In LA, finding a great hair stylist that is both talented and works with you to give you what you want, not what they want, is a joy to find. I think most people share my thoughts that the results one gets at most hair salons are not what they had envisioned when they arrived, or even discussed. I’d resorted to just letting my hair grow out after not being thrilled with the assorted styles the last few hairdressers bestowed on me.
Hair stylist Justin Surh doing what he does best.
Arriving at the Michael John Salon on Camden in Beverly Hills, I found a relaxed atmosphere. Absent was the high-anxiety and type A personalities of a typical Beverly Hills salon. It seemed like the perfect work environment for hair stylist Justin Surh.
I had heard that he was highly sought after, renowned for his perfect cuts and beautiful coloring. So I allowed myself to trust once again.
He listened while I spoke about what I didn’t want and my idea of what I did want. He didn’t try to talk me into the style of the moment, which is what usually happens. I felt a sense of confidence in him. He made suggestions and explained how he would accomplish exactly what I wanted.
Justin Surh has unique hair cutting techniques that have a way of enhancing his client’s natural beauty, and this has led him to become the most-wanted stylist in Beverly Hills.
We began with a conditioning color as I am a swimmer, and the chlorine seemed to dry my hair out. He used L’Oreal Professional Richesse (Conditioning Color with Glistening Shine). As I didn’t want to change my own color, he explained that this coated the hair shaft, and was not absorbed into the hair, such as dye. I was delighted to see the result, which was a more luxurious, deeper color – my own, just turned up a few notches, and the shine and body it gave my hair is quite amazing. Makes it look thicker too. It last approximately two months.
Once this was in place, it was time for the cut. I wanted to keep it long and he was happy to work with my long hair. Justin trimmed the ends, and proceeded to create a gorgeous, long style. He explained that he cuts hair according to each person’s hair-growth pattern. It makes sense. Everyone can remember getting their hair cut and styled at a salon, only to find they cannot recreate the same look at home for themselves. That’s because, Justin explained, the hair wasn’t cut according to the direction it grows. When it’s cut in a compatible way to the way it grows, it’s easy to style.
When he finished blow drying and styling my hair, I couldn’t stop smiling. I recognized immediately that was the best cut that has ever been executed on my hair. It’s long, fuller and is very easy to style. Even when I don’t do much to it, it falls into place and looks great. I love it.
Hair stylist Justin Surh with LA's The Place chief Jane Emery
Justin’s hair philosophy is about being “fresh and easy to maintain” and celebrates a woman’s natural beauty.
It wasn’t until later that I found out this soft-spoken, easy-going man has over 20 years experience, and has carved out a stellar career as a haircutting master. He has worked with celebrities, styled for the runway, editorials and numerous TV commercials.
Training with both Vidal Sassoon and Toni & Guy in London, Justin has honed his flawless technique in some of the most prestigious salons in Beverly Hills. .
It’s Justin Surh’s passion for hair that enables him to deliver amazing results for his clientele. His hair color methodology compliments his signature haircuts.
Justin attracts a global clientele who travel from all over the world, not just for his innovative cuts, but also for his hair extension services and Brazilian Blow Drys.
I wanted to know more, so I asked Justin:
LA’s The Place: What made you decide to become a hair stylist?
Justin Surh: I started styling my own hair and people would compliment me and ask me to do theirs. I tried several careers from working in an office, to designing clothes and soon realized what I did best, and that was hair.
LATP: How is your approach different from others?
JS: I listen to what ideas my client has on styles and color and I give them my advice on what I think will work best for them. What suits them, as an individual. We work together to create the perfect look, that’s easy to maintain.
LATP: What do you see as the future trend (2012) for hair styles; men and women
JS: Bangs! Heavy bangs for women and a well-groomed, swept bangs for men. Look out for the 80’s uneven cut. It”s making its comeback in 2012!
You can contact Justin Surh at the Michael John Salon – Phone: 310.278.8333
414 N Camden Drive #A, Beverly Hills, California 90210
By Appointment Only Tuesday-Saturday 8:30am-5:30pm
Justin Surh makes LA’s The Place THElist 2011
