release

dk hair expands line of services in new Hillcrest location - Submitted to Hillcrest Business Improvement Association July 2007

Located in the trendy Hillcrest neighborhood, dk hair specializes in providing clients with the latest color and hair styles within an edgy, artistic environment that exudes an unmistakable level of creativity. Co-owners David Valencia and Kenneth Bradshaw have honed their craft, receiving numerous accolades throughout their combined 30 years. Now, with a host of awards coupled with both an unparalleled education and training program for its staff and a newly acquired facility, dk hair is at the forefront of hairstyling.

In September 2003, Valencia and Bradshaw brought their vision of a salon to reality by opening dk hair, their first salon in Hillcrest located at 3739 Sixth Avenue. Enveloping quality and progressive services, the salon tailored its offerings to the needs of each client, utilizing only top-of-the-line hair products while encouraging its staff to embrace creativity at all stages. In its first year of business, the salon was voted Best Salon by the Gay & Lesbian Times. It has since been recognized by 944 Magazine, San Diego Metropolitan Magazine, Hillcrest News, Vision Magazine, San Diego CityBeat, and several news stations including KUSI and KNSD.

The salon's accelerated success is attributable to many factors but the common thread is its commitment to its craft. Valencia and Bradshaw, for instance, have acquired exceptional experience by such industry leaders as Vidal Sassoon and Toni & Guy. Accordingly, they have instilled a strong education and training program for all team members so that they too can become the best provider of hair services. This path begins with all licensed stylists entering an assistantship program where they specialize in either cutting or coloring and participate in on-going education opportunities. In addition, stylists and colorists are encouraged to attend Bumble and bumble (B&b) and L'Oreal seminars and events to increase their knowledge and use of the salon's own styling and color products. In 2005, dk hair was named a B&b Elite Hair Salon, signifying its ability to carry the full B&b treatment line, which is a rite given to less than 1% of all salons in the nation. Recognized by readers of Salon Today who represent over 20,000 top-producing salons around the country, dk hair was selected in early 2007 as one of the 200 fastest growing salons in North America, and the only salon named within San Diego.

True to its calling, the salon has continued to evolve and in the fall of 2007, Valencia and Bradshaw announced the relocation of dk hair to a larger facility located at 3785 Sixth Avenue, Ste 100 in Hillcrest. With over 200% more space, the new salon remains urban and edgy while providing clients with expanded services. Workstations are aligned for an unprecedented twenty-two haircutters and colorists. In addition, two private rooms have been added to accommodate a dedicated line of massage and facial services. In addition, a new collection of haircuts, color, and makeup choices are available which showcase strong architectural lines and juxtaposed colors ranging from nature's soft pastels to bold yet clinical metallics.

DK hair's new salon evokes a sense of industrialism wrapped in a cool, earthy blanket. A navy blue high ceiling with exposed beams and air ducts contrast finished walls painted in muted earth tones. Rustic concrete floors on the lower level are juxtaposed with classical wood floors on the upper level. Workstations, anchored by freestanding extra large mirrors reminiscent of artist's easels, enable stylists to focus on the entire client while a center-located color bar creates a completely transparent and intimate setting for color processing.

The elevated feel of the new salon and its natural synergistic environment prioritized on building and maintaining relationships makes dk hair more than a salon. From info-sharing on the latest happenings, hippest eateries, places to shop and people to meet to the hottest colors, cuts and skin treatments, dk hair adopts the needs of its clients as its own. It's an ‘urbanesse' experience felt no where else but at dk hair in Hillcrest.