Sunday, February 17, 2008
Life, Style

Modern Muse

Local stylist Daniel Jones a cut above

CREDIT:Courtesy of Muse Salon & Spa
Daniel Jones, Muse Salon & Spa

Spring Styles

Jones dishes on hair trends for the upcoming season
Look for:

• Monochromatic colors
• Blondes
• Short hair
• Heavy bangs
• Bobs
• Sleek, mod styles from the ’60s

By Carly Felton

Daniel Jones, co-owner of Muse Salon & Spa in Alpharetta, is on his way to fame. Jones, who originally went to college to be a funeral director/embalmer, switched career paths to hairstyling and opened Muse Salon in 2005. After working in Atlanta and studying under the guidance of world-renowned stylists in major European cities, Jones is now sharing his enthusiasm and expertise with the best of the best (stylists, that is) in New York City.

The Sunday Paper recently chatted with Jones during one of his few spare moments to uncover the motivation behind the man behind the chair.

Q You went to school to be a funeral director—why did you start working with hair?

A I needed something a little more exciting. Funeral school just wasn’t fulfilling. I wanted to be around beautiful people. I enjoy making people feel good, and with this industry, I could enhance people’s lives. I did an apprenticeship in Atlanta, went on to further my education in Barcelona with Luis Llonguerras, in Paris with Jacques Dessange, in London with Charles Worthington, and in Rome with Franco Curletto, and I’ve been behind the chair ever since.

What inspired you to open Muse Salon?

My personality is such that I’m always reaching for a challenge; I’m never satisfied. I became the No. 1 stylist in salon [I was working in] quickly because I was always so busy. I wanted something more. I wanted a salon that would be geared toward customer service and relationships. I met [Muse co-owner] Jody [Mason] seven years ago, and we decided to open a salon.

What makes Muse different from other salons?

Unparalleled education—hands down. Our education is untouchable. Our relationship with our employees and clients; everyone is extremely loyal. We carry premium products like Shu Uemura, known as “liquid gold;” only 70 salons in the United States carry it, along with Saks and Barney’s.

We have 30 employees and are always busy. We’re the busiest- and fastest-growing salon in Alpharetta. Our clients come from all over: Buckhead, Marietta, East Cobb—all over Atlanta and out of state—Alabama, New York, California, Denver, even Tokyo. There are thousands of stylists in Atlanta; the fact that someone chooses to sit in my chair makes me feel honored.

What are your hair specialties?

Cuts, color, hair extensions; I like it all. I’m pretty much a hair-color guru. I can do a full head of extensions in less than two hours—it takes most stylists eight to 10 hours. I like to tailor each client’s look to their personality. Just as every person is individual, I like their style to be individual.

Tell us about your new gig in New York City.

I was chosen to be an educator with L’oreal Professional. I’ll be working at the L’oreal academy in SoHo on Sundays and Mondays, training hairstylists from around the world. I’ll also be teaching in local salons in [places like] Savannah and Greenville. Usually, stylists have to enroll and work their way up. I think [L’oreal professionals] just saw my passion and enthusiasm, and they called and asked me to be an educator.

So you’re basically working seven days a week; how do you do it?

My passion keeps me going. I can be tired, but when someone sits down in my chair, I’m automatically re-energized because I love [hair] so much.


We know you’re involved in the community. What’s your current focus?

This year, we’re focusing on Big Brothers Big Sisters and breast cancer charities because so many of my women have been affected by the disease. I organized a fashion show for the Atlanta 2-day Walk [for Breast Cancer]. It raised $20,000. Atlanta Hospice is another one of our patrons.

I always have something going on. We had a big singles event at the salon recently to celebrate single women. We had champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, complimentary makeovers and blow dries to give them confidence and help them get back out on the dating market.

I’m so lucky with all of the opportunities I’ve been given that it’s my obligation to give back to the community.

What’s your favorite part of the job?

The people and the relationships. I do the hair of my 1,000 closest friends constantly. I always have these amazing women around me. The relationships I develop are life long. They’ve even told me: They’ll be mine until they die or I die. SP

Muse Salon & Spa is located at 4620 Kimball Bridge Road in Alpharetta. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 678-393-2214 or visit www.musethesalon.com.