How would you describe yourself? Are you confident, on-trend, driven? Are you witty, laid-back, creative? A lot of times, your great qualities remain hidden until people get the chance to know you. That’s why first impressions make an enormous impact. That’s why hair helps sculpt your identity. Your hair is a reflection of you!
We build relationships with our clients by taking the time to get to know you, your taste, and your personality.
At Vakkar, we know that appearance helps spark confidence, and you can’t gain confidence unless you trust your stylist. We build relationships with our clients by taking the time to get to know you, your taste, and your personality. We will work closely with you to gain your respect and trust, and from there, we’ll create a look that is purely YOU. From the moment you walk in Vakkar, you’ll feel like you belong in our welcoming environment. The upbeat music, the enthusiastic stylists, and the overall vibe here make you feel comfortable. We’re attentive to what you want to achieve with your new hairstyle, and we’re also here to offer up our professional opinions. That’s why we’re the experts!
As a Davines® exclusive salon, we proudly offer the latest in both technology and technique. What makes us stand alone, however, is pure talent. This is something that tools and technology doesn’t provide. This is raw and natural – there’s nothing to hold us back.We are confident in our abilities to help you achieve a look that’s beautiful, remarkable, and most importantly, a true reflection of yourself. At Vakkar, we believe no one has a bad day when they have good hair!
Meet the Team
David Johnston
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Working behind the chair for over a decade, David Johnston is a master stylist, and his cutting, coloring, and styling are the inspiration behind Vakkár. His design is based on classic shape. If the look you desire is natural, realistic, and soft with great movement, David has refined his techniques to create these styles. David’s focus is on professional and modern mainstream hair. Those who want a bit more edge, he is always willing to deliver.
With formal training under Youbi Lee, a leading St. Louis stylist, David is an expert in pivot point and principle base cutting. David’s advanced cutting, coloring and editorial styling techniques result from professional training with Vidal Sassoon, Bumble and Bumble, Redken, Sebastian, L’Oreal Professional, Fermici, and Matrix. David’s diverse background fosters his unique style and dynamic approach. David Johnston is the Creative director for Vakkár.
Gary Palmer
STYLIST
Gary began his career at Westham College of Fashion in London, England. He went on to work at Daniel Galvin-a world renowned color salon-located in London’s West End. He moved to the United States in 1985 and opened his own salon in 1992, managing 20 employees. He continued his education and attended Sassoon and Toni & Guy Academies on a regular basis. In 1999, he returned to London, where he managed Faltricks, a group of three internationally known salons. In 2002, he returned to the United States, where he continued his career as a stylist and educator for L’Oreal Professionnel. Gary is a first-class educator, able to teach expert color, hair-cutting and dressing techniques.
Claudia Bradley
STYLIST
Claudia began her schooling at South Technical Cosmetology School in 2014 while attending high school. Securing an apprenticeship prior to graduation, she was driven to find success in her field. She was focused and determined to advance in her career. With formal, full-time training under Master Stylist, David Johnston, as an apprentice, Claudia developed into a successful stylist at Vakkar Salon.
Claudia has quickly mastered advanced Davines color creations in addition to an established skillset for cuts and designs. She is Keratin certified and Perfectress Extension certified. In addition, Claudia is also certified in Harper Ellis hand-tied extension and concealed bead method. She was personally trained by the CEO, Terra Harvell, of Harper Ellis and is proud to be the only stylist to offer this service in the St. Louis area.
Claudia prides herself on knowing the latest trends in sophisticated styles and professional looks. She has worked to create a luxurious and modern style while focusing on her client’s needs and desires. Claudia approaches her relationships with confidence and care, developing a trust with her clients. She greets everyone with a smile and an understanding demeanor to complete the look they
Lauren Nicastro
ASSOCIATE STYLIST
Lauren graduated from the Kenneth Shuler academy in South Carolina. While working on her cosmetology certification she earned certificates in Redken Principle’s of cutting, coloring, and American Crew men’s cutting. Graduating in 2018 she is now a understudy being groomed to become a member of the Vakkar Salon stylist team.
