Washington Hair "Roi"-alty

Attending the Salon Roi 40 th anniversary party in May, I had a chance to experience some of its history and to finally meet the talent behind it's name--Roi Barnard.

Salon Roi began operations on August 9, 1969 and has enjoyed phenomenal longevity for a hair salon and spa. Originally known as Charles The First for its co-founder Charles Stinson, the salon was the choice of well known Washingtonians in both government and media with clients like Connie Chung, Diana McClellan, Rudy Maxa and others.

In addition to founding the salon, Roi was a leading male fashion model in Washington from 1965 to 1975. At the age of 71, he looks decades younger and still reflects a burning desire to make his clients look fabulous. Some of those clients are 4th generation--practically unheard of in an industry where the average life of a client in a salon is about 3 years.

I wanted to know more about this fascinating man and how he's managed to be in business so long in the Washington landmark building featuring the Marilyn Monroe mural.

Roi was gracious enough to answer some questions about his life and career:

BeautyInDC: Roi congratulations on celebrating the 40th anniversary of Salon Roi recently, what is the secret to your longevity as a hair stylist and business owner in Washington?

Roi: I decided to take a few classes in business before actually opening the first Salon in 1969. I remember the teacher saying "If you create a happy, content staff you will attract a happy, supportive guest." I found that to be very true.

We think of the salon as a home away from home. It actually was a private home in 1908. We treat each day as though we're having a party, we are the host and the clients are our guests. We want people to leave and say "Wow, that was different!" If they do that they will be back for more. Another reason for our longevity may be that I always instruct the staff to never let the media know who our high profile clients are. All clients are treated the same here. The news worthy clients are so happy they can be normal here they actually leave security outside. Trust has served us well.

BeautyInDC: What is your philosophy and approach when styling hair?

Roi: I have always believed that hairdressing is truly part of the healing arts. It is so personal and we do have a license to touch. No amount of technology can take the place of hands on, human touch and helping another person feel good about themselves.

I listen to what my clients say about themselves, their goals, personally and professionally, their desires regarding how they want to look and live. We talk about a look for work and a look for play. My job is to keep it realistic, without taking away certain ideas they have about themselves. It is a meeting of the minds in an art form. They leave the salon and live with it until I see them again and then we go from there to the next look or goal.

BeautyInDC: How has the salon changed over the years?

Roi: Change is a funny thing. I know we've changed over the years and so has Woodley Park but it is so subtle. The biggest and most dramatic change was when I knew it was time to turn the future of Salon Roi, Inc., over to someone younger who would be perfect for the house that Salon Roi had built. I met such a person in Daiva Kastekaite. She agreed to take us into the future and I am so proud I made the right choice for leadership. She is relentless in striving for excellence. The salon is fresh and has many added services including a spa and boutique. We are positioned to go many years into the future. We have been blessed, what a ministry this business really is. I just love it!

Salon Roi 2602 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 202-234-2668 www.salonroidc.com

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