One of my favorite things about being an editor for American Salon is having direct access to what’s new, and even better, getting to experience it. I recently had the chance to try out the new ShuBar, a personalized hair service by a Shu Uemura “mixologist,” at Yves Durif Salon (which is “nestled” within The Carlyle Hotel, a historic, stately building near Central Park). When I arrived at the salon on the third floor, the front desk attendant led me to the Salon Privé, separated from the rest of the salon with a metal mesh curtain. The walls are decorated with photography from Yves’ personal collection—images Marilyn Monroe planting a kiss on Frank Sinatra’s cheek, Yves doing hair on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Before beginning the treatment, my ShuBar specialist Jazmine asked a series of questions about my beauty habits, general lifestyle and any problems I experience with my hair—it’s color-treated, and I’m more of a wash-and-go girl who occasionally indulges in a more meticulous routine. She then cocktailed the perfect combination of products and prescribed Sweet Remedy, which uses golden root extract and ceramide 4000 (a super-high concentration of reparative aids). She mixed in some Quick Fix, which has magnolia for shine and strength. After she measured each product into a shot glass (a nice touch), she massaged the mixture onto my scalp and rinsed. It was quick, pleasant and effective.
I think the biggest point of difference with a bar service is the time element, and a small dose of smoke and mirrors. It’s an easy upsell, add-on or a way to give your client some extra pampering. Cocktailing a collection of products after carefully, but quickly, “sizing up” the client, and then applying it with a luxurious, relaxing scalp massage can be accomplished in 15 minutes, making it possible to tag it on to a blowout, color treatment, cut—you name it. Really, the whole thing was simple, but genius: Through delivery and presentation, it became a sophisticated star-treatment.
You can follow the salon on Instagram at @YvesDurif @ShuArtOfHair.
About: Kristen Heinzinger is the Managing Editor of American Salon, where she gets to report on the latest products, trends and industry hotshots. She holds a B.S. in journalism from Boston University, and has previously worked as an editor for beauty, art and finance publications. She currently lives in New York City, in an apartment where a multiplying collection of dry shampoos, conditioners, eye creams and nail polishes are earning her lots of potential for an episode of "Hoarders."