The Names Behind Hollywood's Best Manes lllo Main - P 2014
Illustration by: Douglas JonesHair is a woman’s mane event — it’s tresses before dresses, but in Hollywood, your hair is your actual fortune. Where would Jennifer Aniston be without The Rachel and her signature mulitone highlights? Reese Witherspoon without her ice-blond halo, and Angelina Jolie without her rich-chocolate suave? More Samson and less Delilah, actresses and even execs — and one day soon, perhaps the president of the United States — are, for better or worse, judged more for their hairstyles, colors, lengths and volume than their salaries, cars or even their figures. Hair is at eye level: It’s one of the first things that helps the viewer decide if someone’s silhouette and style are consistent, interesting, chic and/or balanced.
For L.A. locks, it’s all about the perfect calculated mess. Call it rock ‘n’ roll or beachy or even sexy, but here are the names behind the biggest names’ manes — creators of the most famous looks in the world (eat your heart out, New York and Europe) — plus their salons. Everyone on this list can be booked. It might involve a wait, but, like most great things, it’s worth the delayed gratification and cost. Speaking of which, introducing the world’s first $750 haircut debuting in, of course, a Beverly Hills salon.
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HAIRCUTTERS/STYLISTS
FOR SEXY L.A. GLAM
Stylist: Teddy Antolin
Sally Hershberger Salon: 760 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood; 310-854-4922; sallyhershberger.com
Clients: Raquel Welch, Geena Davis
? Antolin has done more editorial than anyone in town, working with photographers such as Steven Meisel. He’s cut and styled everyone from David Bowie to Sharon Stone to Bryan Adams and knows a thing or 20 about rock ‘n’ roll Hollywood glamour. (Cuts from $300.)
L.A. glam master Antolin, extensions expert Colombini and colorists Hilton and Keating all call Sally Hershberger Salon (above) in West Hollywood their home base.
THE BLENDED-EXTENSIONS EXPERT
Stylist: Jonathan Colombini
Sally Hershberger Salon: 760 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood; 310-854-4922; sallyhershberger.com
Clients: Demi Moore, Vera Farmiga, Paul Wesley
? He’s an expert at blending in hair extensions with his cuts, wielding what’s called skin wefts or tape-ins ($600 to $900) and silicon cylinder beads ($1,200 to $2,500). He also gives a helluva bang trim and killer blowouts.
FOR NONDRASTIC CUTS AND COLOR
Stylist: Frank Galasso
Barnes & Galasso Salon: 8000 Sunset Blvd., Suite 45, West Hollywood; 310-913-4342; facebook.com/BarnesandGalasso
Clients: Kate Upton, Barbra Streisand
? Galasso’s an editorial and salon vet with 30 years of experience who does it all and then some: He cuts and colors and does blow-outs, too (services from $100 to $390). Big, sexy hair is his trademark, but he also is great at color-and-cut direction and never goes drastic.
THE ROCK-STAR SPECIALIST
Stylist: Stephanie Hobgood
Stephanie Hobgood Hair: 1636 Abbot Kinney Blvd., 2nd floor, Venice; 310-775-0299; stephaniehobgoodhair.com
Clients: Anna Kendrick, Colin Farrell, Britney Spears, Tommy Lee, Scott Weiland, Rosario Dawson
? Multitalented, Hobgood is known as a great listener to clients and gives legendary, edgy cuts and blow-outs that start at $100.
THE COOL GUY’S NOT-SO-SECRET WEAPON
Stylist: Sean James
Fred Segal Santa Monica Salon: 420 Broadway, Santa Monica; 310-907-4022; fredsegal.com
Clients: Brad Pitt, Ewan McGregor, Nerdist CEO Chris Hardwick, Marilyn Manson
? Although James also does ladies, he’s the go-to cutter and stylist for industry guys in the know. ($150 for men, $200 for women.)
