Cousins Michael Canalé and Jeffrey Martinez were both already established hair stylists with A-list clientele when they decided to join forces and open a jewelbox salon, Canale-Martinez, in Pacific Palisades in 2015. Canalé had made a name for himself as the longtime colorist for celebrities that included Jennifer Aniston, collaborating on the iconic “Rachel” bob with stylist Chris McMillan, and even opening a salon with him in Malibu, as well as a solo spot in Beverly Hills. Martinez, meanwhile, trained at Vidal Sassoon in London before founding his own highly successful salon, Martinez-Samuel in West Hollywood, which remains one of Los Angeles’ top hair destinations to this day.
“It was Jeffrey’s great idea to come to the Palisades,” says Canalé, adding that many of Martinez’s clients lived there, and they both wanted to open a spot to cater to the westside. “He told me that there was an amazing place, a hidden gem, and that we should move our business there as a partnership. And that is how Canale-Martinez was formed.”
The duo found a prime second-floor space in the Gardens shopping center on Monument Street, with wrap-around windows that brought in plenty of natural light, as well as picturesque views of the village and surrounding hillside. They decorated the intimate space, which accommodated 12 stations, with chic minimalistic furnishings and a touch of Hollywood flair.
Over the last decade, Canalé-Martinez has become known as the preeminent hair salon on the westside—a place that has all of the talent and glamour of a Hollywood hair studio, but with the heart and familiarity of a laidback neighborhood salon. It has also served as the unofficial watering hole for so many of the area’s bold-name residents, who come to the salon as much to socialize and see-and-be-seen as they do to get coiffed and beautified. “Jeffrey and I have been honored to be able to be part of this family and community,” says Canalé, who recently launched his own line of hair care products, Color by Canalé. “We take care of the whole family—fathers, mothers, children. It doesn’t matter who you are: the most important person is always the one who is in our chair!” Canale-Martinez is also recognized for its charitable contributions, often donating services to various local organizations and participating in fundraisers and auctions for nearby schools.
Now, in the wake of the Palisades Fire, Canalé and Martinez cherish this tight-knit community more than ever. Although the salon is miraculously still standing, its future remains uncertain while the city works through plans to rebuild. For the time being, the entire staff—hairdressers, colorists, washers, receptionists and more—has moved to Martinez-Samuel, where they are able to serve their loyal customers, many of whom also lost their homes, and are grateful for the comfort and familiarity of some time with their beloved stylists.
“The salon has always been more than just a workplace for me, it’s a space where connections are made and a sense of community thrives,” says longtime stylist Desiree Gonzales. “While I’m now working at a new location, I carry the spirit of that community with me every day. It’s a reminder of resilience, support and the bonds that keep us going during difficult times.”
Visit Canale-Martinez at its new home at Martinez-Samuel at 8590 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 310-659-5150; martinezsamuelsalon.com; canalemartinezsalon.com
More Palisades Businesses to Support:
Ruby Nails
Ruby Hong Tran and her team of talented nail technicians have been a cherished part of the Palisades community for more than 10 years. While the studio is displaced, Ruby is offering mobile at-home services to help support the salon and staff. Contact Ruby directly at 714-592-9273 to set up.
Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center
Legendary local martial arts instructor Gerry Blanck lost his home as well as his beloved dojo—a cornerstone of the community for 43 years. As he searches for a new space, friends have set up a Go Fund Me to help him through this time. gerryblanck.com
Café Vida
Since opening in 2002, Café Vida has been a staple of the Palisades, known for its health-conscious California-style fare and warm and welcoming staff. Visit the restaurant’s satellite locations in Culver City and El Segundo while they work on plans to rebuild. cafevida.net
Ronny’s Parklane Cleaners
Ronny Naidoo has been an icon on Marquez Avenue for over four decades, first as the owner of classic convenience store Ronny’s Market & Liquor, and more recently as the proprietor of the drycleaners two doors down. His children have set up a Go Fund Me for him and his wife, who also lost their home.