Christian Michael Salon

Christian Michael Salon is a woman-owned hair salon in Sunset Beach that pairs hair services with hair extensions and stylist education. The salon describes itself as the best hair salon in Orange County and as having the best hair color in California; those are the salon's own claims.

Visits begin with a consultation before any service. Haircuts are customized and include a wash and style, and the women's cut includes a professional blow dry. Color services include a blowout and style. Prices are set from a starting point and rise with the client's needs and wants.

New clients can call the salon to be matched with a stylist, and existing clients can book online with the stylist they choose. Clients are encouraged to bring inspiration photos to appointments. A valid card on file is needed to book. A $125 fee applies to no-shows and to cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice. A deposit is taken only for special color orders or special extension lengths.

Extensions are a central part of the business. The salon stocks a wide range of extensions, and some specialty colors and lengths are special ordered. Extension installs begin with a consultation, the purchase of the extensions, and installation of wefts into natural hair, and the salon only installs extensions it sold. Tightening is scheduled 6 to 12 weeks after the install.

The salon also trains stylists, with online and in-person classes and a certification program that covers three extension methods. Its extensions are made for certified stylists and cosmetology students, and the salon sells extensions and tools online as well as in the salon.

Each visit starts with a consultation, and services are shaped around what the client wants and needs.