Clementine Heath
Living in Los Angeles during the early to mid 90s was a pivotal time of cultural influence and change. Hollywood welcomed a wave of new filmmakers introducing new perspectives. In music, there was immense diversity with bands to pop stars and rap groups all stirring up the charts with incredible veracity. Fashion models became ‘Supermodels’, leaping off the runway and onto our screens in iconic music videos and newly fashioned TV programming. It’s no surprise that fashion designers and beauty stylists seized this opportunity for maximum exposure, aligning themselves with celebrities creating fresh new marketing tactics with brand ambassadorship. It was the dawn of a new era in the world of fame and celebrity, and at the epicenter of this new wave was the expression of individualism and identity through true artistry and innovation. Los Angeles in the 90s was, for lack of a better word… Cool.
Hollywood’s A-list actors were suddenly being treated like rock stars in their own right, splashed across the covers of Vogue and Rollingstone, making live guest appearances on MTV (when MTV was actually music television). Music artists followed suit and took the leap into film, further broadening their fan bases with genre-focused movies for added entertainment. The importance of fashion and style-expression was at the forefront of this crossover moment that defined a new generation like never before. The 90s was THE decade that merged fashion, music and film together with such groundbreaking persuasion, the birth of the influence of celebrity trendsetting was born. The 90s saw a boom in new fashion trends, but when it came to hair few hairstylists impacted Hollywood and fashion as boldly as one woman, whose reputation quickly catapulted to celebrity status with her name becoming synonymous to her signature haircut. Sally Hershberger.
Hairstylist and trendsetter in her own right, Hershberger shot to rockstar status in the world of hair and styling as the creator of ‘The Sally Shag’. An effortlessly sexy texturized choppy-cut made famous in ‘95 when Hershberger cut Meg Ryan’s hair for the hit film French Kiss. It was a significant event in the history of celebrity trends in Hollywood, entertainment and fashion alike. A moment when a haircut became so influential that women all over the world would be asking their hairdresser’s for the same cut, by its name. So influential was Hershberger in the 90s, her name became intrinsic to the fabric of Los Angeles, and her reputation as one of the best in the business has steadily remained in top position for over three decades. In fact, rumor has it she was the inspiration behind one of the lead characters on the LA based hit TV series The L Word (the character’s name was Shane – played with effortless cool by Katherine Moennig). Most recently Hershberger is referenced in season 4 of Hacks when Jean Smart’s character is quoted saying, “If anyone is going to cut my hair it’s Sally Hershberger.”
Taking the leap boldly, Hershberger finally went out on her own, opening the doors to her very own Los Angeles salon in 2008. Located on the prestige strip of North La Cienega, a prime location in West Hollywood, just a stone throw away from LA’s famous little street – Melrose Place. This year Sally Hershberger LA celebrates seventeen years of operations. Considering the fast paced changing times with all that’s happening in the world, and on our very own doorstep in Los Angeles, it’s a monumental achievement for any business owner. As some salons find themselves downgrading or moving locations, this one continues to expand. Today, Hershberger splits her time between her bicoastal salons in Los Angeles and New York with expert momentum – she’s constantly working. Over the years Hershberger’s impressive celebrity clients have included Kris and Kendall Jenner, Miley Cyrus, John Mayer, Meg Ryan, Joan Jett and multiple First Ladies, just to name a few. Any truly memorable moments cutting her celebrity clients’ hair? “Jane Fonda’s haircut for the Academy Awards in 2020 was transformative,” Hershberger remembers of the iconic pixie cut Fonda sported with her stunning silver hair. “Cutting her hair during such a pivotal moment in her life felt exhilarating – it gave her a bold, renewed sense of self.” Hershberger continues, “Then there’s Miley Cyrus’ mullet. When it exploded in the press, it just felt right – it suited her perfectly. Sexy and edgy, just like her. Miley has always been ahead of her time.”
