The U.S. Open is in full swing, and the most beautiful lobs (and pixies! and braids!) are happening beyond the net. For the 17th year, hairstylist-to-the-stars Julien Farel is operating his salon pop-up at Arthur Ashe Stadium, pampering players, tennis greats, coaches, and families. “The whole goal is to find a style that’s fashionable and functional,” says the French hairdresser.
Inside the Salon
The outpost of the Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa is located deep within the main stadium, through an entrance meant for very, very VIPs. GRAZIA USA stopped by on a sunny September afternoon as quarterfinals were just getting underway. There at the nail station sat none other than Martina Navratilova, indulging in a manicure during downtime. In addition to haircuts, blowouts, braiding, and styling, the pampering mecca offers manicures and pedicures, finished with tony Hermès nail polish.
Through the years, many a top player has stopped by the salon, and Farel delights in giving them a moment of calm — and chic looks. The team has worked their magic on Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Rafael Nadal, Taylor Fritz, Patrick McEnroe, and Novak Djokovic. “The players have little time to go for grooming and styling,” says the hair pro. “I love being part of creating the players’ tournament styles so they can go on the court or in front of the camera for an interview with confidence. The U.S. Open is one of the most beloved events in the city, and we relish being at the center of it, amidst all the energy,” he exclaims.
Behind the Pop-Up
What made him want to offer the players some pampering? “Before I emigrated to this country, I styled the players for the French Open,” he shares. So he pitched the idea to the U.S. Open, and after a few years of negotiating, the pop-up became a reality.
This year, one of his notable styles was on Canadian player Victoria Mboko. “She came in at six and was playing at seven,” Farel reveals. “I braided all of her hair and put it up. She really wanted to be stylish, and she looked so good! The outfit was so cute and the hair was working.”
He also cut #28-ranked player Stefanos Tsitsipas’ long shag into a sleeker cut. Shearing men’s players is a specialty of Farel’s. In 2010, he snipped Rafael Nadel’s hair from shoulder length to a short style. “We changed him totally, and he went to do press, and that was a really great change.” The only player he longs to shear is Roger Federer, who, of course, has retired from the sport.
Stylist To-The-Stars
Farel is no stranger to beautifying notables. He’s long been the hairstylist of Brooke Shields (herself a tennis WAG at one time!) and Martha Stewart and has worked with Sienna Miller.
While the outpost isn’t open to the public, the Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa in Manhattan is located in the Loews Regency Hotel on Park Avenue and boasts over 10,000 square feet of pampering pleasure, including massage and facial services, so it’s a great way to sample the services the stars of tennis are indulging in at the Open. A second outpost can be found in Palm Beach. The stylist also sells an eponymous product line for hair and body.
