This Salon Is Delivering Last Minute Beauty Services to US Open Athletes
Its clientele includes everyone from Coco Gauff to Novak Djokovic.
Since 2007, the Julien Farel Restore Salon has been responsible for bringing haircuts and mood-boosting manicures to the US Open. The yearly pop-up provides complimentary beauty services to tennis‘ biggest stars, in hopes of giving them a much-needed self-care moment during the competition. Since its inception, owner Julien Fariel says he’s seen the services turn from a valued perk to a tried-and-true tradition for athletes.
“Small details like hair and grooming can prepare athletes for their matches at the US Open by boosting confidence, minimizing distractions and becoming a central part of their pre-match rituals,” he tells Hypebae. Amid tense matches and stressful on-camera moments, the Julien Farel Salon is seamlessly integrating beauty practices into the trying athletic environment.
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Over the years, the salon has provided sanctuary to countless tennis stars during the most pivotal points of their careers. Among the many moments, Farel vividly recalls Coco Gauff visiting for a hair and makeup session before her trophy presentation in 2023, and Donna Vekić celebrating a victory by immediately getting Margot Robbie-inspired bangs. Beyond that, the beloved pop-up has gained a reputation for being a “well-kept semi-secret” among competitors.
For many busy tennis players, trips to the salon are often an afterthought — which is exactly why the long-standing pop-up emphasizes individually-tailored services on a first come, first served basis. “For over 17 years, my team and I have provided complimentary cuts, styling and other services to athletes — some of whom consider it a good luck charm before a match,” Farel says. Visual identity plays a huge role in tennis — so for many players, the pop-up provides the finishing touches to bring their looks together.
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Since access is revoked the minute an athlete is eliminated, the pop-up is primarily a place for stars to celebrate their wins and ground themselves before stepping on to the court. In the case of nails specifically, Fariel says he’s come to realize that a simple manicure can be a formidable part of an athlete’s experience at the Open. “Coco Gauff [has said that] getting her nails done helps her feel confident when she steps onto the court,” Farel says. He also finds that nails are an especially significant detail for tennis players — as they provide both a psychological boost and an outlet for self-expression.
Bridging the gap between beauty and sports, the Julien Farel pop-up at the US Open is doing far more than just providing beauty services — its allowing athletes to value their own self-care, no matter how chaotic things may get. “Tennis [is a sport] that has always embraced vanity, and the salon helps athletes express themselves and embrace being trendsetters. The pop-up validates the idea that athletes’ personal style and beauty choices are both relevant and influential,” Farel adds.
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