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Maalouf Salon-Making "Stars" in Birmingham
On the upcoming season of Bravo’s The Rachel Zoe Project viewers will be able to see Joey Maalouf — of Maalouf Salon in Birmingham, Michigan — working with Rachel and other celebrities.
The youngest of the Maalouf brothers splits his time between the Birmingham salon and L.A. where he works intimately with Rachel Zoe.
Recently named 2010 “Best Stylist” by Real Detroit Weekly, Joey is perhaps the shyiest of his brothers Elie, Johnny,and George, who also are synonymous with some of the top celebrities in the world.
The four Detroit-raised brothers are of Syrian-Lebanese heritage and grew up practicing on their mother and sister before testing their talents on the New York runways, where they learned from the best in the industry.
The talented Maalouf family — there are five in all — opened their shop in one of Detroit’s trendy suburbs of Birmingham, Michigan in 2009. The services they offer keep clients coming back despite the recession.
The hairstyle and makeup experts boast features in Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Glamour, Esquire, Victoria’s Secret, British Vogue and People. But you do not have to be a star to have your hair styled by Johnny, George or Joey, and get your makeup done by Elie.
The decision to open their own salon was a natural progression because “we’re the best in hair and makeup,” Elie said. In addition to the Maalouf brothers, their sister also works with them. They have put together a staff of talented stylists that bring out the “star” in every person that enters their doors at 387 South Old Woodward Avenue.
Johnny says Detroit is where they call “home” and that’s why the Maaloufs chose to open their first salon here. Because the brothers maintain clients on both coasts, they travel “a lot,” the shy Joey added. Elie travels to New York every month, while Johnny remains busy in the Birmingham salon.
The idea to open their own shop “transitioned” after spending more than a decade of “developing a craft and a talent that lead up to” the five family members joining together.
In addition to make-up, hair, and nail service at the salon, Maalouf will begin offering its own cosmetics online in September, Elie said. The line evolved over a year’s time while three of the brothers Elie, George and Joey were living in New York and the local salon was under construction. The natural minerals line is constantly evolving and changing with the seasons to cater to the everyday woman.
Whether you need help picking out products or taking a lesson in make-up application, the staff, the Maalouf brothers, and sister, will draw you in with their energy, warm Middle Eastern hospitality, and their love of all things beautiful.
Elie appreciates the opportunity they have in Detroit. They grew up here. This is their home. Elie said “our clients are our family.”
Sabah Fakhoury
Arab Detroit