Danish precision, California ease.
Color, to me, is chasing that shade you had as a kid.
Trained in Copenhagen and based in South Pasadena, Nikolai brings Danish precision to every cut and color service. After a whole summer outside, sun-bleached and a little wild. Soft, hand-painted tones that grow out like sunlight, not a flat reapplication every six weeks.
Haircutting comes down to one thing: giving a shit. Taking the time to actually look at how your hair grows, how you live, and cutting for the months between visits, not just the day you walk out.
Honest advice, good light, and the time to get it right. You'll find the studio inside Ecco Salon on El Centro St in South Pasadena.
Nikolai
A short menu, done exceptionally well.
Every appointment begins with a consultation over coffee. Prices start from; your stylist will confirm on the day.
Women's Cut
A precision cut shaped to your hair's natural fall and growth pattern, finished with a styling lesson so it works on you every day — not just today.
Men's Cut
Considered men's cuts in South Pasadena — from classic scissor cuts to modern textured styles. Includes a full consultation, shampoo, and a styling walkthrough.
Lived-in Color
Soft, dimensional color that fades beautifully and grows out without a hard line. Gloss and tone refresh included. The most-requested service at the studio.
Balayage & Highlights
Hand-painted balayage in South Pasadena — sun-touched lightening built for low maintenance and a seamless regrowth. No harsh lines, ever.
Restorative Treatment
A bespoke bond and moisture ritual — L'Oréal Metal Detox or K18 — to bring strength and shine back to chemically treated or sun-damaged hair.
Two stylists, fully booked by referral.
Nikolai
Danish-trained colorist and cutter based in South Pasadena, CA. Specialises in balayage, lived-in color, and precision cuts for women and men. L'Oréal Professionnel certified.
Autumn Gutierrez
A painter at heart — soft, dimensional color that grows out like sunlight.
Five stars, and then some.
"If Nikolai ever starts a cult, I'm joining. The man is a follicular savant, a blowdrying demigod. He doesn't just cut hair — he reads your aura, channels your higher self, and then makes you look like someone who drinks enough water and gets 8 hours of sleep."
"I moved here from Chicago and it's always nerve wracking to find a new stylist, but I found my forever go-to in Nikolai. I'd travel far and wide to see him for my cut and color — I always leave with a bombshell blowout. You won't be disappointed!"
"Nikolai is a literal hair genius — he's the only one I can trust with cutting my curls! He's helped me maintain my locks and was there for my short hair transformation. 10/10 would recommend to anyone who wants to look and feel their best."
Find a chair that fits.
You'll find the studio inside Ecco Salon on El Centro Street in South Pasadena — a quiet room, good light, and no double-booking. Serving South Pasadena, Pasadena, San Marino, and the greater Los Angeles area. Book online in under a minute, or send a note and we'll find a time.
- Address
- Ecco Salon
1017 El Centro St
South Pasadena, CA 91030 - Hours
-
Tue – Fri9 – 6Saturday9 – 4Sun – MonClosed
- Contact
- hello@hairbynikolai.com
(323) 243-6005 - Social
- @hairbynikolai