FOR CUTS THAT FLATTER SUPERSTARS
Stylist: Andy Lecompte
Andy Lecompte Salon: 616 N. Almont Drive, West Hollywood; 310-273-4100; andylecomptesalon.com
Clients: Madonna, Penelope Cruz, Katie Holmes
? One of the most sought-after editorial and celebrity hairstylists, Lecompte is gifted at perfectly framing a face and giving sharp, flattering cuts — for a $500 fee.
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FOR UPDATING AND REFINING A LOOK
Stylist: Cervando Maldonado
Ramirez Tran Salon: 8912 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills; 310-724-8167; ramireztran.com
Clients: Julianne Moore, Reese Witherspoon, Felicity Jones, Naomi Watts, Sofia Coppola
? One of L.A.’s greatest cutters for long and short hair and haute layering, Maldonado gave Witherspoon her youthful bangs and Rodarte’s Kate Mulleavy her Kate Moss-esque beachy hair. (Cuts from $500.)
THE BRAND ENHANCER
Stylist: Brant Mayfield
Chris McMillan The Salon: 8944 Burton Way, Beverly Hills. 310-285-0088; thechrismcmillansalon.com
Clients: Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Diane von Furstenberg, Courteney Cox, artist Marina Abramovic
? Mayfield specializes in coming up with the perfect haircut for every individual, in effect helping to create a brand, if so desired. ($350 for women, $175 for men.)
THE A-LISTER’S LAYERIST
Stylist: Chris McMillan
Chris McMillan The Salon: 8944 Burton Way, Beverly Hills; 310-285-0088; thechrismcmillansalon.com
Clients: Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Rita Ora, Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams, Nina Dobrev, Julianna Margulies, Emmy Rossum, Elle Fanning
? McMillan famously invented the game-changing “Rachel” back in the ’90s and has been tending Hollywood’s top tresses ever since at $750 a pop. Simply put, he is the master of volumizing layers for that sexy, natural, big-haired look.
THE MULTITALENTED MODERNIST
Stylist: Robert Ramos
Estilo Salon: 7402 Beverly Blvd; 323-936-6775; estilosalonla.com
Clients: Eva Mendes, Ryan Gosling, Jessica Alba, AMPAS’ Cheryl Boone Isaacs
? Sleek, modern haircuts are Ramos’ specialty ($300 for women, $175 for men). The cutter and colorist ($125 to $350) and Estilo owner encourages fun experiments that are always chic, never trashy.
THE 15-MINUTE PRECISION CUTTER
Stylist: Jon Reyman
Spoke & Weal: 8211 W. Third St; 323-591-0979; spokeandweal.com
Clients: Lana Del Rey, Sienna Miller, Christina Milian
? His famed 15-minute dry haircut for $450 can be styled any way clients want and is specific to their lifestyle. He does hair for New York runway shows such as Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta.
THE KING OF BOBS
Stylist: Guy Romeo
Jonathan & George Salon: 9320 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills. 310-275-2808; jonathanandgeorge.com
Clients: Kate Capshaw, Antonio Banderas
? Romeo cuts hair sharp, clean and straight, and he is the master of blow-drying it into a perfectly beveled shape. (Cuts from $300.)
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THE GROW-OUT ACE
Stylist: Gregory Russell
Andy Lecompte Salon: 616 N. Almont Drive, West Hollywood; 310-273-4100; andylecomptesalon.com
Clients: Chloe Grace Moretz, Christina Hendricks
? He can handle the full spectrum of cuts, from sharp and modern to long, soft and layered — plus, he knows how to manage the growing-out, in-between time. ($300 for women, $100 for men.)
THE RED-CARPET MASTER
Stylist: Robert Vetica
Robert Vetica Salon: Ciel Spa at SLS Hotel, 465 S. La Cienega Blvd. 310-246-5560; cielatsls.com
Clients: Salma Hayek, Cate Blanchett, Naomi Watts
? In addition to great cuts, Vetica is known for iconic red-carpet locks and has perfected the art of using hairpieces and extensions to elevate every photo op.
