SB Salon Signature “Santa Barbara Beach Hair”

SB salon signature
“Santa Barbara Beach Hair”

Our popular team of professional stylists specialize in three-dimensional, living colors

Sarah Sinclair

Read all entries on the cover of Self-Care in Santa Barbara, 2023 edition here.

If you tend to think of hair salons as places for basic maintenance rather than luxurious pampering, you’ve never had a scalp massage by Briana Olcez at an SB salon. With strong hands embracing, the massage was both relaxing and invigorating. From the moment she walked in the door she felt like royalty, but she made us feel so comfortable and at home. “Don’t you really like coffee?” she asked.

It’s no surprise to learn that Olcese’s background includes wedding hairstyling. It takes a special combination of soothing personas, rigorous logistics and insane styling skills to keep the entire wedding party perfectly organized, productive and on schedule while pampering the bride on her big day. Olcese has all three of hers and has grown a team of professional stylists as in demand as she is.

SB Salon is known for its distinctive style of gorgeous yet subtly wavy mane known as the ‘Santa Barbara Beach Hair’. Brianna explains that a trained eye can tell clients in her salon SB just by this signature aesthetic of “dimensional living colors.” They offer a full range of services, including hand-tied and taped I-tip and K-tip hair extensions. But I loved every hour of the cut, color and style session.

The pandemic-induced shutdowns have hit beauty salons particularly hard with repeated regulatory changes and restrictions. Olcese made a bet that he would double the size of the studio during the downtime. “We wanted to grow our business and hire and train more stylists. We believed that when we were able to reopen, our loyal clients would come back and support us.” she explained. This has proven to be true, with her expanded SB salon now having six stylists and a burgeoning training her program where recent graduates hone their skills. Clients benefit from your attention, and a warm chat in the studio adds to the fun and friendly atmosphere.

Housed in a 110-year-old Victorian building on West Mission Street, SB Salon exudes a unique Santa Barbara atmosphere. The wide front porch is perfect for people-watching while the foil works its magic. With a cup of coffee, of course.

108 W. Mission Street; (805) 626-0370; santabarbarahairsalon.com

Read all entries on the cover of Self-Care in Santa Barbara, 2023 edition here.