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BEAUTY   -   HAIR & MAKEUP
A Tour of Santa Clarita's Finest Salons
December, 2007 - Issue #38
Hair by Stacy
The Scoop: Sara Smith* (name changed to protect her access to her credit card) flies round trip from her new home in Hawaii every three months to have her hair done by Stacy Ritter. Enough said! Stacy Ritter is the Dream Catchers Hair Extension representative for Santa Clarita. Her expertise in creating incredibly natural looking, durable and just-plain-gorgeous looks (she also has years of experience with cuts and color) is reason enough to cross the Pacific Ocean four times a year.

Who You'll Meet: professional stylist Stacy Ritter

Where to Go: 23554 Lyons Avenue in Newhall, in the Plaza Posada 547-0282

Shannon Hair
Shannon Hair
Shannon Hair
The Scoop: What do Vidal Sassoon, Tony & Guy, Paul Mitchell and Bumble & Bumble University have in common? Besides being among the most respected advanced academy training programs worldwide, some of their most promising graduates are exhibiting their artistry as stylists at Shannon Hair.

Precision is the chic name of the game at Shannon; unlike many contemporaries, there's no adjoining spa on site. Here, hair rules. Cuts, color, highlights, extensions, perms, relaxers, Japanese straightening and exquisite conditioning treatments are all orchestrated by a tight-knit group of hand-selected, friendly professionals.

The salon's interior environment shows off contemporary elements with classical detailing, and by no coincidence, that's the look clients achieve after a relaxing turn in their stylist's chair at Shannon. Luckily, Bumble & Bumble consider Shannon Hair to be in the top 10 percent of the industry. This prestigious marker permits the salon to sell the much-coveted products, meaning that the high-quality treatments you receive in the salon can be continued at home.

Who You'll Meet: Owner Shannon Rha, along with Leyla Arias, Mirna Pridham, Garrett Markenson, Karmella Gharakhanian, Lissa Bricker, Angela Byrd, Ashlee Norman, Melissa Darmozadeh, John Thompson, Amberlee, Alisha and Melanie.

Where to Go: 25377 Wayne Mills Place in Valencia at the corner of Tourney Road and Magic Mountain Parkway 799-7272 or 799-7660

Novilo Salon
Novilo Salon
Novilo Salon and Spa
The Scoop: Novilo exclusively carries Napoleon Perdis makeup, the uber-coveted brand also offered by Saks Fifth Avenue. And that's not where the similarities between what could be described as Santa Clarita's most luxuriously glamorous salon and the definitive service-based high-end department store end...

At Novilo, general services like cuts, color, relaxers, perms, waxing, facials, massage therapy and nail care are anything but "general." If the company's signature 24-Carat-Gold Facial, complimentary glass of wine (with spa service) or hand massage (with hair service) is any indicator, clients should be ready for a serious dose of spoiling as soon as they step foot in the Venetian-styled space.

Also on the menu are eyelash extensions and perms; hot stone therapy and individual bond, braid or sew-in hair extensions. Fans of Enjoy, Icon, Big Sexy Concepts, Alterna, Nioxin, Redken, Modern Elixirs, Halo and Epicuren will be glad to know that their favorite brands are well represented here. But despite the obvious penchant for all things elegant, snooty attitudes are noticeably absent from the place.

Who You'll Meet: Owners Niloo Amanat and Nona Postchy along with manager Carly Marino

Where to Go: 23310 Cinema Drive Suite 101 in Valencia between Stonefire Grill and Trader Joe's 253-2233 www.novilosalon.com

Beyond The Fringe
Beyond The Fringe
Beyond the Fringe
The Scoop: The owners of Beyond the Fringe Salon pride themselves in precision haircuts and color based on their extensive training through the world-recognized Vidal Sassoon Academy. Staff frequently attends Sassoon's Classic and Creative courses throughout the year to continually update their skills and learn the latest techniques in hair and color.

The salon offers services for both men and women, including haircuts and color, relaxers, permanent straightening, permanent wave and special-event styling. Beyond the Fringe stylists are dedicated to creating beautiful haircuts and color that compliment their client's personality, job and lifestyle in a relaxed and friendly salon environment.

Beyond the Fringe staff members believe in maintaining the integrity of their clients' hair by using quality products and educating clients on healthy habits. Beyond the Fringe Salon is proud to use L'Oreal Professionnel color, styling products, shampoos, conditioners, masks and Power Doses.