THE CLASSICIST
Stylist: Neil Weisberg
Meche: 8820 Burton Way, Beverly Hills; 310-278-8930; mechesalonla.com
Clients Gwyneth Paltrow, Katharine McPhee
? Consummate pro Weisberg loves a classic cut with lots of movement and without the need for frequent maintenance. ($300 for women, $150 for men.)
Meche salon (above), where Paltrow gets her locks cut and styled by classicist Weisberg.
COLORISTS
THE IN-DEMAND SUPERSTAR
Stylist: Tracey Cunningham
Meche: 8820 Burton Way, Beverly Hills; 310-278-8930; mechesalonla.com
Clients: Jennifer Lopez, Nanci Ryder, Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow, Drew Barrymore, Shailene Woodley, Emma Stone, Charlize Theron, Ellen DeGeneres
? This veteran colorist is known to bend over backward for her clients of all hair colors, working around the clock. She also introduced Hollywood to the now popular Olaplex, a new product line that prevents hair breakage from color and smooths the hair. (Base color or single process costs $150, highlights on top from $450.)
THE BLONDS (AND BRUNETTES) QUEEN
Stylist: Lorri Goddard
Rossano Ferretti Hairspa: 345 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills. Email kimberly@therexagency.com for appointments
Clients: Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lawrence, Reese Witherspoon, Rooney Mara, Chloe Grace Moretz
? Shimmery, sultry tresses have been Goddard’s specialty for years. Whether it’s the Nordic blond of Witherspoon or the sultry dark of Jolie, she colors the rainbow with her own process called foilayage, a combo of foils and balayage, a freehand coloring technique. (Base color or single process from $110, foilayage from $250 to $600.)
THE PERFECTIONIST
Stylist: Dani Hernandez
Jonathan & George Salon: 9320 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills; 310-275-2808; jonathanandgeorge.com
Clients: Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Garner, Rita Ora, Portia de Rossi, Patrick Dempsey
? Hernandez is all about balance in his balayage — the result is a flawlessly and effortlessly groomed look. Half-head balayage — or highlights on half your head, usually near your face — start at $250.
THE UP-AND-COMER
Stylist: Sulekha Hilton
Sally Hershberger Salon: 760 N. La Cienega Blvd.,West Hollywood; 310-854 4922
Client: Raquel Welch
? She trained under majors Goddard and Jonathan Gale and is on her way to being a top colorist. Book her while you can. (Base color or single process from $135, partial highlights from $250, full highlights from $350.)
THE ON-SET COLORIST
Stylist: Cassondra Keading
Sally Hershberger Salon: 760 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood; 310-854-4922
Clients: Josh Hutcherson, John Cusack, Lea Michele
? A multitasker who does beautiful work on men and women of all hair hues, Keading flies from the set of The Hunger Games to American Horror Story and Glee between taking care of clients at the salon. (Base color or single process from $150, partial highlights from $250, full highlights from $350.)
THE HIGHLIGHTING HOTTIE
Stylist: George Papanikolas
Andy Lecompte Salon: 616 N. Almont Drive, West Hollywood; 310-273-4100
Clients: Mila Kunis, Megan Fox, Katherine Heigl, the Kardashian sisters, Miranda Kerr, Sarah Michelle Gellar
? The easy-on-the-eyes spokesperson for Matrix professional products has a packed coloring résumé, with photo shoots, music videos and films under his belt. (Color from $125 to $500.)
THE SUN-KISSED HIGHLIGHTS STAR
Stylist: Adriana Pinto
Meche: 8820 Burton Way, Beverly Hills; 310-278-8930
Client Susan Casden, wife of real estate mogul Alan
? A premier colorist at Frederic Fekkai before Meche, Pinto has 25 years of experience and is an expert at natural, childlike, multicolor-strand color for sunny blonds and rich brunettes alike. ($125 for single process, highlights from $275.)
THE NATURALIST
Stylist: Johnny Ramirez
Ramirez Tran Salon: 8912 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills; 310-724-8167
Clients: Mia Wasikowska, Gwyneth Paltrow
? One of Hollywood’s go-tos for blonds, Ramirez loves beachy color with dimension. (Prices from $350.)
