Getty ImagesHollywood's hot spot is not a new club or yoga studio. It's a hair salon: Nine Zero One salon, to be exact.
If a celeb has gotten a fresh crop, dye job or extensions recently chances are the new 'do was probably created by hairstylists Riawna Capri and Nikki Lee, who also co-own the West Hollywood beauty shop.
In the last few weeks alone, the pair have transformed the tresses of Ashley Tisdale, Emma Roberts, Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens. They also are quite busy prepping clients like Nina Dobrev, Jewel and Julianne Hough for red carpets.
So how did this duo become head masters? Here's their story:
How long have you been a hairstylist?
Nikki: I've been doing hair professionally for 12 years. It all began at Fred Segal Beauty in Santa Monica.
Riawna: I've been doing hair professionally for 10 years. But I started at the age of 16 in my garage!
What was your big break?
N: I would say that my big break was when Britney Murphy took us to meet her friend "Kenny" at his salon. It turns out It was Ken Paves! Shortly after we started working at his salon and great things started happening for us.
R: When I was an assistant at Fred Segal Beauty I looked up to a certain stylist who was always going and doing these amazing photo-shoots. One in particular was Colin Farrell for the cover of GQ. I told myself "I know I can get there" and "I can do that." After years of training, I finally found myself standing there on that very same set with Colin for his newest cover of GQ. That, to me, was a personal break!
What are a few of your favorite red carpet looks that you've created?
R: Nina Dobrev's knot hawk, Julianne Hough's knotted braid and Jennifer Morrison's tiered ponytail.
N: Jewel's voluminous blowout, Selena Gomez's colorful extensions and Heidi Klum's extensions (see below).
What was a near-fiasco that you've had to deal with in your career?
R: The day before Nikki and I signed the lease to Nine Zero One salon, our investor backed out! We didn't know what else to do but empty out or savings accounts and invest in ourselves. It was the best risk we ever took!
What items are always in your kit?
N:Unite 7 Seconds leave-in Detangler
Unite Boosta Spray
Oribe Dry Thick Spray
Mason Pearson
Clear rubber bands and Bobby pins for all those last minute changes!
R:Unite 7 Seconds leave in Detangler
Unite Expanda Dust
1" curling iron
Oribe Dry Texture Spray
Big Sexy Hair volumizing dry shampoo
Mason Pearson brush
What new item are you currently obsessed with?
N: My current obsession is definitely Unite D'Frizz! It's an argon oil spray that I've been religiously using before lightening any client to help keep the integrity of their hair healthy and shiny.
R: U Luxury Moisture and Shine because it eliminates any frizz and smooths the cuticle of the hair.
What is your favorite drug store buy? And what about your fave high-end splurge?
R: My favorite drugstore buy is Psssssst Instant Dry Shampoo. My favorite high-end buy is my Mason Pearson Brush.
N: My favorite drugstore buy is classic Velcro rollers for those perfect blowouts. My favorite high-end buy is my Mason Pearson Brush.
What's the weirdest request you've recieved from a client?
R: Once my client asked me to shave the underneath her hair off by her nape to remove the bulk from her hair—I couldn't do it!
N: I have a blonde client always asks me to "break" her hair off, each visit...for the past 8 years! Her style is so edgy and chic that it works for her, but it's scary for me.
Who have you been working with the longest?
N: Aside from the last 11 years side-by-side with Riawna, I've been working with Jewel the longest.
R: Aside from Nikki, I've been working with Julianne Hough and Nina Dobrev the longest. I met them both around the same time, about seven years ago.
Check out Riawna and Nikki's Instagram accounts to see more of their amazing work.