April Payne Sunlights Artisan Educator

Hi, I’m April — salon owner, mentor, and educator who believes this industry is about so much more than hair.

I entered this industry as a creative outlet and a way to provide for my family, but along the way, I discovered a deeper purpose in serving people well and helping them feel confident, beautiful, and cared for. What began as artistry grew into a passion for leadership, mentorship, and building something meaningful alongside others.

One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been watching other stylists grow into their own confidence, skill, and success. Someone once told me they could see my “genius” throughout the salon — not just in my work, but in the way our team serves, leads, creates, and cares for others with excellence. That moment deeply confirmed what I believe my purpose truly is.

At Cypress & Myrtle, we’re building more than a salon culture. We’re building a team grounded in loyalty, integrity, excellence, growth, and service. A place where stylists are supported, challenged, educated, and equipped to build long-term careers with purpose and confidence.

My heart is to mentor stylists not only in creating beautiful hair, but in creating meaningful impact — through the way they serve their guests, support one another, and use their gifts to make the world around them better.

We’re building something lasting here.🤍

Oh, I don’t know. I might do hair when I grow up. 💁🏻‍♀️

French haircuts should look & feel different.

Dothan friends—are you a blonde or a bob person… or both? ✨

This dimensional blonde paired with a precision bob is one of our favorite low-maintenance, high-impact looks. Soft brightness, natural grow-out, and healthy shine.

If your color is ready for a refresh, we’d love to take care of you at Cypress & Myrtle Salon | Spa.

There no such thing as hot roots only drab ends but not when they’ve been balayaged!

Blending out grey hair can look this good!

I have opened up 8 spots next week! Link in bio to claim YOURS!

My gratitude for change, change is good, real good.

Goodness, how I have changed this year and I’m so thankful for it! As I scrolled through my camera roll to find hair images to post, I had to dig deep through the past year just to find these in this carousel! Truth is, I haven’t taken many hair images at all! But what I did find on my camera roll instead? TONS of photos and videos of my family, my salon team, my Sunlights family, my travel adventures and my friends. Evidence of a life being well lived! I’m deeply reminded that BECAUSE of this amazing business I have, and each of you reading this post, my life is FULL of blessings, grand babies, and amazing favor from the Lord! I thank God for each and every one of these moments. From each precious memory captured in my camera roll and all of my guest who simply sat in my chair and allowed me to be their hairdresser (without a photo session😅), I thank you all for being so loving and loyal, truly a rare gift in today’s culture. I hold you all deeply in my heart! Thank you, thank you, thank you! 🤍

✨ We’re still pinching ourselves! ✨

Cypress & Myrtle has been named a 2025 Salons of the Year Finalist by Salon Today.

What started as a dream in Dothan has grown into a space filled with artistry, heart, and the most incredible guests + team. We are so honored to be recognized among the best.

To our guests who trust us, our family and friends who cheer us on, and our team who pours their talent and soul into every detail — this is for you. 💛🌿

Here’s to creating beauty, building community, and living out the Cypress & Myrtle story together.

Today, I remember my WHY!

Because, all my life HE has been faithful. 🤍

What is YOUR WHY?