Pierre Michel Salon Gets a Makeover

Not that they were in dire need of it. Loved by celebs, high society and the girls who spend entire paychecks on treatments, Pierre Michel has moved up in the world. Not up, as in even farther away from 14th Street, but two floors above their old 57th Street location. I'm guessing it was to get away from window shoppers stealing a peek at a splotchy post-waxed Angelina Jolie, but they'd probably say the space is more conducive to their new neo-modern look. The salon has expanded as well, so now lunching ladies can sit within an arm's length of Uma Thurman (as opposed to shoulder to shoulder) while she gets a blow out from the lovely Alessandro. Downtown dwellers will love the new bustling and boisterous atmosphere, fueled by the David Burke coffee bar smack dab in the center of the action.

The salon gets an upgrade from 8,000 square feet to a whopping 10,000 square feet, and employs 128-135 employees at any given time. From the elevator you are greeted by friendly- yet professional- group of staff who help you change and shows you around if you aren’t proficient in the layout of Midtown salons. There’s no moment of awkwardness as snooty attendants give you the ‘shouldn’t you know where the changing rooms are?’ look from hell. In fact, the comfort of customers is numero uno: it’s famous for turning down Bernie Madoff’s wife Ruth because ‘“some of our clients were victims of the Madoff’s and therefore Pierre Michel didn’t feel comfortable having her in the salon.” Way to look out for the little (though probably still very rich) people.

The beauty mansion has 32 of the world’s top stylists, 4 manicurists, 3 makeup artists (bridezillas trust their lives with them) 2 estheticians, 15 colorists, and over 50 assistants. They also have a smiley support staff of about 25. I had the opportunity to experience some of the more unique salon experiences, opting to try the lash extensions (more on that later) getting the full brow treatment, and getting a blow out, which was probably the best my hair has ever looked (thanks Alessandro). The place seemed so perfectly orchestrated, I thought the staff would burst into song at any moment. But this was not a pricey version of Hair the Musical, it was just one of the best salons in the world, boasting the best choreography.