Let me tell you about the best beauty salon experience! After visiting the MIR Bazaar at La Romana Country Club last Saturday and having lunch with friend Anna Pavlisova at Fresh Fresh, I headed to the Robert García Salon in Altos de Chavón to interview the charming South Florida celebrity hair stylist who opened shop here in 2014. I met Robert on the terrace outside his salon where we quickly became friends. Since we hit it off right away, he suggested the best way to get to know his work was to experience it for myself!For Robert, transformation is his ultimate forte; what he likes most is showing clients something they’ve never seen before. As a person who’s never colored her hair, but lately felt the need for some added dimension, I was thrilled when Robert decided to add highlights too! HOW can a girl say no, right?! Deemed the “hair therapist,” Robert knows what your look needs before you do. The texture, the weight, the movement, all of these factors go into how he uniquely selects what style flatters you most. Suddenly, I was whisked into the ultra-modern and whimsical environment of the Robert García salon ready to see just what it means to have my hair done by a celebrity stylist.The environment in the Robert García salon is like none other. Ornate mirrors stand tall on the walls, decorative rugs are interspersed throughout the floor, and multiple floor-to-ceiling hand painted murals by Jorge de Oleo fill the walls. Jorge is a talented artist Robert found and nurtured through his work in Playa Caleta with the creation of his school “Mi Refugio.” Jorge now has an art studio in Robert García’s salon and was there that afternoon adding new designs. As if on safari, or perhaps I was Alice having fallen through the Amazonian rabbit hole, I felt transported into a rainforest complete with parrots and monkeys in lush green trees. Madhatter turned hair magician indeed. Except quite differently than trailblazing through the jungle, I carried in my hand a glass of crisp, cool prosecco – a drink that accompanies any day at the salon.Clients come to Robert from all over, many flying religiously to his Fort Lauderdale location before he opened in Casa de Campo. I had the pleasure of chatting with Georgeé Kluck – a friend of Robert’s for over 20 years – and as her husband was out participating in the Blue Marlin Classic Fishing Tournament she had time to hit up the salon. Upon seeing Georgee’s lighter-toned locks, Robert mentioned he envisioned her with dark chestnut and reddish hues to bring out her beauty and youth. I was in awe of the results!For me, Robert added highlighted blonde streaks to my blonde base tones to brighten them up and give me a sassier look. ‘I could use some sass in my life!’ I proclaimed, and so there he went quickly and decisively choosing which strands to give definition. I could tell after the wash my hair already looking livelier and full of energy. If it looked good wet, I could only imagine what it would be dry. Robert used Obliphica products to my hair throughout the process emphasizing their top of the line quality and that they’re the only products he uses in the salon. For the cut, Robert kept my hair long, but with layers around my face. It was explained to me that hair frames the face, and just as you would frame a painting, you have to frame your face with the cut and color that compliment your features. At the end of the haircut, Robert asked me to stand up from the chair, and he circled around me like a piece of art. With the ‘artist eye’ he had his canvas and even said, “I’m concentrating on your hair; it’s all about you right now.” Lucky me!We chatted about his early days as a shampoo boy at the age of 15, and how he came to the Dominican Republic: “I came here for brunch and I fell in love with Casa de Campo.” The feeling is mutual, Robert! Eli Verwaay, part of Robert’s devoted clientele, says, “He is the best cut and color on this island for sure! His work is amazing and all women should know what we have here in Casa de Campo.” Truer words couldn’t be spoken because when my hair was dry, it looked like sun moving through a golden wheat field. Light bounced off the new shades for a remarkable glow that even pulled highlight into my no-makeup face!Having my hair styled by Robert was such a great experience. Sometimes you really don’t know what you’re missing until you work with the best. Robert’s good energy and positivity definitely translate into his work: “You’ll see how your hair picks you up.” It did!! Thank you, Robert! Casa de Campo ladies, I encourage you to book your appointment with the “guru of hair color” and discover your style for spring.Before…After!Obliphica Haircare ProductsArt design by Jorge de OleoArt design by Jorge de Oleo
The Robert García Salon in Altos de Chavón offers a range of services and treatments, here are just a few options and prices.
Styling with Robert Garcia
Price upon request.
Hair Design:
