Over the years it has become quite evident that Downtown San Diego has amassed its chic grandeur from vivacious cities such as New York, Paris and London, to create a replica of that age-old, resplendence all within close propinquity.
Most notorious for swanky nightclubs, profusions of eclectic restaurants and a myriad of luxurious skyscraping condos, downtown has become a teeming metropolis embodying the bold vision of a grandiose lifestyle. And we have none other to thank than the talented entrepreneurs who have taken their money and ran with it, turning San Diego into a flourishing Mecca filled with cultured cuisines and sparkling entertainment.
Along with this progression of high-class living, we have begun to see a rise in the salon industry, as trendy boutique establishments can be found on almost any street. And while each downtown salon poses a unique specialty in order to lure you inside, it has become apparent that not all haircuts and styles are created equally.
I myself have encountered the seemingly extraordinary San Diego salons only to leave with a gaping hole in my wallet and a haircut and color I could find with a Garnier box and a pair of scissors. With all the throngs of media gimmicks constantly surrounding us, how can you find an establishment that offers expertise style and a long-lasting personalized experience?
A few doors down from Visions Lounge and directly next door to the steamy Hot Body Pilates, you can find that British born SACO Salon and Academy is already bringing a whole new meaning to the ever-changing world of hair in San Diego.
It all began when Thomas Leach, owner of La Jolla's Blue the Salon (now closed), hosted an educational event in which SACO stylists taught local San Diego salons a few of their high-class techniques. When Tom was introduced to Richard Ashforth, one of the founders of SACO, they found that they possessed a similar vision towards contemporary beauty. With thriving salons and schools in London's trendy Covent Garden and Montreal's charming Notre Dame West, the lively city of San Diego encompassed the perfect picturesque elements for the first United States SACO location.
When I came to SACO in my flustered stumble, I found just the peace of mind I was looking for. My hair dresser had cancelled on me for the second time and my hair epitomized the approachable appearance of a cactus. I was undeniably in dire need of help. As I opened the long, glass doors donning the signature red and black logo, I became engulfed by the chic simplicity of the lengthy bricked-walled room with its glossy hardwood floors.
Behind the mirrored reception desk (which just so happened to be boasting a few of my favorite lilies) I was greeted by the beaming salon manager, Emily Miller, who thankfully set me up with two of their stylists, Becky and Ian, so that my hair could be awarded the proper remedy.
As I sat down in one of the inviting leather chairs, I immediately felt overpowered by the soaring mirror in front of me. Well, just more proof that my hair in fact looked just as stressed as I normally feel. But after chatting with Becky and Ian, two of the utmost sociable stylists I have ever encountered, I couldn't help but feel my anxieties slip away from me – I knew I was in good hands.
Hours slipped by in what seemed like mere minutes and I immediately realized the unique aspect of SACO that sets it apart from well known salon academies like Paul Mitchell. As SACO strives to create an atmosphere resplendent with creativity, proficient expertise and affordable luxury, it's unquestionably noticeable that you won't find training for the masses here. Stylists are divided into three separate levels depending upon their extent of expertise and each can cut, color, tame and frame your mane to perfection. But for those who don't mind spending a pretty penny, the top of the totem pole is where you can acquire an elite treatment from a SACO artistic director.
Beginning in September 2008, licensed stylists who are itching to get a little knowledge of the exceptional techniques behind SACO can partake in the first series of educational classes. For the inexperienced stylists, dive into their Classic course, where you will learn the core fundamentals every proficient stylists needs.
If you're looking to broaden your existing knowledge, SACO offers the Modern Salon course in which your can increase your cutting and coloring repertoire. Lastly, for those who want to maximize their talents to the highest potential, the Advanced course is based around the latest SACO collection and utilizes the most cutting edge cutting and coloring techniques. Basic one day classes start at $350, but if you're looking to achieve complete, quality knowledge you can take a four day course which begins at $1100.
Through dedicated training and a firm belief in personal achievement, it is indisputable that SACO is one to change the realm of hairstyling as we know it. After spending a day in the lap of luxury at the sparkling new San Diego SACO Salon, I was enthusiastic to see that my once weary locks now radiated with a refined sense of finesse. And although I no longer obtained my week's worth paycheck, I departed in a relaxed frame of mind, feeling that my money was definitely well spent. After all, we all know the worth of a perfect cut and color. Luckily, the distinguished style of SACO has created a personable world in which perfection is attainable.
Insider Tip: For those who still want to learn the tricks of the trade, but don't have the time or money to enroll in the San Diego SACO Academy, SACO offers two educational DVDs a year that explain haircutting and coloring techniques in an easily digestible format.
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