Salons brace for holiday hairstyle rush

Lolita Harper

Sweep it up, pull it back, snip it, highlight it, blow it out -- just

do it before the company Christmas party, the holiday gala or the New

Year’s Bash.

The frenzy of the holiday season, with all its tinsel and lights,

means more than frantically looking for holiday gifts. It means

looking one’s best for many of the season’s functions -- and that

means finding a professional in the beauty industry to work his

magic.

Area hairdressers, make up artists and skincare specialists are in

high demand this month, and that means more hectic work hours, more

clients and bigger paychecks. Those interviewed estimated anywhere

between a 20 and 25% increase in business during the holiday season.

Julia Hollen, the manager of Robert & Taylor Salon on Irvine

Avenue, described the season as “crazy.” Her hairdressers are in high

demand from everything from color treatments to up-dos, she said.

Everybody wants to get in before their winter ball or holiday party.

The vacancies in the salon appointment book are hard to come by.

“On a Saturday, it is nearly impossible,” Hollen said. “During the

week, you might get an appointment, but you’re not going to be able

to pick your time. You’ve got to be a little flexible.”

Hairdresser Abby Sarwary at Christopher and Co. II in Corona del

Mar said he is booked for the season. While he normally carries a

full schedule of clients, there is a definite increase in styling

services because of all the events planned for December, he said. He

tries to accommodate last-minute requests from those looking for that

special “party look,” but his regulars know they must book their

appointments ahead of time to ensure that holiday touch up.

Christopher and Co. II colleague Tapia -- no last name, “just

Tapia” -- agreed that this was the best time of the year for people

in his profession. Many of his clients rearrange their usual

hair-maintenance schedule to correspond with their holiday plans.

“Some people hold off on their process a little longer and want to

get it all in for the holidays,” Tapia said.

Not Judy Kulp, who was waiting for her appointment on Saturday at

the Corona del Mar salon. Kulp, who drives from Del Mar for her

favorite stylist, said she is in that chair like clockwork,

regardless of what season it may be.

“It’s called maintenance,” she said.

Kulp’s calendar is full of holiday events such as company parties

and nights out with “the girls,” but she will be in for her regularly

scheduled appointment on Dec. 21 and then again, three or four weeks

later. The same applies to January, February or August, she said.

Nail appointments, facials and waxing also increase in the month

of December, said employees of the Nail Spa on Baker Street in Costa

Mesa. The pedicure chairs are nearly always full, as most women want

a fresh new coat of polish to accentuate the “strappy” new heels they

bought for their gown. And what woman would reach for a seasonal cup

of egg nog with rough, cracking cuticles?

Lien Pham, who specializes in skin therapies, said the first of

the week is usually her busiest time, as facials and waxing should be

done about three days before the event, to allow time for irritation

and swelling to go down. Then, on Fridays and Saturdays, the women

return for manicures and pedicures the day of the event.