SALON TRUE

 

So, recently I saw a photo of myself from the back. And I was shocked to realize that my hair went down beyond my waist! It looked like great hair, but I decided it was time for a cut. (For which my bangs thanked me!)

Since it had been quite awhile since I had visited a salon in L.A., (I had been getting my trims in New York for the past few years,) I got a recommendation for Salon True in Sherman Oaks. Mr. X loves the Valley, and shops there almost daily, so it was a no-brainer. And he’s correct; the Valley is the easiest place for everything!

It’s no secret that the last year has left me frazzled, and new experiences are not my favorite, but the second I walked into the salon, I felt peaceful. The lovely, serene vibe, from the choice of gray shades for the décor to the non-intrusive yet upbeat music, was perfect. Everything about the place was just the right blend of classy and hip.

The floor plan is big, but divided into two sides, so it also feels intimate. I really loved everything about this hair experience. There were no pretensions at all, which is the thing I hate most about the majority of hair salons I’ve been to. Even though I had the owner, Eli Monvel, do my hair, I wasn’t made to wait for him, just so he could make a grand entrance like so many shop owners do. It was all great.

When Eli and I began talking about my hair, there were more shocks—he actually asked what I want! Several times! And he complimented my hair! Not only the volume and strength of it, which I just lucked-out with in life, but the color, which he knew another stylist had to have done! And he even said it was not too long, and suggested nothing drastic! I loved this guy!

And here’s another breath of fresh air—he didn’t chat about himself! Just about one hundred percent of hair people I’ve been to before try to sell themselves to me while I’m trying to just relax and get my hair refreshed. But Eli was content to let me chill, which I appreciated.

The best part is that my hair came out looking great! I read something at the salon that said “We never push the same “signature” look on every client.” That is so true! (Maybe hence the moniker “Salon True.”) Never has a stylist listened more to what I want. I kept telling Eli that it will be his design on my head (which other hair people have told me,) but he really wanted me to be happy! Wow. That’s a first.

He came up with a perfect color for me that kept what I had but made it brighter. As he was applying it, I realized there was no horrible odor! At all. No burn or itch, either. I could have sat there with it on all day. It turns-out that they use certain products that only a few salons around the country use. They’re one of a handful of places on the coast who can sell them, too. (I’m not here to advertise those products, so call the salon if you’re curious. Info at the bottom of this page.)

Then Svetlana (who was rocking fabulous eye make-up) shampooed me, and after Eli trimmed my hair to the perfect length for me right now, including creating a bit fuller, more feathered bangs, they double-teamed my blow-dry. That’s such a fun feeling, and, with my ten pounds of hair, (knock on wood,) almost a necessity if we all want to get out of there before dinner!!!

Speaking of dinner, there’s another perk to Salon True. It’s right next door to yearling eatery La Cava. I’ve been wanting to try it, and the salon has a menu on-hand and can order for you. So, my color-absorbing time got occupied with eating one of their creative pizzas! Eli had suggested the Dell Cava, which was white with prosciutto, shaved parmesan and a greenery I was unfamiliar with, rucola. (I thought that last word was a Swiss throat Lozenge!) It was light and delicious, and best of all, I didn’t have to use any other time eating after getting my hair done. I had a fabulous meal while getting equally fabulous hair color. It was a great use of my time. [Note: I went next door to check the place out after, and met the owner, Armando Pucci, who’s an Italian lover-type straight out of the movies! He told me my new hair was “sexy,” but I have a feeling he says that to all the girls, some of whom may swoon. I’ll try to get back there for a full review later this year.]

While I was in Salon True’s restroom that was the cleanest, classiest one ever, I noticed a sign with this special: Happy Hour Blow-dry on Thursdays and Fridays from 2-6PM. You get to choose from among three products to have them put in your hair to make the blow-out come-out the way you want, including wavy! It’s a good price and comes with a glass of wine or champagne. What a fun thing to do with girlfriends, or a relaxing time to yourself.

One last note about the physical space; I told Eli that it’s a perfect place for parties, because of the spaciousness, a bar in the back, and the salon’s overall pristine look, with walls that are really cabinets, so therefore no products are lying around at each station. He told me that it’s been used for filming, which is perfect! Movie and television show location scouts should grab this place up! And because of the double-sided space, we can probably still even get our hair done on those days. It’s a win-win for everybody. As is my hair. I win because it looks great and so much healthier, and Eli wins because he made yet another client happy.

[Note: I know this column has an inordinate number of exclamation marks, but that’s how I’m saying those sentences. It wouldn’t do them justice just to remove that punctuation because some people, like Mr. X, thinks they’re excessive.)

13563 Ventura Boulevard  Sherman Oaks 818-461-0138 www.salontrue.com