Rachelle Dattola and Rey Diaz-Ordaz grew up in a family of hairdressers, so it’s no surprise the sister and brother also pursued careers as hairstylists.
The Pasadena natives were both educated at Vidal Sassoon Academy, and their father ran a Vidal Sassoon salon for years. Prior to opening Rachelle Salon on Mission Street in 2003, Dattola owned another hair salon on Huntington Drive in South Pasadena that she later sold.
Diaz-Ordaz, who has been a stylist for 30 years, got his start working at Vidal Sassoon in Beverly Hills, then worked with Dattola at her former salon. He eventually joined his sister when she opened Rachelle Salon.
“We enjoy being here in South Pasadena,” said Diaz-Ordaz. “A lot of people walk by and we really feel like we’re part of the community. The other nice thing about the salon is that there is a public lot in the back, so there’s plenty of parking for our customers.”
Dattola loves butterflies and has weaved them into the theme of her salon, including a Tiffany-inspired stained glass butterfly that hangs above the reception desk, along with butterfly decor that adorns the walls and even ceiling above the shampoo station. Purple walls, flowers, colorful artwork and a painting of actress Audrey Hepburn on canvas further contribute to the salon’s whimsical and eclectic vibe.
Rachelle Salon offers a variety of beauty services for men, women and children, including cutting, coloring, conditioning treatments, hair extensions and perms. Complimentary consultations are available for all services, and Schwarzkopf Professional products are featured in the treatments and sold in the salon’s retail area. There is also a nail station where customers can get manicures and pedicures.
“Right now it’s popular for women to have longer layered hair, which offers more versatility with styling as you can put it up or wear it down,” said Diaz-Ordaz. “As for hair color, we have a lot of people going lighter and brighter for the winter season to add depth to their look.”
Appointments can be booked over the phone, although the salon does accept walk-ins as well. One of the things that customers love most about the six-station salon is the quality service it provides in an intimate environment.
“People like the simplicity as it’s not overwhelming,” said Diaz-Ordaz.
“We treat all of our guests nicely with courtesy and professionalism. It’s a nice creative career and I’ve met a lot of people who are more than clients — they’ve become my friends. I always look forward to seeing them, and I enjoy the interactions I have with customers and the public.
“Everyone is welcome here, and we’re more than happy to help people look and feel their best.”
Rachelle Salon is located at 1522 Mission St. in South Pasadena. It is open Tuesday–Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (626) 441-8015 or visit rachellesalon.com.
Rachelle Salon Spotlight appeared in the print edition of the South Pasadena Review on 12.6.19. Support Local Business.
