Ask the Beauty Editor: Hair Repair

Filed under: Expert Opinions — StyleGuide @ 8:28 pm

Expert Opinions are tips from L.A.’s ultimate insiders.  Today’s contributor is Brooke Eastburn, former beauty editor for a major magazine. 

Sometimes a great deal can go horribly wrong.  This is a particular risk when you’re searching for a cheap haircut.  We turn to Brooke for guidance on what to do when a ham-handed stylist really butchers you up.  It may cost a little more, but it’s a bargain when you’re in dire need of hair repair.

In full disclosure, this is something of an ode to a certain hair salon.  My love affair began with the most colossal beauty disaster of my life, and miraculously concluded with me stumbling into an incredible L.A. beauty find, Chop Chop.

In brief, my hair hell occurred at a MAJOR celeb salon (think laughable prices and frightening egos).  I exited with a fierce mullet.  And the color? Frito Lay’s most vibrant “cheese” powder comes to mind.

A sage friend directed me to Chop Chop, and though they were fully booked for the next day (Saturday, of course), when they heard I was considering a baseball hat and a staple gun, they invited me to come in as soon as they opened.

And here is why I fell in love: Chop Chop has every single thing you could desire in a salon: amazingly skilled stylists and colorists with absolutely zero attitude in a sun-flooded architecturally gorgeous space (with new art installations every six weeks), all at reasonable prices. (Cuts are $80 and up; color is $120 and up.)

Chop Chop could flaunt some attitude — they’ve scored press coverage in Allure, Lucky and People, but all you’ll sense is that the staff is really interested in you loving your hair. 

When I first hurled myself into Troy Trusciante’s chair (as soon as he’d pried the Yankees cap from my head), he took a long look at me, asked what I do for a living and some other key “get to know you questions” — all in an effort to figure out what style and color would make sense for my life.

I left blotting away tears of gratitude, and to trump all, received a call from the salon two days later to make sure I was happy with my style and cut.  I almost wondered if it was a trick question.

Price: $$$$

Where:  830 North La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, Ca 90038 

Call:  323-464-8100

www.chopchopsalon.com

About Brooke:  Brooke is a freelance writer in Los Angeles. She previously was a beauty editor at Mademoiselle Magazine and has writen for Glamour, Prevention and More.

Posted in Expert Opinions |