Salon Spotlight: Pierre Michel, Salon to the Stars

Finding a salon in New York City may seem an easy task with so many options, but finding a one-stop full-service salon with amazingly talented stylists at a space that feels luxurious and chic, can be a challenge. That is until I was invited to Pierre Michel to experience first hand what it truly means to be an establishment worthy of the most demanding clientele of the Upper East Side. With 75 stylists, colorists, makeup artists, aestheticians, and manicurists, it’s no wonder it is a magnet for celebrities, socialites, and fashion trend-setters alike. Located on the third floor of 135 East 57th Street, the 11,000-square-foot Pierre Michel Salon has managed to stay on the map all these years.

Their success can be attributed to its founders Pierre Ouaknine and Michel Obadia, who were childhood friends and shared a mutual love for hairstyling. They came together to build upon a dream which they have managed to mold into the modern day salon it now has become. Every luxurious detail stands out making Pierre Michel a five star salon. From complimentary snacks and beverages at the marble-topped coffee bar, built-in massage chairs while being shampooed, to complimentary Wi-Fi, no detail has gone unnoticed. Even the bathrooms are accessorized with Dyson Airblade hand dryers. Their menu of services employ state-of-the-art techniques combined with personalized attention ensuring every visit is a rewarding and relaxing experience.

Upon entering the salon I was immediately impressed by their modern and clean aesthetic and chic furniture which creates an ambiance of luxury. Rows of mirrors are brightened by frosted light fixtures and floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for natural light to brighten up the large space. Each station is outfitted with dark oak shelving and sleek black leather chairs. I was greeted immediately and equally impressed by their full screen color coded check in system which displayed all my information and seemed extremely organized and efficient, and then escorted to the coat check where i was handed a black robe and showed to a velvet-lined private dressing room. Afterwards, I picked up a cappuccino from the full-service marble coffee bar, complete with Champagne and array of snacks and spa cuisine and led through the sprawling and chic black and white service area to meet my colorist Amina Bouchirab. I decided to get a scalp and hair treatment to give my much damaged hair a sigh of relief and learned about all the amazing products that Pierre Michel uses including J.F. Lazartigue, an exclusive line from France boasting natural and highly effective ingredients. Amina attentively mixed the solution of the Home Spa Essential Duo which consists of a unique formula of essential hair cream combined with Bancoulier oil rich serum which acts as a powerful energizer and revitalizer. After allowing the treatment to work its magic under a steamer, I was brought to the calming shampoo room where i relaxed as her assistant massaged my scalp and rinsed my hair clean. Mia Moore next took over and was refreshingly friendly and super informative, listening carefully to what style I was looking for. She took her time cutting and styling my hair and gave one of the best blow outs I have ever had. My hair looked shiny, voluminous and healthy with beautifully soft bouncy waves.

Amina and Mia are perfect examples of the type of stylists Pierre Michel is known for. Their professionalism and knowledge along with their pleasant personalities put me at ease. From basic cuts to the more innovative styling Pierre Michel stylists are the heart of the salon and they continuously keep abreast of the newest trends while being able to translate them into workable styles, thus catering to the full spectrum of clients from the uptown sophisticated classic woman to the young and trendy downtowners. Their versatility combined with their attention to detail and amazing service are the reason they have such a loyal following. I could happily spend an entire day discovering their other services but unfortunately will have to visit again shortly to discover these other beauty services. From eyelash extensions to makeup applications, a girl can have a full on transformation here! They also offer a carefully curated boutique of products from hair-care products to brushes to makeup from Face Stockholm.

For more information visit www.pierremichelsalon.com/