The Man Behind the US Open's Hair

Through Tuesday, the most exclusive salon in New York City isn’t on Fifth Avenue or in an airy Soho loft. It’s in Queens. For the past couple of weeks, stylist Julien Farel has hosted a pop-up salon at the  US Open, inviting the world’s top tennis players to stop by for a cut or style. Seven stylists are on hand to give athletes a new ‘do, makeup application, or fresh manicure before they hit the courts. The services are free—a treat, considering a stop at  Farel’s salon can set you back hundreds of dollars.

The relationship started in 2007, when Farel (who used to attend to the coifs of French Open players) became the official hairstylist of the U.S. Open. Through the pop-up salon, he works with clients like Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, Bethanie Mattek-Sand, and Rafael Nadal. His mission: to give athletes a quiet space away from the courts and crowds. “It’s providing a luxury perk,” he says. “What they look for here is relaxation. It’s a place where nobody asks them to sign anything, where they can be alone.”

At the salon, players can choose from a menu of styles, among them the Twisty Tail and the Power Pony, but braids are by far the most requested style come game-time. “They want their hair to be locked in,” Farel says.

Tennis stars also inspired Farel to create a now-bestselling product. “Over eight years, the U.S. Open has opened my eyes to show me the needs of athletes,” he says. “All of the people who practice wash their hair once or twice a day. That, and the exposure to outside conditions, is very drying to the hair.” This led him to create hisRestore treatment, which treats dehydrated hair and stressed-out scalps. (Yes, it’s very popular at the U.S. Open salon.)

Of course, it’s not just the players who benefit from the salon. It’s great exposure for Farel, who has salons in New York, Miami, and Cabo San Lucas, but in speaking with the stylist, it’s clear that it’s not just about business. “I love these people,” he says. “They’re incredible players and athletes. I feel very lucky to take care of them.” While the game may be tough on the court, in the salon, it’s a win-win.