ROBERT LUPO
Level 5 Master Stylist*
Renowned stylist and passionate creator, Robert established The Salon by Robert Lupo with the vision of making it the style center of cutting-edge salons within the San Francisco East Bay.
Raised in the Bay Area, Robert planted his roots in Alameda, California. Robert’s creativity flourished as he traveled throughout the world as a dancer and choreographer, working in an industry that is influenced by fashion and beauty. There, he honed his skills as a make-up artist and stylist.
Extensively trained, he works on all hair types, textures and styles with clients from all parts of the world. His life and career have thrived in the rich culture of the Bay Area, inspiring him to become a meticulous master of his craft and setting trends by creating beautiful hair. The Salon by Robert Lupo is the reflection of Robert’s artistic vision. Passionate about his work, Robert, a world-class stylist, continues to establish himself as a trend-setting leader and mentor while maintaining both his classic and contemporary edges. He now brings that unique combination to his own salon.
KHALILA WOLFE
Khalila is a Bay Area native who has 14 years of experience as a stylist. She brings a background in fashion and an innate sense of style to all of her clients. Khalila has an intuitive approach to her work, while staying in tune with the current trends in hair, style and fashion. Whether it is edgy and unique, blunt and bold, or a fluid and seamless look you are after, she has the techniques to create it for you. Khalila enjoys all aspects of hairstyling and believes in listening to her clients wants and needs. She marries this awareness with her own creative flair, to give each individual their own best version of themselves. She truly enjoys the feeling of seeing her clients leave the salon, feeling exceptional.
ENRIQUE REYES
Growing up as a child, a Libra child...I was always drawn to beauty. I felt a constant pull towards beautiful things of all kinds and found them in most of my surroundings. Eager to learn, I jumped into a receptionist position at a salon and would do makeup touch ups on clients on my own time, while their hair was processing. Knowing that I had found my passion, I knew the next step was to attend cosmetology school.
I made my way from my hometown in Morgan Hill to San Francisco and enrolled in the cosmetology program at the Aveda Institute. Focusing on my trade and education, I put myself through school working as a MAC makeup artist. Bringing my two worlds of hair and makeup together, I was living and breathing hair and makeup artistry in San Francisco. With an itch to expand my network, I knew it was time to move on and relocate to Los Angeles. Within 6 months, I had landed my first publication with Vogue, which was the launching pad for my career. I was then referred to several fashion stylists in the area, who were looking for a trustworthy hairstylist with a vision for the fashion industry. Working in a fast-paced market, I couldn’t focus simply on makeup, coloring or cutting hair. Instead, I was doing it all.
In the summer of 2018 I fell for my soon-to-be husband, Robert Lupo, and made my way back to the Bay Area. I am still making trips to Los Angeles to service clientele, but have found a home here at The Salon by Robert Lupo. I believe that artistry and technique go hand-in-hand in offering something to all people. Helping people to feel good in the transformation of their look excites me and leaves my professional cup spilling over.
ARI EL-WAHIDI
Level 5 Master Stylist*
My love of hair began before I ever thought of going to cosmetology school and becoming a stylist. As far back as I can remember, I was putting on performances with friends, dressing them up and doing their hair. When I was young, we would entertain our parents for hours on end with everyone in high style hairdos. In high school, I styled my friends’ hair for their proms, homecoming dances and even senior portraits. I was on my way to becoming a stylist and I didn’t even realize it.
Robert started styling my hair when I was a young girl. I would watch him effortlessly moving through, not only the canvas of my hair, but I also observed him interact with his clients and coworkers. It was at that time that it clicked for me, that I too wanted to be a part of that type of culture. I decided to attend the Paul Mitchell San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology School.
I have been involved in being a stylist for several independent films and photo shoots, both for up-and-coming actors as well as for stylists and designers. My advanced training includes working with L’Oreal, Bumble & Bumble, Vidal Sassoon, Arroyo, Aveda, and Hot Heads Hair Extensions.
