Brian comes to Groove with 20 years of experience. He has trained in top salons in Dallas, New York and San Francisco. Tony & Guy, John Dellaria, Architects & Heroes, Elevation Salon, Mr. Pinkwhistle and DiPietro Todd Salon just to name a few. He has been fortunate enough to learn from some of the very best. In addition to salon work Brian has also styled hair for N.Y. Fashion week and worked on photo shoots — working alongside industry greats Jimmy Paul of Garren and Bumble & Bumble and also Danillo.
Brian specializes in modern wearable haircuts for women and men with attention to detail, head shape, hair texture and also lifestyle. Brian has the critical eye and attention to detail that is required for special event styling and the dressing of hair for weddings and other important events. Brian pulls his inspiration from music, fashion, film, architecture and design – all supplemented by the energy of what he sees happening around him. Mostly Brian is inspired by the individual he’s working with to bring out the best in them whether it be a cutting edge look or something more subtle .
Through training in Portland, Oregon, at one of the nation’s top-ranked cosmetology programs, Bryan developed and cultured a deep passion and skill for hair. He was submerged in Tony & Guy cutting technique from day one, giving him a sophisticated understanding for shape and texture. During this time, Bryan’s luck struck and he won a scholarship to a Redken advanced color training, in of all places, San Francisco. It was a sign of good things to come.
Under the watchful eyes of color masters and precision cutters at Anima, his craft was honed and his communication skills sharpened. He spent two years as a Junior Stylist at Utopia in San Francisco’s Union Square. During this time he received advanced training from such industry giants as Toni & Guy Advanced Hair Dressing Academy, Big Sexy Hair. Bryan spent six years at Jackson Place Salon continuing his exploration of form and color while mastering corrective color. His work outside the salon has taken him from runway to the stage and much more in between. Bryan brings a classic and strong, yet youthful and creative, approach to hair. Most recently Bryan attended UNITE Academy in San Diego for a different approach to the classic cuts. His unique blend of many technical approaches allows for distinct personalizaiton of each style.
Chika Cody moved to San Francisco from Japan in 1991 and has been styling hair since 1993. She speaks fluent English and Japanese and brings a multi-cultural approach to hair styling. She speacializes in both cutting and coloring and received training at world-renowned establishments such as Vidal Sassoon, Bumble & Bumble and Goldwell. She has trained extensively in both razor and scissor cutting techniques and advanced color knowledge.
She follows a philosophy of combining a deep level of expertise with the needs of busy professionals. She continues to educate herself on the latest innovations in the industry and brings a fresh approach to hair styling.
Clare has been specializing in chemical services for over 12 years. Her abilities range from coloring, relaxing, perming and thermal reconditioning to providing a wide range of treatments for healthy hair and scalp.
Clare trained at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Los Angeles and completed her apprenticeship with Vidal Sassoon in San Francisco. At the advanced academy, she specialized in chemical services and educating apprentices.
After the academy, she then moved to Cowboy’s and Angels Salon in San Francisco to be head of color education as well as to provide specialized services. She then worked at DiPietro Todd Salon, working with their advanced academy to teach advanced and creative courses as well as to service clients.
Clare’s advanced training through industry leaders such as Wella, Matrix, L’Oreal, Yuko Systems, Goldwell and Redken has taken her from San Francisco to Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, New York and as far away as Australia. Having worked internationally, Clare is so pleased to be back in San Francisco at Groove, working with her favorite stylists in the Bay Area.
Caleb was born to be a hair dresser. He has over 16 years industry experience working in San Diego, New Orleans and San Francisco. He has studied many different disciplines of hair cutting including Toni & Guy, Bumble & Bumble, and most recently Vidal Sassoon. His knowledge of hair color stems from advanced training with Goldwell, L’Oreal, Redken, and Wella.
Caleb’s understanding of various textures of hair comes from his training under many master cutters and colorists. This diverse background has exposed him to many schools of thought and he has taken what he feels best from each and applies this knowledge to create his own unique approach to his craft.
Caleb is constantly inspired by his surroundings as well as the many hair dressers that he has worked alongside during his career and is especially excited about drawing future inspiration from his fellow stylists at Groove.
Emmanuel knew he wanted a career in the hair and beauty industry from an early age. So early in fact, that he completed beauty school before finishing high school. During this period Emmanuel drew his inspiration from art, fashion and travel, in addition to working as a florist and as an eyebrow specialist for Benefit Cosmetics.
After receiving his cosmetology license Emmanuel entered the industry as an assistant at Spank Salon, a cutting-edge hair salon in Alameda, California. One year later Emmanuel was promoted onto the floor and quickly set to work letting out his intuitive and creative talents. During his seven years at Spank he continually wowed his clientele with creative and innovate looks, both in haircuts and colors.
In addition to his time with clients Emmanuel is also a Professional Technical Advisor for Schwarzkopf, a global pioneer in the hair color industry, providing color education and exhibiting at hair shows. As a lifelong learner, Emmanuel continues to attend hands-on training with industry leaders such as as Paul Mitchell, Davines and Schwarzkopf.
