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Home , Alicia Silverstone, Emma Roberts, Jessica Alba, Sarah Michelle Gellar

INSIDE 8 LOS ANGELES

By Katie Harrington In L.A., there are known paparazzi stakeouts where photographers can be pretty certain of nabbing a celebrity snap. The Ace Hotel rooftop bar to spot or Matt Damon. The Brentwood Country Mart for shots of deliberating over produce. Runyon Canyon to capture and in workout gear. LAX, always. And these salons. These are the West Coast beauty destinations of the A-listers—where J-Law stops by for a trim; a Kardashian/Jenner experiments with a new haircolor; Julianne Hough has her highlights refreshed. In case you don’t often make it out to the coast, here’s a peek inside these fabulous locations—where most of the trends in color, cut and style are born—along with an introduction to their hardworking, far-seeing and high profile owners. And best of all? Not a paparazzi in sight!

behindthechair.com 101 feature | a-list salons

Riawna and Nikki’s celeb clients are also their close friends!

Nine Zero One Salon | West Hollywood the brand: Owners Nikki Lee and Riawna Capri met at Fred Segal Beauty in Santa Monica, and after stints together at Cush Salon and Ken Paves Salon, they decided to combine their talents and create what they call their “home away from home”—a salon that’s “comfortable,” yet “high class.” “We pooled our savings accounts, opened up three credit cards and said, ‘Let’s do this!’” recall Riawna and Nikki.

celeb clients: Jennifer Lawrence, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Sarah Hyland, , Roberts, Julianne Hough, Vanessa Hudgens, .

what they’re known for: The salon’s upbeat environment provides an ideal backdrop for Nine Zero One stylists to create their signature “effortless, Cali Girl, sun-kissed hair.” The BFFs are also known for their flawless extension work and pioneering the “Braid Bar.”

the look: Black, white and gold accents complement hardwood floors, leather furniture, elegant chandeliers and an airy floor plan. “It’s comfortable luxury,” declares Nine Zero One’s website.

collateral materials: Streamlined to match the look and feel of the salon—simple and chic with black, white and gold tones.

color line: L’Oréal Professionnel. salon retail: UNITE, Oribe, Evo, Raindrops. staff: 23 stylists share 20 chairs. music: An eclectic range that varies depending on the mood of the salon and the customers. Everything from Beyoncé to John Mayer to .

average prices: Cuts from $250; color from $350. 102 Chris McMillan the Salon | West Hollywood the brand: In the ’90s, Chris McMillan was an uber-busy freelance stylist specializing in “true ” hair. In the early 2000s, he decided he wanted a salon to call home. In 2002, he opened Chris McMillan the Salon and his dream became a reality. According to Salon Manager Damian Hardy, clients often describe the space as “friendly,” “warm,” and, yup, “homey” (and totally not intimidating, even with A-List guests like making frequent visits). celeb clients: Jennifer Aniston, Miley Cyrus, Kaley Cuoco, Mariska Hargitay, Katherine McPhee, Brittany Snow, Ruby Rose, Kristin Cavallari. what they’re known for: When you’re a talented, passionate hairdresser, chances are you’re going to attract other talented, passionate hairdressers, and that has been the case at Chris McMillan the Salon. It’s known as ground zero for many of today’s best and brightest hairdressing stars (a point of pride for Chris.) And, of course, “true California hair” remains his specialty. the look: Guests enter through a desert landscape courtyard complete with agave plants, palms and succulents. Inside the building, designed by 20th century American Modernist architect Edward H. Fickett, fireplaces, exposed brick, wood and leather textiles and earthy tones make it feel more like a home than a salon. It’s laid back, yet timeless. Just like California. collateral materials: Modern and minimalistic (like the salon itself) with Chris’ black, sans serif logo, all carried through on the salon’s website, business cards and shopping bags. color lines: L’Oréal Professionnel, Redken, Goldwell, Wella Professionals, DP Hue, Schwarzkopf Professional, Framesi, Clairol. salon retail: Living Proof, Davines, R+Co, Oribe, Shu Uemura, Viviscal Professional, Rene Furterer. staff: 20 stylists share 12 chairs. music: Sometimes it’s house or dance; other days it’s rock 'n' roll (think The Black Keys or Led Zeppelin). Mondays are low-key and acoustic with a “Sleepy Mondays” playlist, says Damian—and Chris is a fan of ’80s new wave. “We like to base the music off of the energy of the salon,” Damian shares. “Some days, everybody’s just chillin’ and burning incense and hanging out. Other days, it’s ‘hold on to your hats because the roof’s about to come off!’” average prices: All stylists are independent contractors who set their own prices.