I loved the hustle and bustle of working behind the scenes and working on sets, but realized that my true passion was creating looks for clients behind the chair. I love providing a style that leaves them feeling and looking a little bit more confident than they were just a few hours before. The esthetic part of styling hair is just as exciting to me as the emotional connection I create by getting to know my clients through the years of working with them. Building these relationships has been my biggest reward to date.
MONICA DELUNA
As a young woman, Monica has always been into glamming it up! Her love for beauty and glam is what she emulates with her own persona! Kind of that Marilyn Monroe-type. Specializing in blondes, Monica is extremely seasoned in bringing a fresh blonding with her signature toning to any client.
Monica is a warm and loving person. She is easy to talk with and takes the time to understand her clients’ hair needs. Monica is the type of stylist that is not only your personal stylist, but a true friend as well.
She has been committed to her craft since 2002. Upon completing cosmetology school in San Francisco, she was a part of two color apprenticeship programs, including one at San Francisco’s 77 Maiden Lane Salon, in the heart of Union Square. The other was at Di Pietro Todd Salon in Mill Valley and Union Square. In apprenticing for these salons, she was able to perfect her technique and refine her artistry and love of styling hair. Monica has completed the Vidal Sassoon color and cutting programs. Her passion for hair and continuing her education—in order to keep current on the latest trends—is something she prides herself on. Joining the team at The Salon By Robert Lupo is a new adventure in her career and one that she is excited to be a part of!
KELLIE WILLIAMS
Long before I bought my first curling iron, my infatuation with hairstyling began. My grandmother used to take me with her to the salon every Saturday for her weekly shampoo and set appointment. The energy of the salon was simply intoxicating to me. The smiling faces, endless chatter, clouds of hairspray, and upbeat music made me feel like I was living in a movie. At the time, I had no idea the effect those Saturdays would have on my future.
After 15 years in the industry, what I love most is the connection I have with each client. It is more than just hair, it’s the people who make my career so wonderful. My Vidal Sassoon training gave me a strong technical foundation for haircuts, and the benefit I gained from my time at the Bumble and Bumble University was immeasurable. It was there that my creative eye came alive and became more focused. Learning how to see past a basic cut to tailor it to each unique face shape and individual hair texture elevated my skill set to a whole new level. After returning from my classes in New York City, one of the greatest rewards I found was in teaching my fellow stylists all of my newly-acquired knowledge. Sharing techniques and renewing passion in others is an amazing feeling. I believe there is always something new to learn, and regularly continue my education.
I find my biggest source of inspiration in street style. Everyday people putting their own little twist on life reminds me there are no right answers when it comes to style - only the right look for you. Embracing your hair’s natural texture, producing an air of effortless style and exuding confidence is the way to go. Pixie haircuts, bold color, curly hair, and choppy bobs are my absolute favorite heads of hair to work on. But who doesn’t love soft, flowing, long layers with natural highlights and tons of dimension? I will forever love the vibe of the 1970’s.
Outside of the salon, I like to keep myself busy and active. Hiking, running, digging through thrift stores, tickle wars with my son, art galleries with my husband, and an occasional karaoke night out with my besties are my favorites. I try to fill my life with joy and appreciation no matter how I am spending my time.
MELISSA KINCAID
Level 3 Senior Stylist*
Melissa Kincaid loves all things hair related!!
She has always had a love of the industry with a zeal for fashion, makeup and hair but made the decision 10 years ago to make it her full-time career. After attending Paul Mitchell Santa Barbara she made her way to San Francisco where she quickly landed a job at one of the most prestigious salons in the city. She underwent two years of extensive training in both cut and color with world-renowned artist Jules Chan and the extremely talented Jill Tucci. Melissa continued to develop her passion for hair at her salon, learning new techniques and absorbing as much of the industry as she could. In addition, she began freelancing, gaining new clients, and doing pop-up salons for big tech companies.
