The team at SalonOtter recently sat down with Chantal Savaresse of Tomahawk Salon to chat all things hair, beauty, and fashion in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
We cover their 14 years in business, top hair and beauty tips for colored hair, and how to build a trusted studio that is one of the best hair salons in Brooklyn.
Enjoy!
Chantal, tell us more about yourself
When I started Tomahawk Salon back in 2010, it was more than just opening a business; it was about bringing a dream to life. My goal was to create a space that wasn’t just about hair—it was about building an inclusive and diverse environment where we could freely express our creativity and work in close collaboration with our clients. I envisioned a warm, inviting studio filled with sunlight, where every one of our four styling stations would be a place of connection and transformation.
As the founder and owner, I’ve always wanted Tomahawk to be a reflection of my values and my indigenous heritage. The name ‘Tomahawk’ is deeply symbolic, embodying the ideas of kinship and defiance. It’s a nod to the strength of community ties and the courage to stand out and be different. This symbolism is an integral part of our salon’s identity, influencing not only our approach to hairdressing but also how we interact with every person who walks through our doors.
In this cozy little studio of ours, with just four of us sharing a profound love for what we do, we’ve managed to create something truly special. Our clients leave not just looking better, but feeling a sense of belonging and empowerment. That’s the heart of Tomahawk Salon, and it’s what makes it so much more than just a salon.
What will clients experience visiting Tomahawk Salon
Nestled in the heart of Bushwick, Brooklyn, Tomahawk Salon is a true reflection of its surroundings—an eclectic and vibrant neighborhood that never sleeps. I envisioned our hair studio to embody the same spirit: dynamic, inclusive, and welcoming to all.
At Tomahawk, we dismiss the traditional gendered approach to hair styling and celebrate individuality, offering expert cuts and color that range from the boldest double-process platinum blondes to the most intricate balayage and highlights.
From the very beginning, we’ve been committed to creating a space that feels like home—a sanctuary for both our team and our clients. It’s a place where judgment is left at the door, and every individual can feel safe to express themselves. Our clientele is as diverse as our services, drawing people from every corner of life. It’s this diversity that fuels our creativity and is reflected in the artistry of our work.
What specialties does Tomahawk Salon offer?
Tomahawk is known for rockin’ cuts and head-turning color. We love turning mere mortals into unicorns and mermaids with our vivid and pastel custom creative color. Our haircuts can be bold statement-making shags, mullets, fades to androgynous short to beachy waves. Plus we’ve got your backs with nongendered pricing.
What is your number one tip for a happy, healthy hair and beauty routine?
Color-treated hair needs color-safe products. Look for gentle, color-safe, and sulfate-free products.
Good hair care doesn’t have to break the bank with great pro lines available like Redken and Davines to drugstore favs like Shea Moisture. Talk to your stylist about what would be best for the health of your hair and scalp.
As a person with curly and color-treated hair, my absolute favorite hair saver is a satin or silk pillowcase and a scrunchie/hair tie. Satin or silk doesn’t pull at your hair like cotton can and can help prevent breakage and frizz.
What New York hair, beauty, and fashion trends are you seeing right now?
Something really important to us and our community is non-gendered pricing. Services that are based on length of hair or time and not on gender. Seeing more salons and studios do this makes my heart sing.
Going gender-neutral over 10 years ago was not only important for our space but also for our community, and fostering inclusivity will be something we always strive for.
What hair and beauty products do you think should be in everyone’s day-to-day routine?
If using heating tools heat protectants are a must. We love Olaplex Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum.
When blowdrying make sure that your hair is about 90% dry before using your round or flat brush to reduce direct heat. Make sure to attach the concentrator to your blowdryer to help direct and lay hair for smooth strands.
For those of you who love flat irons and curling wands turn down the heat. High heat can not only pull and change hair color but also cause breakage.
Redken Heat Protecting Spray is great for thermal tools and gives added protection to your strands. There are also numerous styling techniques that require no heat such as silk/satin heatless curlers. However, the way I decide to style my hair is I like to run a bit of argon oil at the ends. Argon oil helps seal in moisture and smooth strands and flyaways.
Redken All Soft Argon oil is great with no added dyes and is formulated for hair.
Beyond Tomahawk Salon, who else would you like to give some love to?
Bushwick is home to so many great small businesses and second-hand stores. If visiting our neck of the woods I highly recommend checking out Friends. A store that has everything from local designers to home decor – it’s a really unique shop for a unique neighborhood.
Bushwick is well known for second-hand stores like NYC favorite Beacons Closet, Other Peoples Clothes, and of course L Train Vintage (look for the yellow submarine).
Who is your all-time hair, beauty, and style icon?
I will always have a love of 1970s hair. The effortless cool of a shag haircut or a fun rock and roll featherback like Cherie Currie from The Runaways. 70s hair is making a strong comeback and I’m here for it!
Which current celebrity or public figure is getting it so right with their hair, beauty, and styling?
Tilda Swinton’s androgynous style. Walking a line between feminine and masculine with both fashion and beauty. A true icon.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our SalonOtter readers?
Special high five to my team Kristin, Donna, and Maria. I’m always amazed by the talent that comes out of our studio. Thank you so much for riding with me.
Watching our space evolve and grow through these 14 years has been such a blessing. To still be surrounded by Kristin, Donna, and Maria and our countless clients who continue to support us, you have become my family.
I hope anyone reading this who feels a bit like an outsider knows that there are places that can feel like home and strangers can become family!
Where can people find Tomahawk Salon?
We are at 456 Johnson Ave Suite 327, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Check out our website to make a booking and we’re also on Insta
—–
Thanks so much Chantal, we can’t wait to visit you at Tomahawk Salon again soon!