Miley Cyrus with Chris McMillan the Salon colorist and close friend Justin Anderson.

Chris and Jennifer Aniston are long-time BFFs.

behindthechair.com 103 feature | a-list salons

Andy’s currently on tour with Madonna, one of the salon’s many celebrity clients. Andy LeCompte Salon | West Hollywood the brand: Owners Andy LeCompte and Leanne Citrone met in 1998 while working at Privé Salon in Los Angeles, then moved to Chris McMillan the Salon. A few years later, Leanne happened across a unique space on Almont Drive in West Hollywood and knew it was meant to be. “I called Andy and I said, ‘This is it, we should do it,’” she remembers. “It just magically happened.” Today, Leanne runs the day-to-day business, while Andy travels with celebrity clients—he’s currently on tour with Madonna. “It’s the perfect balance,” Leanne says.

celeb clients: , Miley Cyrus, Heidi Klum, Kylie Jenner, , Diane Kruger.

what they’re known for: Many of the most notable names in the hairdressing industry have called the Andy LeCompte Salon home, including Jen Atkin, Danny Moon, George Papanikolas and Denis de Souza. “Our team is talented in different ways,” Leanne notes. Some have perfected the classic California blonde. Others are amazing at balayage, or crazy colors. “And we have the best iced coffee in town,” Leanne laughs.

the look: Andy and Leanne decided to keep many elements of the warehouse-type space. Cement floors, exposed wood ceilings, plenty of natural light and an open floor plan give the salon an industrial vibe, while bold artwork adds pops of vibrancy and color.

collateral materials: All feature the purple swoosh logo and overall color schemes of the salon design—mostly clean, simple, earthy tones.

color lines: Wella Professionals, Matrix, Davines, Redken, Schwarzkopf Professional, L’Oréal Professionnel.

salon retail: Wella Professionals, Davines, Oribe, KEVIN.MURPHY, Rene Furterer, Sachajuan, Serge Normant, Rodin and Jen Atkin’s new line, Ouai.

staff: 24 stylists share 16 chairs. music: The overall style is fun, hip and energetic, but “it depends on who’s in charge of the iPod,” says Leanne. “One of our receptionists is also a DJ, so I always want whatever he puts on!”

average prices: Cuts from $200; single process from $125; highlights from $200. An Andy LeCompte cut is $500. 104 behindthechair.com Tracey has no shortage of celebrity clients, including !

Mêche stylist Frankie Hernandez is responsible for Kelly Osbourne’s ever-changing looks.

Mêche Salon | Beverly Hills the brand: Longtime friends Neil Weisberg and Tracey Cunningham opened Mèche after working together at Santa Monica’s Art Luna Salon for three years. Neil chose the space (he admired the simple, yet elegant exterior of the building and its location on Burton Way in Beverly Hills), and in 2012, Mêche—French for “a highlight”—opened its doors. With an atmosphere that’s a blend of the relaxed, California feel and chic sophistication, Tracey and Neil have perfected the A-List vibe. “When it comes to running a salon, we make a perfect team,” shares Tracey.

celeb clients: Jennifer Garner, Emma Stone, , , Khloé Kardashian, Kelly Osbourne, Giuliana Rancic, Mary-Kate Olsen, Chrissy Teigen, Kate Bosworth, Lily Aldridge, Amy Poehler, Emily Blunt.

what they’re known for: Demand is insane for Tracey’s natural-yet-trend-setting color techniques. What’s equally unique about Mêche is that Neil and Tracey both make it a point to be on the salon floor almost every day. “It’s great that they’re always here,” says Salon Manager Minya Alisa. “They make it so down-to-earth while keeping it high end, which I think is hard to find in salons.”