Emmanuel is comfortable working with all textures of hair and specializes in relaxing hair. As a color educator and chemical specialist Emmanuel prides himself in being confident in coloring all hair textures; natural, curly and/or chemically altered hair.
Another passion of Emmanuel’s is Bridal Hair Design. He particularly enjoys the ‘behind the scene’ time with the Bride and provides a calming influence during what tends to be a stressful time.
Winning accolades for his keen design eye and his modern personal style, Emmanuel is admired for his aesthetics in fashion design, hair, nails, and makeup. Emmanuel brings not only his prodigious talents to Groove but also his warmth, likeability, kindness, and great sense of fun. Plus he speaks Spanish fluently!
From the age of 12, Jeff knew that doing hair was his calling. It drew on the two dominant parts of his personality — his artistic and creative side as well as his desire to make people look and feel good.
Jeff has been a hair-cutting specialist in San Francisco since 1995. He previousely spent 11 years at Cowboys and Angels, both as an apprentice and as a stylist. He also has received advanced training from Vidal Sassoon and Bumble & Bumble.
Jeff strives to tailor each haircut to a client’s personality and lifestyle. He calls on architecture, street fashion, music, sound, color and character for further inspiration. When he’s not pursuing his passion for hair, Jeff is spinning on the DJ table and pursuing his interests as an electronic music producer and photographer.
In 1994, specializing in haircutting, Joseph began working for Vidal Sassoon in his hometown of Boston. Following his desire to explore Joseph soon moved to San Francisco where he worked up to Creative Director for the Sassoon Salon and Education Center. During this time he occasionally taught at the L.A. Sassoon Academy and performed platform work at industry trades shows.
Joseph’s continued desire to explore brought him to Cowboys & Angels Salon as their Haircut Educator and stylist for seven years. He then made his way to Groove in order to work with many of the talented and creative stylists he has met over the years.
Joseph continues his education annually with industry leaders including Bumble & Bumble, Davines, Deva and Wella. To refine and sharpen his skills of his trade Joseph re-entered L.A. Sassoon Academy to expand back into the world of color.
In addition to working at Groove, Joseph both practices and teaches yoga. He remembers the importance of well-being in his daily life and is mindful of where beauty begins. Grateful for the life that he has been given, Joseph hopes to use it to give back.
Justin Douglas Welch brings 15 years of experience working with hair to the team at Groove. He has been educated by many different masters of hair cutting and coloring and his personal approach to hair is to fuse problem-solving with artistic inspiration. “I am constantly amazed by the endless color and texture combinations that are possible within the medium of hair. By utilizing chemistry, art and design we can produce results that range from natural and carefree to highly stylized and architectural.”
Justin began teaching hair color theory and application in 2004 as a Certified Educator for Goldwell, an internationally respected leader in the science of coloring hair. As an educator he facilitated interactive, hands-on learning, and mentored stylists on successful hair color formulation, corrective techniques, and principles of color and design.
Before apprenticing as a hairstylist, Justin studied psychology at PSU. When he is not behind the chair at Groove he enjoys ballet, teaching indoor cycling, being outdoors, yoga, food and wine, reading and taking advantage of the splendor of the Bay Area.
Krystin has always had a love for expressing her creativity, which made her career choice of hair stylist and colorist an easy and natural decision. After graduating from San Jose City College in 2004 from the then highest ranked Public Cosmetology Program in the Bay Area she embarked on the journey which would become her career.
During her 3 years at Plan Be in San Jose, Krystin continued her color training through Schwarzkopf, Framesi and Redken as well as her cutting training from Rusk and Framesi.
After relocating to San Francisco she did a short stint at Maire Rua in the lower haight before coming to Groove.
Krystin draws her inspiration from the individual personalities, hair characteristics and personal style of each of her clients.
Lisa has been in the hair industry since 1991. Before, during and after receiving a BFA in photography and art history, and while studying abroad in Sweden, Lisa developed a realization that the hair fiber is the most artistic canvas she could work with.
After moving to San Francisco in 1996, she decided to become a hair color specialist. Her apprenticeship over four years took her from diPietro Todd to Architects & Heroes salons, perfecting and understanding the range of options as well as the limitations of color.
She spent the past six years at Renaissance Salon in Pacific Heights, and she effectually customizes the cut and color of each client
Michelle has been coloring and styling hair for more than eight years. She began her career at a boutique Aveda salon, where she received extensive education in ‘pure concept’ cutting and color techniques. Her passion for this lifestyle quickly advanced her to senior hair designer and colorist at Artisan Colour Spa salon. In 2005 she trained under top colorists at Antonia Prieto salon in Manhattan, New York, expanding her knowldege of Wella, Redken, Toni & Guy, John Sahag and Christiano Cora.
Michelle’s passion for session work led her to dazzle the runways of NYC and work on countless photo shoots. Michelle’s vast experience with brides and bridesmaids also led her to design for Klienfeld’s Bridal in NYC. Before moving to San Francisco, Michelle returned to Artisan as Creative Director and educator for Davines. Michelle takes pride in understanding her client’s needs and provides a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Each color and cut is customized specifically for the client’s lifestyle and personality. She beautifies the world wherever she goes, and has chosen Groove above all others to continue her journey.
