The Ultimate Guide To L.A. Hair Salons
Photo: courtesy of @ANHCOTRAN.
What makes for a great salon in L.A.? For some, it’s all about having a renowned stylist sailing the ship. Others may judge a salon by how well their lowest-level stylist trims hair. And, for a lot of people around here, it all boils down to who does the best blonde highlights.
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But, regardless of whether you care more about a chill, anything-but-stressful ambience or a price tag that won’t break the bank, we believe all great salons have one thing in common: You leave feeling really, really good about your hair.
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Sure, it may sound simple. But, in our experience, only an elite group of salons can be relied upon to provide that every time. We searched near and far, and narrowed it down to 13 spots that never disappoint. So, check them out ahead, and then make an appointment ASAP. And, if you have a local favorite that didn’t make the list, let us know in the comments — we’re always looking for an excuse to get our hair done.
Photo courtesy of Benjamin With Negin Zand.
Benjamin With Negin Zand
Formerly known as Salon Benjamin, Benjamin Mohapi’s Melrose salon recently got a name change, thanks to renowned colorist Negin Zand coming aboard. The impeccably designed space might be one of the coolest salons we’ve ever been to. It’s tastefully stylish without that old-school, uptight salon mentality. You’ll leave with a look you really love, whether or not you decide to go dramatic.
Cost: Haircuts start at $135; highlights start at $210.
Notable Clients: Jaime King, Megan Fox, and many more.
Products Available: A wide range of offerings, including shampoo by Davines and nail polish by Tenoverten.
Benjamin With Negin Zand, 8910 Melrose Avenue (near North Almont Drive); 424-249-3296.
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Photo courtesy of Spoke & Weal.
Spoke & Weal
Stylist Jon Reyman and colorist Christine Thompson teamed up to open their L.A. outpost (they also have a location in S.F.), and we couldn’t be happier. Since both have worked with a number of incredible designers, the salon is geared more towards high-fashion looks than celebrity trends. If you want something a little edgy but not too crazy, this is your spot.
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Cost: Cuts start at $75; highlights start at $130.
Products Available: Tons of Aveda.
Spoke & Weal, 8211 West 3rd Street (near South La Jolla Avenue); 323-591-0979.
Photo courtesy of Hairroin Salon.
Hairroin Salon
Boasting outposts in New York and L.A., Hairroin (tagline: “Addicted to style”) is youthful, edgy, and badass. This is the place to go if you want to dye your hair a neon color or shave off the side, or try something equally punky but trendy. In other words, Hairroin is where Jem and the rest of the Holograms would get their hair did.
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Cost: Haircuts start at $70; color treatments start at $105.
Notable Clients: Ariana Grande, Zooey Deschanel, Scarlett Johansson.
Products Available: R+Co, Davines.
Hairroin Salon, 1520 North Cahuenga Boulevard (near Sunset Boulevard); 323-467-0392.
Photo courtesy of Cie Sparks.
Cie Sparks
Malibu’s not necessarily known for its incredible salons — well, until now, that is. Having just opened in October 2014, Cie Sparks may be one of the newest on the list, but it didn’t take long for us to trust ‘em. Power duo Michael Sparks and Heather Cie have compiled a stellar team for a salon that combines Hollywood glam with the laid-back California lifestyle.
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Cost: Cuts start at $175; highlights start at $225.
Notable Clients: Cie and Sparks have worked with everyone from Kate Beckinsale to Gillian Jacobs to Lena Dunham.
Cie Sparks, 3835 Cross Creek Road (near Pacific Coast Highway); 310-456-2300.
Shin
One of the few renowned salons in Santa Monica, Shin opened a little over two years ago — which is surprising, considering all of its diehard devotees. That said, if you go for Shin An’s famous dry cut, you’ll totally understand why.
Cost: Haircuts with Shin start at $275; cuts with other stylists start at $125.
Products Available: Philip B., plus a few in-house lines worth testing out.
Shin, 1025 Montana Avenue (near 11th Street); 310-310-3128.
Photo courtesy of Andy Lecompte Salon.
Andy Lecompte Salon
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Lecompte and his wildly talented team do a killer job with hair across the board. Plus, they’re considerably faster at their craft than many of their top competitors.
Cost: Cuts start at $200; color service starts at $125.
Notable Clients: Everyone from Madonna to Nicole Richie.
Andy LeCompte Salon, 616 North Almont Drive (near Melrose Avenue); 310-273-4100.
For more L.A. hair hacks, visit Refinery29.
By: Ali Hoffman & Lexy Lesback