Who You'll Meet: Owners Nate and Jennifer Hasper, along with Kristin Bly, Jamie Santellano, Jennifer Love, Mary Rakestraw, Megan Lemley, Chelsea Heidt, Amy Murchison, Jill Aguilar and Kathleen Holland

Where to Go: 23424 1/2 Lyons Avenue in Newhall 259-1982 www.beyondthefringesalon.net

Della Stella Salon & Spa
Della Stella Salon & Spa
Della Stella Salon and Spa
The Scoop: Exquisite hair services, including extensions? Check. Nail care - even pink and whites and custom-colored acrylics? Check. Custom facials, waxing and massages? Check.

"Della Stella" translates to "of the star" in Italian, and at this spot, the clients are truly the well-cared-for stars. The place is known for a strong sense of hospitality; wine, soft drinks and even the rare pro-child salon stance makes every member of the family feel welcome. A mix of antique and newer decor coordinate with similarly-selected music that everyone seems to enjoy.

If you're looking for it, chances are strong that Della Stella has it, including hard-to-find brands like Pure Fiji body products, Zoya nail polish, Foot Huggies and Body by Bed Head, plus male-oriented brands like Redken for Men and American Crew. But something more elusive, and thus more valuable, also resides in the hearts of the Della Stella staff: a true love for their work, and their clients.

Who You'll Meet: Owner Heidi Hagan, along with Jamie Getskow, Brynn Dorough, Marine DeArmas, Noelle Hand, Mary Simons, Sarah Schwab, Tessa d'Autremont, Kathy Sweigart, Monika Kowalski, Paula Martins, Jesse Carrillo, Colleen Odle, Angelica Kascoutas, Jessica Alvarado, Ashley Beckwith, Denise Ballard, Lynn McGalliard, Kimberly Thurman, Shannon Prevo, Michelle Steinbroner and Timmy Truong

Where to Go: 24280 Valencia Boulevard in Valencia, in the Valencia Crossroads Shopping Center at the corner of Valencia Boulevard and McBean Parkway 259-9115 www.dellastella.com

Tresses Salon
Tresses Salon
Tresses Salon
The Scoop: When a classy salon can expertly manage a client base ranging from children to seniors (of both sexes - men will find the decidedly-elegant Tuscan interior devoid of unnecessary frilliness), you know they're on to something. At Tresses, that "something" is a team that loves a challenge and excels at fulfilling special needs.

In a salon that's as welcoming as the always-stocked complimentary treats station (Wine, cheese, crackers or sweets, anyone?), it's not hard to believe that great things are accomplished here. Tresses Salon is the place to go for entirely-unique, stand-out updo's, as well as color. The expert specialists can convince everyone that you're a natural blonde or give your teen that pink streak she's been dying to have - and everything in between. The salon also carries must-have products from L'Oreal Professionnel, Enjoy and Matrix.

Thankfully, none of these bonuses are hard to obtain; the location is convenient and parking is ample.

Who You'll Meet: Owners Beth and Debbie, along with Eileen, Valerie, Amanda, Kerri, Jeanine, Angela, Michelle, Teri, Katie, Bri and Cindy

Where to Go: 27947 Seco Canyon Road at the corner of Copper Hill in Saugus 297-7800

Concerto Salon & Spa
Concerto Salon & Spa
Concerto Salon & Spa
The Scoop: Concerto's recent transformation into an Old World French space may change the salon's physical design, but the many services SCVians have come to depend on (waxing, facials, massage, hair, nails, permanent makeup and semi-permanent lashes) haven't gone anywhere. The artistic salon, which boasts distribution of key brands like Enjoy, Redken and Dermalogica, also continues to provide clients with a superbly pampered experience. Where else would you receive an eyebrow wax while waiting for your appointment to begin?

The lengthy list of specially-trained professionals speaks to Concerto's flexibility. Young or old, trendy or timeless, there's someone on the Concerto staff who's a perfect match for your needs - especially if what you're in need of is a salon that has everything under one roof.

Who You'll Meet: Owner Josh Rivas, along with Cheryl Ruiz, Kim Jones, Sandra Economon, Ana Printsian, Susan Smith, Mercedes Gamero, Nanette Maurizio, Brandi Hensley, Suzzi Bohning, April Towers, Christina Ivanoff, Coco Avalos, Cory Paniagua, Jared Smith, Kelly Metcalf, Kris Feederle, Glory Neal, Melissa Colgan, Nicole Smith, Nicolette Di Pinto, Rosie Paz, Sandy Naesa, Vicki Meherin and Heather Pile.

Where to Go: 23340 Cinema Drive, Suite 3 in Valencia 287-0163

Rituals Colour Salon
Rituals Colour Salon
Rituals Colour Salon
The Scoop: SCV color addicts who've prayed for a premier Aveda Concept Salon can now call Rituals Colour Salon their new home. All of Aveda's naturally-derived hair colors, makeups, waxes, hair care, candles and skin products are available for use and purchase in this modern-chic spot, but it's the Rituals experience that has started SCV talking.

