestants through August 1, 2026.
Learn more about DA-Link and register on Milbon’s website.
Photos:
From 2025 DA-Link Pilot Event