THE ALL-SHADES PRO
Stylist: Negin Zand
Benjamin With Negin Zand Salon: 8910 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; 424-249-3296; salonbenjamin.com
Clients: Kathleen Kennedy, producer Paula Weinstein, Diane Lane, Kelly Wearstler, jeweler Jennifer Meyer, screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg, decorator Rose Tarlow
? Zand has been at it for 23 years and is a balayage freehand highlight expert for blonds, brunettes and particularly redheads. Famed for framing the face with two shades lighter, she goes for childlike multishades to add dimension. (Base color or single process from $200, highlights from $450.)
HAIR EXTENSIONS
THEY COLOR WITH EXTENSIONS
Stylists: Melissa Brown and Raz Rivera
Meche: 8820 Burton Way, Beverly Hills; 310-278-8930
Clients: Marcia Gay Harden, Haylie Duff, philanthropist Wallis Annenberg, Dr. Phil producer Carla Pennington
? The duo uses keratin-bond and skin-weft tape extensions to add ombre effects and highlights and to correct color and cuts gone wrong. (From $800 to $2,500, depending on amount of extensions.)
MUSIC’S LONG-HAIR QUEEN
Stylist: Kim Kimble
Kimble Hair Studio: 8280 Santa Monica Blvd; 323-650-2222; kimblebeauty.com
Clients: Beyonce, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, BET CEO Debra Lee 
? She does it all for clients for carpets, concerts and magazine spreads and has become quite a celebrity herself, having appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and Shear Genius. Kimble’s extensions start at $650, and her favorite techniques are skin wefts and tape-ins.
EXTENSIONS WITH JAPANESE EXPERTISE
Stylist: Kazumi Morton
Jonathan & George Salon: 9320 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills; 310-275-2808
Clients: Zooey Deschanel, Kristen Stewart, Christina Applegate, Robert Pattinson
? She brings a great eye for precision and adding volume and length to hair, using both Hair Lingerie and Great Lengths skin wefts (from $250). Morton’s travels to Japan arm her with amazing healthy-hair products and treatments, too. (Base color is $150, Japanese straightening treatment is $600, highlights from $250 to $450.)
THE EXTENSIONS VETERAN
Stylist: Piny
Piny Beverly Hills: 8817 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills; 310-652-6691; pinybeverlyhills.com
Clients: Kim Kardashian, Mickey Rourke, Paris Hilton
? Starting with Liberace, Piny practically invented extensions during the 1980s using metal bands. Now he uses top-quality, mostly Russian hair on his VIP clients, employing his own time-consuming (and costly) technique, a type of intricate braiding called The Piny Method. (Extensions from $500 to $1,500 a row, custom wigs from $4,000 to $25,000.)
THE ONE-STOP STYLIST
Stylist: Lien Scherr
Chris McMillan The Salon: 8944 Burton Way, Beverly Hills; 310-285-0088
Clients: Director Nancy Meyers, Jennifer Beals
? The all-in-one stylist can do extensions, color, Brazilian blowouts and keratin straightening treatments. (Extensions from $350, Brazilian blowouts are $400.)
HOLLYWOOD’S NEW YORK CHOICE
MANHATTAN’S COLOR QUEEN
Stylist: Rita Hazan
Rita Hazan Salon: 720 Fifth Avenue, 11th floor, New York; 212-586-4343; ritahazan.com
Clients: Katy Perry, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez
? Preferring foils to balayage, Hazan reigns supreme among New York colorists. Her eponymous salon is known for squeezing you in and getting you out fast, with highly fashionable results (she also does VIPs at home). Experts on her big team are top-notch: Eugene Toye for cuts ($240), Mylo for extensions (initial consultations necessary) and Adrian Wallace for color ($175 to $650) if Hazan ($500 to $1,000) is booked.
This story first appeared in the Nov. 21 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.
