Photography by Zoltan
“It’s interesting because people tend to take care of their skin more than they take care of their hair and scalp. But it’s all connected so they should all be treated together.”
South Florida stylistas waited with bated breath for the fateful day. In late March, it finally arrived—the opening of Raphael Reboh’s Femme Coiffure Hair Spa at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach. It comes as no surprise that this opening created the kind of buzz usually reserved for red carpet celebrity events. From the top-of-the-line products to the state-of-the-art hair restoration equipment, the crème-de-la-crème of nationally recognized stylists, and one of the poshest locales on the beach, we would expect nothing short of singing in the streets in praise of the opening of these elegant doors.
“I did not want just a plain old salon,” explains Reboh. “I wanted something that would create an ambiance and deliver a message.” Mission accomplished. Reboh designed the interior space himself, citing his own intimate knowledge of the kind of functionality a salon must have in order to be successful for the stylist and comfortable for the client. “It’s very difficult for interior designers or architects to figure out what is the right practicality for my kind of salon. I attended to the placement of every detail, therefore everything is simple and easy, with very sharp, very clean lines,” he says. The result is a setting that chicly demonstrates exactly why this hair spa is worthy of its location in one of Miami’s hottest hotels.
Upon entry from Lincoln Road, or from within the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton South Beach, guests are enveloped in the modern sophistication of high-gloss white, from the walls, to the marble flooring, to the shelving, to the styling stations. “The stations are real wood, but painted in the same method as you would coat a car,” explains Reboh. “They have been painted seven times in order to get that polished, high-sheen effect. It is very sharp and clean looking.” The stark white is accented by powder blue furnishings and the product placement of the emerald green René Furterer collection, all underlit with LED lighting.
Reboh believes in a holistic approach when tending to the top of the body’s exterior and designed his space to be not just a salon, but a spa for the hair and the scalp. “It’s interesting because people tend to take care of their skin more than they take care of their hair and scalp. But it’s all connected so they should all be treated together,” he says. To begin each visit, clients undergo technical analysis from a René Furterer beauty computer that provides data on the exact state of affairs of the hair. From nutritional deficiencies to chemical damage, it prints a report for the stylist who can create a personalized treatment plan. Another highlight of the hair spa is the laser machine that repairs damaged hair and regenerates thinning and balding hair. Femme Coiffure is the only salon in the world to offer this exclusive piece of state-of-the-art equipment. Heavy Italian hair extensions and cutting-edge styling techniques are also on the beauty menu.
With more than 30 years in the industry, Reboh has mastered both the art of styling and the business of operating a luxury salon. Now it is his time to shine on South Beach with the long-awaited grand opening of his hair spa at the Ritz.
103 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.864.4400
www.femmecoiffurehairspa.com
News
April 9, 2009Best of Design: Francesca Bucci and Hans Galutera
