Hair Salons in Costa Mesa

During the no-chip manicure, a stylist paints nails with successive layers of a gel that, when exposed to UV light, becomes harder than performing calculus on a diamond. Once applied and treated, this glistering coating can only be removed by soaking in a hot tub of acetone or by a skilled micro-Zambonist.

At Splitends, men and women are encouraged to experiment with their look, which may result in strangers' inaudible mouth gapes and excessive staring. Confidently pass off the reigns of your flashy hair-drawn chariot to one of the many aesthetically adventurous stylists. Call on owner and resident rock sculptor Christopher Hall, whose razor-sharp electro-clash cuts will have Grandma pulling her hair out and then selling her hair on the Internet to pay for an electro-clash cut. Or Gina, whose knowledge of high-end products will leave you with locks more flowing than a soccer star’s, more volume pumped than a soccer crowd, and more sparkling than a freshly washed minivan belonging to one well-kempt soccer parent.

Louis Orozco's hands are never idle for long. When not manning the helm of Madison Salon, the industry educator—he's worked for Bumble and bumble, Shu Uemura, and Oribe, to name a few—spends his time collaborating on projects that may include styling for Victoria’s Secret commercials, Prada print ads, and runway shows in New York and LA. Under Orozco's immaculately clipped wing, Madison Salon's staff meticulously manicures heads with haircuts and chemical treatments, combining expertise already gleaned in the classrooms of Goldwell, Vidal Sassoon, and Paul Mitchell with ongoing training from guest teachers and weekly lessons led by their boss and mentor.

Inspired by New York's effortlessly hip lofts, the salon's airy, cream-colored confines help guests to get a taste of Manhattan chic mere blocks from the beach. Sleek, geometric styling chairs face a wall-length mirror, and blow dryers dangle suspended from the ceiling, putting them within easy reach in case the salon is ever attacked by snowmen.