Experience Matters

Look at the concentration on that face!

Michael Delees began his career as a cosmetologist in 1970—over forty years ago, so to say he has experience is an understatement.  That said, what matters in picking a personal hairstylist is not so much the length of that experience as it is the type and quality, and that is where Michael truly distinguishes himself.  This article provides an overview of his professional accomplishments.

A Career Begins

While still in beauty college, Michael also studied trichology—the scientific study of the structure and health of hair and scalp.  These specialized studies were undertaken at Redken, which is now a division of the giant cosmetic firm L'Oréal.  His instructors took notice of his quick study and most particularly in how effective Michael is at explaining difficult concepts to others. As a result they recommended him to Redken officials and to Joe Oliveri.  Oliveri had the largest and arguably the most prestigious salon in the South Bay, located in Redondo Beach; and is the founder and CEO of TRI Professional Haircare Products.

Michael on the road coast-to-coast representing Redken. 

Notice the wide-lapels, this was the 70s and disco was in.

A Busy Man Headed to a Dream

On graduation from James Victor Beauty College, Joe Oliveri recruited Michael asking him to help establish a trichology department within his enterprises.  While working for Oliveri, Redken asked Michael to hold a series of workshops, teaching others in the profession the newest hair cutting and styling techniques; and diagnosing hair problems and ways to deal with them.  Travelling coast-to-coast in the USA and Canada, Michael appeared before crowds ranging from a few dozen to thousands.

These were busy times for Michael: doing cuts, color and styles, supervising trichology activities, and on his off-days representing Redken.  And in the quiet moments he began to formulate his long-term plans to own his own salon, but he wanted it to be unique in its approach.  His dream was to have a salon known for its artistry and that offered a full-range of services to men and women alike.  This dream kept him motivated and each day he redoubled his efforts to move toward that goal.

Hair Workshop

All of the hard work paid off.  In less than a year-and-a-half after graduation from beauty college, Michael opened his first salon, the Hair Workshop in Torrance.  It was an immediate success, in part because it was the first unisex salon in Torrance—and perhaps the nation—long before it was a popular fad.

This is not to say that ownership did not come with its share of bumps and bruises.  Michael began to notice a disturbing and very pronounced bias among his operators.  In their view, men were second-class citizens.

Historically, men had their hair cut by a barber who does not shampoo and style the hair.  Starting in the 1960’s, more and more men began to visit “beauty shops” to get a “style.”  Women spend significantly more than men and for that reason alone they are catered to and receive the most attention, while men tend to be “tolerated.”

As a salon owner, Michael wanted to see every customer receive a high level of care and attention, yet he could not force his operators to change their ways, so he made a decision that was a major turning point in his career: he would specialize in men’s color, cuts and styles.  He would take the men and let the other operators take the women.  He knew he would make less money personally, but his satisfaction would be greater.

Michael is back on the road again—teaching “The System”

It’s still the 70s and Michael is still stylish

The System

Michael spent the next two-years studying and researching the differences between men and women’s hair.  How men’s hair flows and lays, their unique problems, and ways to deal with them.  Once again his diligence paid off handsomely for he hit upon an inspiration. 

Prior to becoming a cosmetologist, Michael had studied architecture. Marrying architecture and hairstyling, Michael devised what he then called simply “The System.” Today it is more commonly referred to as “The Haircut Blueprint System.”  This is a procedure that breaks down every haircut into a step-by-step format during which the hair is measured in key areas and recorded.  This ensures that the hair is accurately cut the same way every time. For more on that system please read How to Get a Consistent Haircut.

The idea was so well received that Michael was encouraged to teach other stylists his system. So, like Willy Nelson, he went back on the road again, only he didn’t sing. He just taught thousands of other stylists his system.

Michael Roberts Salon

Michael Roberts Salon opened in 1989

Michael has gone on record to say, “One of the smartest business decisions I made was to hire Robert Allen.”  Referring to 1982 when he hired Robert at the Hair Workshop as an operator.  Michael quickly noticed Robert’s skill and artistry, so he made him a partner in the business. 

The relationship and the business flourished and in 1989 they moved their operation to a two-story 2,500 square foot, historic Spanish residence on Hawthorne Boulevard and renamed it Michael Roberts Salon.  It quickly became the buzz of the South Bay.  This is The Place where South Bay residents in the know come to relax in the spa atmosphere while its friendly staff attends to their every need.

Today

In 2004, Michael made the decision to step down from an ownership position and turned his interests in Michael Roberts Salon over to his long-time partner, Robert Allen, who renamed the salon ColorTec to emphasize the world-class color artistry for which Robert is well-known. 

Free from ownership, Michael cut his workweek back to three days and uses the free time this gives him to pursue his many other interests.  Michael’s base of operation remains at ColorTec—the same location he has been at for twenty-two years and counting.  He would like to count you as one of his most valued clients, giving you the look you want every time!

Summary

If you want a personal hairstylist with deep and varied experience, then you should give Michael Delees a chance to prove that he has the skills and knowledge that is a perfect match for your hair care needs.  Click Michael’s mustache above for an appointment and get started now.