Hair salons go in and out all the time in Beverly Hills. But along the way, a few of them stick and become the holy grail of hairstyling. Umberto is one such salon, and the man behind it has become an icon in his industry.

I went in yesterday for a simple blogger blowout. Speaking freely, I always appreciate the little perks of being a beauty writer but a blowout is a blowout. Not that I take it for granted. Sign me up!

But this was on a whole ‘nother level.

I hadn’t been inside the Canon Drive salon in at least 10+ years. My hair doesn’t have much style. It’s always been baby fine, not really straight, not really curly, no bangs. It styles easily enough, but stays perfect for about 5 minutes. It moves from middle part to top knot on an hourly basis. It’s basically lazy. It likes to go to the party, but is ready to go after one round. I guess it’s on the right head.

Anywayyy. Apologies for all that dribble. The point being, my hair has been in the same non-style for about 30 years. I get it trimmed twice a year (if that) but rarely expose it to a luxe cut because… well it just isn’t worth the time and money. Color is a different story. I don’t mess around with a questionable colorist!

The people at Umberto greeted me like I was family. Such a happy vibe in this bright, airy salon. No uppity attitude. No staring at the messy nest that was my bun. Have ya seen Trolls? Nothing but people chatting and laughing and styling and coloring, all in a common hair love affair.

At the helm of the salon is Umberto Savone – the charismatic owner, respected stylist, and all-around revered entrepreneur. When they say a company’s culture starts from the top, it’s so true.

As the assistants got me settled in, I apologized for my long stringy hair and was assuring them my blowout would be easy… when Umberto himself walked up and introduced himself.

The consummate stylist, he took a quick tour of my hair. When I said I was only there for a blowout, he wasn’t having it. Umberto grabbed his scissors and went to town on my messy locks. He cut my hair while dry, with all the rhythm and smooth precision of a Bruno Mars mix.

Soon I was whisked over to the shampoo bowls, and then back for a blowout. His team used the Umberto Volumizing products (Thickening Spray and Lifting Powder) to give my hair extra body and weight. I highly recommend checking out the entire product collection – available at his salons or Target. Super reasonable prices!

 

What many people don’t know is that Umberto has a beautiful salon a few miles south, on Olympic Blvd. It’s not as grand as the original salon, but neither are the prices. You can book a cut, color, manicure, and more. Many of the Canon Dr. assistants work at the Olympic salon on their days off to build up their clientele. This salon is a fabulous option for those who are watching their wallets.

Though you’ll find Umberto primarily at the Canon location, both salons are full-service and will even offer you a smoothie or sandwhich. I walked away with a fresh new cut, sweet products, a smile on my face, AND my favorite chopped salad packed to-go from Porta Via next door.

It’s encouraging to know that some Beverly Hills beauty institutions still live up to their reputations after all these years.

• Umberto | Canon Dr | 310.274.6395
• Umberto | Olympic Blvd | 310.274.2139

 

xo