You'll know you aren't in Kansas anymore the second you walk in. Pure flower and plant extracts mean that the salon smells more like a garden than a chemical factory. Highly-trained color experts, who are also skilled in the finest cutting techniques, not only provide a finished look that's anything but mundane but also gift their clients with a stress-relieving neck/shoulder or hand massage (to be enjoyed while sipping Aveda comforting tea) and complimentary makeup "finishing touch." Even better, Rituals employs echo-friendly services, has a no-waste zone and uses recycled and sustainable products - making this salon a literal and figurative breath of fresh air.

Who You'll Meet: Owners Renee and Michael Kaehny, along with Julie Sawyer, Vanessa Todd, Jessika Gates, Carrie Mohr, Shannon Powers, Angie Ramos, Hope Zendejas, Su'gin Ethington and Michelle Chappell.

Where to Go: 26918 The Old Road in Valencia, in the Mojito/Albertson Shopping Center
799-9910

Entourage Hair Studio
Entourage Hair Studio
Entourage Hair Studio
The Scoop: From the beautiful stamped concrete floors to the eclectically-lighted ceiling, Entourage is a marvel of both antique and modern proportions. But even bigger than the "feel" of this comfortable salon is the concept behind it. Entourage was named after every member of the place. "Entourage" is defined as "the group following and attending to some important person." Here, the experienced stylists who offer a wide range of services (state-of-the-art cuts, color, extensions, perms, waxing, updo's and makeup) are the entourage, and you are the VIP.

With a focus definitively placed on great hair, the crew still manages to ensure that each client has a full cup of complimentary gourmet coffee and the know-how to recreate their exceptional salon look at home. Entourage carries Enjoy, L'Oreal Professionnel/Paris hair products and accessories, as well as Hai and Hot Tools - all quality options for continuing your salon treatments at home.

Who You'll Meet: Owner Michael Beck, along with Susie Beck, Vanessa Serrano, Carla Lopez, Jen Davis, Jen Dole, Kelly Miller, Mimi Falkenborg, Martin Evans, Susie Richardson and Stephanie Salazar

Where to Go: 24300 Town Center Drive, Suite 102 in Valencia behind Java N Jazz 222-7446

Sweet & Sassy
Sweet & Sassy
Sweet & Sassy
The Scoop: This full-service children's salon (from toddler to tween), spa and party place specializes in all things girl. A feast for the eyes, Sweet & Sassy is awash in hip, funky shades of purple, green, pink and orange, but it's the unique features that will have your child begging for a visit and yearning to tell her friends that she's found the "it" location for her upcoming birthday party. A multi-colored and plush mini-pedicure pit; an awe-inspiring ear piercing zone; and a girl-wowing celebration area complete with globe lights, a runway and a reflective disco ball are just some of the highlights. The coordinating Sassy Shoppe also carries boutique items like accessories, room decor, bath products and gifts rarely found at other stores.

Sweet & Sassy's Snip Snap Station includes eight hair stations; each has a child-sized purple salon chair, ultra-cool stylist station, and a good view of entertaining children's programming. Salon perks include specialty barber capes, fairy dust and gourmet lollipops; all mini-manis and mini-pedis include free nail art and ring or toe ring.

Who You'll Meet: Owner Marci DePaco along with manager Liz Nalbandian

Where to Go: 26334 Citrus Street in Valencia across from Valencia Town Center 288-1882 www.sweetandsassy.com

Studio Luxe
Studio Luxe
Studio Luxe
The Scoop: Women looking for a truly relaxed salon environment need search no longer; in the comfortable private studio of licensed cosmetologist Lola Piraino, there are no ringing telephones, screaming kids (unless they're your own!) or chatty spa "neighbors." The Hairlocs expert has created an intimate, no-drop-ins space adjacent to her Saugus home that cradles her clients, and with privacy also comes superior results.

Lola has cultivated a happy following of extension clients (she uses the Hairlocs Hair Extension System), many of whom also take advantage of her expertise with 3-D Semi-permanent Lash Extensions and hair color artistry. As if the personal one-on-one service weren't enough, she also provides a complimentary paraffin-wax hand treatment with double-process color (Goldwell Exclusive is her brand choice) and complimentary Hairlocs brush, shampoo and conditioner with a client's first Hairlocs service. Goldwell Color Enhancing products, Sexy Hair, Graham Webb, 3-D Lashes mascara, cleanser and at-home sealers are also available for purchase. Beverages and a refreshed state of mind, are complimentary.

Who You'll Meet: Owner Lola Piraino

Where to Go: Saugus 702-1708 www.myspace.com/studioluxe
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