‘Beverly Hills’ on Burbank

Walking into the Krimson Hair Studio for the first time, the most

immediately apparent feature of the salon is, ironically, how unlike

a salon it actually is.

It is heavily influenced by Moroccan style and aesthetics.

Faux-finished walls and stylized fixtures contribute to the

salon’s highly unique look, and ambient lighting succeeds in creating

a relaxed atmosphere while appearing professional.

For owner and stylist Amanda D’Alfonso, however, the decision to

go with a nontraditional look was a no-brainer.

“Moroccan style isn’t terribly popular around here, but I think

it’s just so beautiful and unique,” said D’Alfonso, a lifelong

Burbank resident. “Its nature also creates an inviting and relaxed

atmosphere, which is important.”

The Krimson Hair Studio opened its doors on Aug. 2 but will have a

grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 10 and according to D’Alfonso will

feature activities such as henna tattoos and belly dancing.

Prior to opening the Krimson hair studio, D’Alfonso worked at a

salon in Toluca Lake but had always wanted to own a hair studio of

her own.

Then, while perusing the online website Craigslist.org one day,

she saw that the corner storefront that had once belonged to the

Stars and Treasures second-hand store had suddenly become available.

D’Alfonso jumped at the opportunity.

“We basically came in, knocked down the walls and started from

scratch,” D’Alfonso said, gesturing to the salon around her.

Given the extensive work and care put into the salon to fit

D’Alfonso’s vision, it is difficult to believe that the building

itself is not brand new.

The salon’s stylish, unique look also contributes to its

atmosphere, which D’Alfonso said is key.

“You go into a lot of salons and it seems like everyone has an

attitude and no one really listens to the customers,” D’Alfonso said.

“It’s crucial for us to create an atmosphere where customers can come

in and feel important and valued.”

In addition to being visually striking, the salon also offers a

number of different services, including many that would be expected

in a salon such as all types of hair care, manicures and skincare.

The stylists are also Board-Certified Hair Colorists and D’Alfonso

herself is a Redken specialist.

One of the more unique services that the Krimson Hair Salon offers

is Japanese hair straightening, a process which takes at least three

to four hours and utilizes special chemicals and a super-hot

straightening iron to permanently straighten hair.

“The results are amazing. Just beautiful, silky hair,” D’Alfonso

said.

Also of note are the salon’s Great Lengths hair extensions, which

are protein-bonded individually onto strands of hair.

On of D’Alfonso’s goals is to offer Burbank residents a “Beverly

Hills” style hair salon without having to drive over the hill.

Santa Monica resident Maria Costanzo is doing the opposite.

Costanzo has been a customer of Krimson Hair Studio stylist

Jennifer Keeler at various hair salons over the years and now makes

the long trip over the hill to see her.

“The other places that Jen worked either lacked a professional

vibe or were very stuffy and you felt as if you had to be done up to

even walk in,” Costanzo said. “This isn’t anything like that. It’s a

place where people can come in, relax and feel comfortable about

themselves.”

Through it all, D’Alfonso is hopeful that she will be successful

in providing customers with what they want out of a hair salon.

“We really wanted to create a beautiful environment that we’d be

proud to work in, but more importantly, one that people would also

feel comfortable in coming to,” D’Alfonso said.

The Krimson Hair Studio is at 3400 W. Burbank Blvd. The business

will have its grand opening celebration on Saturday.

For more information, call the salon at (818) 848-8557.

BIZ BIT

Since opening earlier in the month, Krimson Hair Studio owner

Amanda D’Alfonso said that many of her customers use it based on its

unique looks alone.