Grand Opening of Kristoff Ball Salon
Celebrity hairstylist with a rockin' background opens new salon with a rock-star-studded party.
Last Thursday, celebrity hairstylist Kristoff Ball celebrated the opening of his new Beverly Hills salon with a party produced by Brent Bolthouse. A tent was set up with a bar, lounge area and music. Guests ate, drank and explored his new salon, discreetly located on Wilshire Boulevard, just behind Friar's Tux Shop.
Kristoff Ball is the man behind Gwen Stefani's signature platinum blonde 'do and her son Kingston's infamous blue Mohawk. The two met when Kristoff, also a musician, opened for Gwen's band, No Doubt, one night. Almost instantly he accumulated a rock star clientele and become known as the "Long Beach Hair Guy."
Growing up in Long Beach, Kristoff taught himself how to cut hair at age 12 and set up a makeshift salon in his garage, charging neighbors $5 for a haircut. He's come a long way from those $5 cuts. Celebrities among his clientele include Ashley Tisdale, Gavin Rossdale, Alicia Silverstone, Jared Leto, Whitney Port and Nicole Richie. Kristoff is also responsible for changing Pink's pink hair to platinum blonde. After leaving Long Beach for Los Angeles, Kristoff worked at some of Tinsel Town's most high-end salons including Art Luna, Privé, Fred Segal Beauty and Chris McMillan.
Kristoff opened his first salon in Malibu in 2010, and while he enjoys a local following, his new Beverly Hills salon provides a more convenient location for many of his Angeleno clients. The interior of the salon is both modern and rustic with a glam punk rock vibe and touches of whimsy, such as a couple of backyard rope swings hanging randomly.
As you walk into the salon, you'll immediately notice an unusual art piece by Peter Gronquist – a deer head with metallic antlers that twist into an Yves Saint Laurent logo. Another double-headed, pink-eared deep trophy by sculptor Joshua Levine is displayed above the shampoo bowls.
Aside from cuts and color, Kristoff is known as a master blow-dryer and stylist. His hair treatments are all environmentally friendly and "Erin Brockovich approved." Erin, an environmental activist, happens to be a client and friend of Kristoff's and keeps any questionable treatments off the menu.
His new salon is a family affair – Kristoff's wife, Cassandra, manages the front desk and son, Noriel, will soon be joining him once he graduates from cosmetology school. Kristoff sees the salon as an opportunity to "pay it forward." It will be a place where stylists can grow and learn, he says, with the idea that they too can develop into "owners" one day.
Liz Laing is a writer, web designer and photographer who lives in Los Angeles. Her latest projects may be followed on Liz Laing.
