At the Julius Michael Scarsdale Hair Salon@juliusmichaelsalon in Scarsdale, NY, it’s not uncommon to look across the room and see a Real Housewife like Danielle Staub or Kenya Moore settling in for a service. But co-owners Julius Michael and Monica Wald never single anyone out for special treatment. As far as they’re concerned, every client is entitled to a celebrity-worthy experience! Here’s how they make each customer feel like a star!

They divide to conquer.  Julius is the “flash” in the partnership. He juggles celebrity and photo work with caring for a large clientele in the salon. He works on the set of The Real Housewives of New Jersey and is often called upon to do a Housewife or another celebrity before an appearance on Watch What Happens Live. His Instagram page is full of Housewife photos, and the media covers many of his hairstyles—like the lob he recently cut for RHNY Ramona Singer.

In the salon, Monica is the consummate hostess. Her goal, every day, is to make clients feel welcomed and happy. “I want them to feel as if they’re having a wonderful time in my home,” she shares. “Monica keeps the ship afloat,” Julius says. “She takes care of the business side.” When the pair met, (she was originally a client), Monica was a teacher with killer organizational skills. “Those organizational skills have really come in handy,” she says, “and my teaching background makes me a big believer in education.”

They care for their artists. Monica admits that when the salon opened, the stylists were skeptical about working with an owner with no experience in the business. But her appreciation for their artistry quickly won them over. “They soon discovered that I was committed to being sure every stylist could always open a cabinet and find every product they need to do their jobs,” she says. “My job is to provide the tools, so they can create.”

And, from the very beginning, Monica and Julius have fostered a culture of openness and warmth. “We have a great rapport and relationship with every stylist,” Monica declares. “We are a close group. We are family. After all, we spend more time together than we do with our own families!”

They provide education. Julius and Monica partner with L’Oréal Professionnel to provide training for their team. The company offers in-salon classes throughout the year and hosts staff members at the L’Oréal Professionnel Academy in New York City.

What’s more, Julius personally trains the assistants, and he’s an open book when it comes to his celebrity “secrets.” “I have to work with a lot of wigs and extensions,” he reveals. “Plus, I’m known for creating faux bobs for the women on the show. There are specific techniques for all of those things, and I share them freely.”

He also teaches by example. “I’ve been up since 4 a.m. shooting a commercial today,” he laughs. “I’m always rushing, there’s always pressure. When I’m under pressure in the salon, I’m able to show the staff how I cope with it and let it go!”

They sell what clients see.  “Everything I retail, I also use on my backbar,” Monica declares. “I think that’s important because our guests see that we actually use and believe in the products we offer for sale.” To support retail sales, Monica places a strong emphasis on product knowledge training in the salon, which L’Oréal Professionnel is happy to provide.

They’re Instagram-ready. As long as he’s not giving away a plotline while taping a season of the show, Julius’s Housewives, and other regular celebrity clients like Jenny McCarthy, give him free reign to post their images on social media. And when clients see photos of Julius’s “girls” sporting lobs, beach waves, extensions, shadow roots and balayage, the salon phone starts to ring! So, Julius and Monica make sure the staff is always up-to-speed and ready to offer the looks that will be generated by Instagram!

They see to the “extras.” The shampoo chairs double as massage chairs, and every client is asked if they would like to experience a massage when they’re at the backbar. The salon tempts guests with cappuccinos and cookies. Monica uses product samples to put together seasonal gift bags for occasions like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Day after day, she’s always on the lookout for new ways to pamper and delight her guests. Because in keeping with Monica and Julius’s vision for the salon, every client, on every visit, must be gifted with a unique, luxurious and memorable experience!

A Snapshot of Julius Michael Salon

Salon: Julius Michael Scarsdale Hair Salon
Names of Owners: Julius Michael and Monica Wald
City, State: Scarsdale, NY
Established: 2011
Square Feet: 1,500
Number of Employees: 20
Number of Stations: 8
Retail Lines: L’Oréal Professionnel, Oribe
Color Line: L’Oréal Professionnel
Shampoo, Cut and Style: $90 (average price)
Single Process Color: $90 (average price)
Salon software used: Insight Salon & Spa Software
Best-selling product: L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Shampoo and Conditioner
Newest product on the shelf: L’Oréal Professionnel Hollywood Waves Collection