Fan Pier: Talent

Gary Croteau is one of Salon Mario Russo's senior-most stylists, having joined the team only eight weeks after the salon opened in 1990. Throughout his tenure with the salon, Gary has served as both a stylist and a colorist, and most recently as the director of education. He has synthesized his knowledge and skills from international training with acclaimed industry stars, including Vidal Sassoon, Toni & Guy, Nick Arrojo and Orlando Pita. As a former fine arts concentrator at Saint Michael's College in Vermont, Gary views each hairstyle as an art project, channeling years of artistic training into every hair design. "The principles of line, design, color, and texture that apply to painting and sculpting also apply to styling hair. The hair is simply a different medium," Gary explains. In an industry that boasts higher-than-average competition, Gary has dressed the famous tresses of everyone from pop princesses to starlets, musicians to models. Recent clients include Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Mandy Moore, Meredith Viera, Darryl Hannah, Dennis Leary, and Debbie Matenopoulous. His hair and makeup artistry has graced the finicky pages of magazines including Vogue, Bazaar, Interview, GQ, Esquire, and Men's Journal. His innovative work has been recognized by Boston Magazine's coveted Best of Boston Award for Best Woman's Hairstylist in 1995 and 2000. His television makeover credits include episodes of MTV's Made, E's Fashion Emergency, and The Good Day Show. In addition to a host of awards and distinctions, Gary has been named by Esquire Magazine as the Northeast's "Best Dressed Real Man in America," by the Boston Globe as one of the "Ten Best Dressed People," and by FB as among the "Most Fashionable Bostonians." Outside of the salon, Gary performs with Beacon Hill's Theater on the Hill, publishes award-winning poetry, collects contemporary art, and travels the world.

Gary Croteau
Education Director, Bridal Specialist

Josh is originally from the central part of Massachusetts. In his late teens, he made the decision to leave his childhood home and move to Boston. He had a love and natural talent for hair and entered the industry in 2001. Upon completion of hair school, he focused his career path on color... That is where and when his intense training began. Josh traveled and has attended many color specific workshops ranging from color lines, Wella Professional, Goldwell, and L'Oreal to name a few. His range and breadth of knowledge of color has developed from years of one on one training, application, workshops, and collaboration with his fellow acclaimed color team at salon Mario Russo, which he joined in 2006. Josh specializes in creating natural looks, by adding multi-dimensional highlights. His ability to listen to his client's needs and color desires, with amazing results, have made Josh a favorite colorist among Boston's residents.

JOSH TRUAX
Colorist

Marisa career began in 2004 when she graduated from the esteemed 'Paul Mitchell School' of Rhode Island. Time spent at Salon Mario Russo includes training under the guidance of Russo Education Director Gary Croteau, personal assisting, and training with 'Mario' directly, and developing her increasing client base. While she loves working with all types of hair, Marisa especially loves to cut and style long wavy air. Continuing to progress as a Stylist, education has played a key role in Marisa's development. Marisa's Advanced Education includes Toni & Guy Advanced Hairdressing Academy in both New York and New England; several creative and theory color classes including Goldwell Color Certification Academy; Styling Courses from both Bumble & Bumble and Sebastian. She has also become certified in Bio Ionic Retexturizing System. Most recently Marisa has attended Oribe classes from Editorial Stylist Ronnie Stam. Marisa also specializes in the smoothing treatment known as 'Vegan Blowout'. This unique treatment is ideal for all types of hair. While it makes blow drying the hair faster and easier, it also improves the overall health, and condition. While strengthening hair with each treatment, it can last up to 12 weeks. Marisa has enjoyed all of the opportunities she has had since joining Boston's Best Salon but finds the gratification she gets when a client leaves feeling amazing to be the most rewarding part of the experience.

MARISSA HILL
Stylist
Bridal Specialist

Hunter selected Mario Russo for her styling career because she wanted to be a part of a trendsetting team. She specializes in taming curly hair and creating volume in fine hair. Hunter has attended several trainings in New York to perfect her technique and has become an expert at bridal and special occasion looks. As a personal assistant to Mario for two years, Hunter became a finishing specialist. In addition to cutting and styling, she does hair extensions and hair straightening.

NATASHA HUNTER
Stylist
Bridal Specialist

Michael joined Salon Mario Russo in 2008 and had previously trained and worked with John Dellaria for seven years. During his tenure with Salon Mario Russo, he trained with Mario Russo for one year, learning to specialize in precision cutting and to create striking short cuts that burst with personality. Michael has styled hair for various stage productions as well as art and fashion shows. Since he started his career as a stylist in 1999, Michael has always kept up-to-date on the latest trends, and he strives to create a stylish, personalized look for each client. Michael is known for his ability to make clients feel at ease so that they can walk out of the salon with confidence in their fantastic new cut.

MICHAEL LEONIDA
Stylist and Bridal Specialist