the look: Rich walnut and luxe marble accents; exposed brick walls; tall ceilings—not a detail was overlooked. The overall esthetic is modern and refined, but the salon retains a cozy, neighborhood feel.

collateral materials: Neutral colors (white and gray business cards and matte black shopping bags) mirror the modern feel of the salon.

color lines: Redken, L’Oréal Professionnel, Wella Professionals.

salon retail Davines, Living Proof, Evo. staff: 36 stylists share 26 chairs. music: Tracey loves oldies like the Beatles and Elton John, but you’ll also hear more contemporary playlists featuring everything from Kanye West to Disclosure.

average prices: Cuts from $175; root touch-ups from $125; highlights from $250; multiple processes from $400.

behindthechair.com 105 feature | a-list salons

Left: Eva Longoria is one of Ken’s many celebrity friends. Right: Stylists at Ken Paves Salon are big fans of Gordon Ramsay.

Ken Paves Salon | West Hollywood the brand: Ken Paves was filming makeovers for a TV spot on Robertson Boulevard in L.A. one morning when his assistant returned from the “charming, English cottage” (which was actually a salon) next door and told him he needed to go in and say hello. There, Ken met Jordan Schwartz, the owner of the salon. “We instantly hit it off,” says Ken. “He told me he was interested in selling the salon. I had no desire to buy a salon, but I felt I was meant to buy it.” The rest is history.

celeb clients: Victoria and David Beckham, Eva Longoria, , Jessica and , Meghan Trainor, Gordon Ramsay, Christina Applegate, , Avril Lavigne, Jewel.

what they’re known for: Ken is known for his amazing makeovers, featured on shows like “The Biggest Loser,” “The Doctors” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” and he brings his skills for transformation into the salon. “My salon is known for unique and individual looks that evoke confidence and empower our clients to be their most beautiful selves,” says Ken.

the look: Outside, Ken’s salon is straight out of a fairytale— complete with picturesque floral entryway and sprawling climbing vines. The charm continues inside. “My friend, Nate Berkus [You might know him from Oprah] suggested the theme Town and Country meets Chanel meets Tiffany’s,” says Ken. The space definitely feels more like a homey cottage (Town and Country) than a business. Cream and black striped curtains (Chanel) and Tiffany Blue antique bureaus that serve as stations (Tiffany’s) complete the look.

collateral materials: All feature the Tiffany Blue salon accent color.

color lines: L’Oréal Professionnel, Wella Professionals, Schwarzkopf Professional, Olaplex.

salon retail: Ken Paves You Are Beautiful, UNITE, Redken, Kérastase.

staff: 14 stylists share 13 chairs. music: Anything from oldies radio to reggae to hip-hop to today’s hits—with touches of Parisian lounge influences.

average prices: Men’s haircuts from $105; women’s haircuts from $150; highlights from $175. A Ken Paves cut is $600.

106 behindthechair.com , Jessica Alba, Anne Hathaway and are just a few of the stars Ramirez | Tran Salon | Beverly Hills who have sat in Johnny and Anh's chairs. the brand: Johnny Ramirez and Anh Co Tran met while working together in Beverly Hills, and after discovering their shared talent for creating the effortless, “I-woke-up-like-this” look—Johnny specializing in color and Anh in cutting—they collaborated on their own business. The Ramirez | Tran Salon opened its doors in 2013 and since then has been experiencing exponential success. celeb clients: Jessica Alba, Anne Hathaway, Julianne Moore, Renée Zellweger, Emily Ratajkowski, Brie Larson, Kevin Costner, Sophia Bush, , Aubrey Plaza. what they’re known for: Johnny and Anh are both masters of the “lived-in” look—they even trademarked the term. Johnny’s sun-kissed, beachy ombrés and Anh’s natural-looking, textured waves frequently grace the covers of Vogue, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. Johnny is also known for his incredible color corrections; many of his clients come to him to repair their damaged tresses. the look: Located within two adjacent buildings on Olympic Boulevard, the salon was inspired by modern French design, with high ceilings, marble countertops and unique sculptural elements. Described by Anh as a juxtaposition of “mid-century modern and vintage,” the space is eclectic, yet timeless. The buildings also contain private rooms for high-profile clients. collateral materials: A white backdrop with the Ramirez | Tran black logo appears on business cards, bags, price sheets and social media accounts. Simple and modern—an esthetic represented throughout the salon (both inside and out). color line: L’Oréal Professionnel. salon retail: Oribe, R+Co. staff: 24 stylists share 28 chairs. music: “We play everything,” says Anh. “From ’70s punk to ’90s hip- hop and everything in between.” average prices: Cuts from $200; base color from $150; highlights from $350.