It goes without saying that Sally Hershberger LA is a salon that sets itself apart. What you’re paying for goes beyond a basic visit to a hair salon because you really are given the full experience in a manner that is not only satisfyingly refreshing but also surprisingly calming. Unlike many salons that are loud and can be rather chaotic, Hershberger’s salon welcomes clients with gentle ease. Your time there offers the opportunity to relax while being left in the trusting hands of their team of expert hair technicians. The salon exemplifies a level of excellence that is unparalleled. “It is a house of experts, shaped by Sally,” says Andi Steloff, the salon’s director. It’s a legacy of excellence with a zero drama policy that Steloff operates, and has done so since day one. Having been with Hershberger and the La Cienega salon since it opened its doors in 2008, Steloff has carefully operated this ship with intentionality and an alignment that supports an harmonious ecosystem down to the smallest of details. From the expert colorists and stylist, to the salon housekeepers and shampoo ladies, Steloff manages a lot of personalities with impressive proficiency. “We are currently a team of 45 people – I’m just a cog in the wheel,” she says with enthusiasm. “All these wonderful creatives do what they do because I do my part. It’s a creative environment that’s never boring.” A community in synergy, delicately managed by Steloff to maintain a calm collective energy amongst the team that can be felt the moment you walk in the door. It’s peaceful. Everyone seems genuinely happy to be there which adds to a lovely salon experience for any client.
“It’s rare to be in the same location in LA for 17 years, and I’m really grateful,” says Hershberger. “This salon has grown with the city—our clients, our team, the energy—it’s all evolved, but the heart of it has stayed the same. It’s become a bit of a home for a lot of people, and that means everything to me,” Hershberger acknowledges.
The design of the salon is practical and sleek, much like Hershberger. Renowned architect Nicolò Bini designed the space to feel intimate yet open, with minimal clutter and smooth lines elevating the naturalness of the space for creativity to flourish. The entire north-facing wall is floor to ceiling windows, flooding the salon in natural light. Steloff remarks,“As any expert colorist will tell you, there is nothing better than working in natural light, and with a stunning view of the West Hollywood hills. It’s beautiful.” From the reception entrance to the back wall of the salon the length of the space is divided by a very long runway. To your left, the gorgeous view of West Hollywood illuminates several rows of giant wooden oval structures encasing the mirrored work-stations that cleverly divide the salon floor, much like isles in a library. It creates intimacy and privacy in a large space that could feel crowded otherwise. Bini’s innovative furniture designs evoke a sense of naturalism at its core. The use of organic feeling materials in the bright white industrial space offers a welcoming minimalist design to create an environment that doesn’t overload the senses. And with the breathtaking view of West Hollywood from your seat, there’s not much else you need.
The expansion of the salon offers new wellness and beauty additions with two private suites: One is for Rock N’ Brows and Makeup Services from Sarah Agajanian. A brow expert with over 20 years experience, her skilled hands have worked their magic on thousands of brows including Lauren Conrad, Khole Kardashian and Solange Knowles. Her current celeb clients include actress Emmy Rossum and musician Travis Barker. “There is always something that can be done for perfect brows to exist,” Agajanian says. In the second suite you will find Pulsed Self Healing, offering advanced beauty and wellness therapies designed to rejuvenate your body, restore balance, and enhance your overall vitality. A variety of packages on offer including PEMF Therapy, BioCharger NG, and LightStim PRO/JOOVV Red Light.
Hershberger reflects on her long career and what it takes to stay ahead.“My personal philosophy is,” Hershberger pauses, “Making one feel like the best version of themselves.” When you leave Sally Hershberger LA you don’t just walk out with great hair, you leave feeling revived with that je ne sais quoi. It’s an attitude that comes from not just knowing you look good, but also feeling good. And that’s the signature Hershberger treatment she has maintained for over thirty years in the business, with an attitude that’s a cut above, maintaining her legendary rock’n’roll status for years to come.