After two decades of jet-setting to Paris, Rome, and Los Angeles to style the hair of celebrities and runway models, Barry Nadeau wanted to settle down and give world-class attention to clients in a place where he would be happiest.
So, on Dec. 31, 2014, he opened Brush Palm Springs, a one-chair salon in the historic El Mirador Garage in the town’s Uptown Design District.
“Palm Springs is a small town but it’s a destination like New York, Miami, or New Orleans,” he says. “They’re places celebrities want to visit. People in the Midwest and other areas look at the history of Palm Springs and see the stars they grew up with. This was their playground and still is, but now the stars are locals. They have made this their home, and they’ve made Brush their home.”
With only one chair, Nadeau emphasizes quality time. “When clients come in, they get my undivided, laser-focused attention on their hair needs: color, cuts, and scalp issues,” he says. “In return, I have a loyal clientele who know they can come in to relax and enjoy a peaceful, quiet environment.”
Nadeau, who trained at Vidal Sassoon in London before embarking on his 35-year career, is especially sensitive to clients experiencing hair loss and scalp issues.
“Hair loss can be unsettling. In fact, you can look as handsome, as young, as vivacious as you did years ago with lots of hair. And we forget that the skin on our scalp is as important as the skin on our face. We have to protect it.”
“It’s a journey for me, and it’s a journey for the client,” he continues. “I always say, ‘I’m the pilot and you’re in first class.’ That’s what Brush Palm Springs is.”
Nadeau, who donates his services to help Desert AIDS Project clients prepare to reenter the workplace, is especially excited about the changing face of Palm Springs.
“There’s a younger crowd coming in,” he says, beaming. “It’s a more business-oriented crowd. You can open a business here. It’s about enlightening people. Letting them know that this is a place where you get more bang for your buck.”
VIDEO: Barry Nadeau, Owner, Brush Palm Springs