You’re known for your blonding expertise. Well I am Barbie’s official hair stylist! But I do work with a lot of blond celebs.
Do you make house calls? I do. I go over to Katherine Heigl’s to do her hair and we have dinner. It’s so fun. On the other hand there are some stars who don’t want to talk while I do their hair. I’m in their home and it’s just silent.
Got an insider secret? When you see a celeb who’s gone a lot lighter, they most likely cut their hair short and the rest is extensions. That’s why the ends don’t look dirty.
What do clients need to know?
If you don’t update, you’re out of date. I know it’s tough. I had the same hair for 10 years and someone finally brought it up. Two glasses of wine later I gathered the courage to cut it.
Are trends important? It’s good to look in magazines and trend spot. If you don’t see your look at all, it’s time for a change. You don’t have to be on the cutting edge, but you shouldn’t look outdated.
Laurel Chirico
Co-owner, Platino Salon & Suites
3636 Birch St., Newport Beach,
949-474-7477, platinosalonsuites.com
Mentioned by James Morrison, co-founder of Toni&Guy/TIGI USA as one of the best in the business, Chirico has more than 40 years’ experience. She’s a former vice president of Toni&Guy, and together with husband Frank has opened 10 salons, including this tres chic shop that premiered last summer. The self-described specialist in freeform cutting loves an undone look, and does multifaceted color as well. An avid fan of the fashion industry, she frequents Paris and London for inspiration in creating fresh looks for clients. Her mantra? “Try something new. Be extravagant with your hair. And don’t look back.” This modern salon, which offers stylists the option to lease their own space, provides the services of a cosmetic surgeon, aesthetician, manicurist, and makeup artist. Cuts, $160 and up; color, $150 and up
Jessica Van Der Maath
Stylist, Legends Ladera Salon
25612 Crown Valley Parkway, Ladera Ranch,
949-218-7600, legendsladerasalon.com
Like many on our list, Van Der Maath is Vidal Sassoon- and Toni&Guy-trained. Where she differs is in her mastery of weft row hair extensions, consisting of a sheet of human hair that’s adhered to the scalp with microbeads and lasts as long as eight weeks. She’s also known for her highlighting skills. Her expertise at Balayage, the French hair-painting technique that doesn’t use foils, results in a more natural, sun-kissed look. Her laid-back style is suitable to Legends—a no-nonsense, neighborhood salon known more for its 30 talented stylists than its decor. Cuts, $70 and up; color, $70 and up; extensions, $600 and up
This issue includes:
Q & A with Victor Paul, he’s stylist to our cover girl, Gretchen Rossi, and the answer to Orange County’s blond-hair prayers
10 Must-Have Products
O.C.’s Best New Wave Barbershops
Q & A with TeraRae Stephens, one of few local experts in Hotheads extensions, Stephens has a knack for dramatic transformations
30 salon reviews