The hair of Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Brittany Spears, the Hilton sisters, and Camila Alves all look good for a reason. Colorist to the stars, Kim Vo brings out the best of these celebrities’ luscious locks at his eponymous salon in West Hollywood. Vo has become something of a celebrity himself when Vogue magazine anointed him the “Best Blonder in the Business” a decade ago. Vo has also appeared in popular TV shows such as ABC’s “Extreme Makeover,” Bravo’s “Shear Genius,” and CW’s “The Look: All Stars” with Tori Spelling. He and Spelling were co-hosts of a reality TV make-over competition series in 2018. The following year, Vo opened his first standalone salon after working at his namesake salon inside the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills for almost a decade. The Kim Vo Salon reopened in January 2021, after temporarily closing for the pandemic.
I met Vo on a sunny afternoon at his new location on the quiet, tree-lined section of Robertson Blvd, a short walk from celebrity-filled Craig’s and Catch LA restaurants. The all-white room resembled a chic bungalow with spaced-out stations under natural skylights, exuding a happy mood. Guests can also choose a private outdoor station, set under shady trees in the charming courtyard. “We wanted a St. Tropez feeling of being home away from home. Our clients can relax here and get away from the hectic pace of the city,” said Vo, who designed the space with his boyfriend and business partner, Adeel Khan, a celebrity fashion stylist.
The couple is introducing “Hair to Toe” make-over styling sessions. Vo described the salon experience as a “one-stop destination to enhance your image.” He and his stylists will tend to the hair, while an expert make-up team provides hands-on make-up lessons. Khan will offer an extensive consultation to discuss the client’s lifestyle, desired looks, and goals– to create a dream wardrobe.
It was a perfect setting for a post lockdown trim and color. To brighten my dull locks, who’s better than the master colorist himself.
“A little bit of light adds sparkle to the hair,” said Vo. He was delighted that my hair has never been processed. “I’m so honored!” Vo added babylights, small strands of hair with highlights for a natural sun-kissed look. Within 30 minutes, the coloring process was done, and Vo declared, “A new year, and a new you!”
Next, I met with his longtime hair stylist, Mika Fowler, a Japanese-trained freestyle haircut specialist with over 20 years of styling for red carpet events. The result was a soft trim that was easy to maintain. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, with a lot of care to ensure each guest’s comfort, such as beverage check or giving thoughtful hair care advice. After a few relaxing hours in the gorgeous bungalow, I emerged with a sleek bob that begs to be seen. With such precision color, cut and care, it’s no wonder Kim Vo salon has attracted a legion of loyal clients that keep coming back.