behindthechair.com 107 feature | a-list salons

Kim and stylist Mika Fowler made Disney star Kelli Berglund blonde for a moment!

Kim Vō Salon | Beverly Hills the brand: In 2008, Kim Vō built his eponymous salon in Montage Beverly Hills on the foundation of “approachable luxury.” It worked. The following year, Kim opened salons in Laguna Beach and Deer Valley, Utah. “Each Kim Vō Salon features the industry’s top colorists and stylists, innovative design and an unwavering passion to provide a truly luxurious experience,” says Kim. This spring, the Vō empire will expand with the opening of Vō Blow in Beverly Hills. celeb clients: , Katy Perry, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Katherine Heigl, Nicole Scherzinger, Janel Parrish.

what they’re known for: Kim has always been a pioneer of modern approaches to color and hair design, and, of course, Vogue’s “best blonder in the business” will forever be known for his signature BLONDME color services. the look: The Montage Beverly Hills is inspired by the Mediterranean, and Kim modernized the vibe with warm woods and graphite gray curtains that create the feeling of lavish cabanas. “This allows the stylist to share special moments with her clients in an intimate space with a feeling of understated luxury,” notes Kim.

collateral materials: Spa-like service descriptions are printed on thick, bone-colored brochures embellished with Kim’s signature white orchids.

salon retail: Schwarzkopf Professional and BLONDME. staff: 22 stylists share 14 chairs. music: Morning trance progressing into afternoon zest. average prices: Cuts from $195; single process from $125; highlights from $265.

108 behindthechair.com Hairroin Master Stylist Dalina Rebollo was recently nominated for a Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Award for her work on frequent client Ariana Grande’s “Focus” music video. Hairroin Salon | Hollywood the brand: At the age of 24, stylist Janine Jarman withdrew her savings and purchased a failed salon in Los Angeles. She renamed it, rebranded it and turned it into one of the most successful salons in the area. Today, there are two Hairroin salons—the original L.A. location and, as of two years ago, a second in the Urban Outfitters Flagship location in NYC. celeb clients: Scarlett Johansson, Britney Spears, Zooey Deschanel, Ariana Grande, Fergie, Tommy Lee. what they’re known for: As its name suggests, the Hairroin brand is intentionally edgy. Janine describes the L.A. location as “industrial, Victorian apothecary.” But she says what really defines Hairroin is its willingness to take on major hair transformations. “Whatever frightens other salons, they tend to send our way,” says Janine. the look: Black and white accents complement custom-built furniture; giant, ornate mirrors; six-foot chandeliers; a reception area modeled after a 1900s-style bar. Winged taxidermy (think shadowboxes containing preserved butterflies) completes the Janine opened Hairroin Salon in Los eclectic look. “It’s form and function, with an edge,” says Janine. Angeles when she was just 24. collateral materials: All black and white, featuring the Hairroin skeleton cameo logo. Business cards are shaped like toe tags. color line: Wella Professionals. salon retail: Oribe, R+Co, Davines, Evo and Amika tools. Coming soon: V76 by Vaughn and Smith & Cult. staff: 22 stylists share 16 chairs. music: “It’s ever-changing,” notes Janine. “It could be Stevie Nicks one minute, The Cardigans the next and old-school hip- hop after that.” average prices: Cuts from $70; balayage from $135; single process from $105; double process from $150.

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