In the series premiere, meet celebrity stylist AJ Johnson and the talented hair and makeup staff at his Chicago salon. Already established on the local scene, AJ is ready to do whatever it takes to get his salon to the national level. So when his publicist pitches an opportunity to style a high society fashion event, he jumps right on--especially if it means being featured on the blog of a well-connected socialite. But first he has to get his team on the same page--especially his senior hairstylist, the divalicious and champagne-loving Valincia, who's not too fond of Katrell, the newest addition to the salon. Game day arrives and it seems like things are going smoothly at the event--until one too many glasses of bubbly sends Valincia over the edge! Will her diva antics totally ruin AJ's opportunity to shine?

AJ rushes to make the salon eco-friendly in an attempt to be included in a national Earth Day campaign-- but neither he nor manager Niki know the first thing about going green! Niki hires a consultant that suggests a multitude of changes-- but will going green put the salon in the red? Meanwhile, Austin prepares for a big date with a former NFL baller, while AJ helps Katrell find a new apartment--which doesn't sit well with Valincia.

AJ surprises his stylists with a great opportunity for the salon when he snags the chance to advertise in a national airline magazine. The advertisement calls for a highly-stylized photo shoot and will feature him and all of his employees--and it will also be a great way for at least one of his staff members to showcase their skills by styling the entire shoot. It's no surprise Valincia feels entitled to take charge, but MaCray isn't one to just hide in her shadow--and he finally steps up to show off his own talent. Plus, he and Austin set out on a mission to drop a few pounds before the big day.

AJ preps to debuts his new hair product line at the America's Beauty Show, one of the largest stylist trade shows in the business. MaCray spots an opportunity to shine, so he enters a styling competition to show AJ he's more than just a weavologist. Meanwhile, Niki overstays her welcome at AJ's home when they clash over her bizarre spiritual antics, putting their lifelong friendship on the line.

AJ's birthday is right around the corner, and it's no surprise he wants to have the party of the century! Plus, there's no reason to go all out if no one knows about it--so he's on a mission to get his shebang on the pages of "Ebony" magazine. Will Q be able to put together the soiree he so desires? Meanwhile, a surprise visitor comes to town to visit MaCray, but not all surprises end up being good ones.

As AJ drums up new business all over town, he manages to book hair and makeup sessions with two of his all-time red carpet divas on the same day for the very same event. Not wanting to disappoint either of his clients, he divvies up the staff into two glam squads-- making it a style-off between MaCray and Austin versus Valincia and Katrell! Meanwhile, AJ finds the perfect way to get public exposure for his salon and his high-profile clients. Plus, Howard hires Jennifer to help promote his barbering services, but AJ becomes skeptical of Howard's real intentions with his junior publicist.