Melissa loves playing with all different natural hair textures and finding the right look and style that suits each individual client. She believes good consultation is the key to creating a clear vision for her client’s look. She loves crafting hair cuts using both scissors and the razor and enjoys using different techniques, old and new, to create the desired effect when coloring. Melissa is also a certified Brazilian Blowout specialist who can smooth out challenging hair textures to the desired texture, saving clients time and preventing heat damage. She strongly believes in continued education to stay modern and current even with the classic looks. One of her biggest joys is cultivating lasting relationships with her clients who begin to feel like family. She loves her career in this ever evolving industry that is inspired by beauty and creativity.
DONTA SMITH
Level 1 Senior Stylist*
Donta was heavily inspired as a child growing up in the home and watching his
grandmother who was a nurse, beautician and salon owner. He idolized her and the
women in his family, yet had an infinity for Wonder Woman, the Bionic Woman,
Charlie’s Angels and Janet Jackson. Donta knew he wanted to go into an industry to
enhance the outward appearance of people. Upon realizing his passion for style and
beauty, he was drawn to cosmetology.
Donta believes in product knowledge and continued education. He has twenty plus
years of salon experience. Donta was an apprentice and trained underneath some of
the top salons and stylists in the Bay Area. One of Donta’s gifts is his ability to take the stress out of otherwise challenging hair textures by utilizing effective methods that range from a blow out to a silk press. Additionally, Donta’s love for long hair led him to pursue his knowledge for extension techniques.
Donta has a love for pop culture and people from all walks of life. While being
professional, Donta endeavors to make everyone feel right at home. And when you
leave his chair, you feel like family.
Donta’s versatility extends to various life’s special moments and his work has been
featured in photo shoots, music videos, both locally and regionally. Before even knowing that his love language was acts of service, Donta knew he wanted to make people feel beautiful.
MARLENY ROMERO
Level 5 Master Stylist*
Marleny has been in the beauty industry for more than 15 years, specializing in customized hair color and precision haircuts that accentuate her clients’ beauty. She trained at premier salons in San Francisco for more than 4 years, perfecting her coloring techniques while solidifying her hair-cutting craft. She combines her impeccable attention to detail, knack for listening to her clients’ needs, and years of styling expertise into each appointment or consultation—which means each client gets a customized look that’s just for them.
Mixing classic cut-and-color methods with advanced techniques driven by the latest fashion and industry trends helps Marleny truly show off her artistic abilities. She continues to evolve the foundations of her work by participating in innovative color classes and cutting workshops.
When it comes to product, Marleny has vast hair color knowledge of the Wella, Goldwell, Redken, and L’Oreal color lines. Plus, she’s versed in the extensive hair care product lines, so she confidently provides her clients with the looks they envision—and she recommends products for specific hair types and textures to keep clients’ hair looking fresh in between appointments.
On top of providing excellent styling services, Marleny is all about creating a positive, relaxing environment for clients while they’re in her chair. Her passion and expertise in hair coloring and styling—paired with her warm, fun-loving nature—are sure to keep you coming back.
MASOODA FAIZI
Level 1 Stylist*
Masooda Faizi is a recent graduate of the cosmetology program at Paul Mitchell Academy. Her motivation to start cosmetology school started during the pandemic. Like so many people, she was looking for a career change and decided to join the most amazing industry. Her experience in the salon started as front desk support. Honing in on how the business worked and helping cultivate The Salon experience, her passion grew for the culture of a salon atmosphere. She realized she had always loved the world of beauty and that was where she was meant to be. Excited to be doing hair behind the chair and be part of such an amazing occupation, Masooda is eager to expand her knowledge in this industry and is so excited to see where this journey leads her. We welcome Masooda to our team, and here’s to new beginnings!
*Service prices are determined by the stylist's level of expertise. The Salon has Levels 1-5, Level 5 being the highest level Master Stylist.