Colorists
Michael Stinchcomb 
Marco Souza 
Anna Page   
Louise Coombs
Nicholas Modlin
​John Del Guidice

Michael Stinchcomb ​

Part chemist, part artist and part magician, Michael Stinchcomb has an innate ability for choosing the perfect color to complement a client’s skin tone and the technical expertise to deliver the desired result.  His clients say he consistently improves upon what Mother Nature gave them by finding the exact blend of shades that enhance their appearance and reflect their personalities.

An industry veteran, Michael started his career alongside the legendary Rosemary at Saks and then moved to the tony Yves Claude Salon on Madison Avenue.   Michael possesses years of technical experience culled from working in the laboratories of the top manufacturers testing and developing a wide range of products used for chemical services.  He has been instrumental in helping companies reformulate products and create the application techniques that are used by colorists across the country.

“I work in a very precise and technical manner.  Ninety-nine percent of my clients are professional women who don’t have time to waste and would shudder at the thought of returning to the salon for a color correction.  Michael’s clients are quick to concur.  Here’s what three of them said about him recently:  “He makes me feel safe.”  “I’m relaxed when I come here.” “I can sit back, close my eyes and enjoy the experience without worrying about the outcome.”

Developing a loyal clientele is not something Michael takes lightly.  Getting to know my clients, building relationships and having clients collaborate with me to arrive at the right color and the desired effect is probably the most satisfying part of my job.  Michael is proud, but protective of the high-profile clients he has worked with over the years – grand dames of the Broadway theatre, the Metropolitan Opera, noted broadcasters and well-known fashion icons.  However, he is quick to point out the daughters of long-time clients who occupy chairs beside their mothers. He admits that he takes great pleasure in being able to give each generation a look that’s fashion-forward and age appropriate.

Marco Souza

A native of Mexico, Marco arrived in New York in the 80’s and was captivated by its “Bright Lights, Big City” appeal.  He started his career at the trendsetting Le Coupe salon as an assistant to the self-proclaimed “king of color,” Louis Licari.  Inspired by Licari’s unflinching professionalism and dedication to detail, Marco received a fantastic education in color theory and application.  

“We were doing glamorous, sexy color on celebrities, fashion models and rock stars, and our reputation spread. Soon women of all ages wanted the kind of color we were creating for Kim Basinger, Ellen Barkin and Sarah Jessica Parker. 

Vartan saw Marco’s work in Vogue and the rest was history.

Today, Marco’s clientele includes mothers, daughters and granddaughters.  He’s adept at creating sunny blonde highlights for millennial brunettes or dimensional effects that enhance and blend gray.  He likes to vary haircolor by season, adding a pop of sunlight in winter or subtle lowlights to warm up the complexion in the fall.  “The contrast between skin color and hair color can make all the difference in the way a woman looks,” he says.  “Having your hair highlighted is like having a facelift --without the pain or the expense,” Marco says.  I like to think of myself as an artist and your hair is my canvas!”

Anna Page

Colorist Anna Page is a 13-year veteran of Vartali, where she perfected her craft under the guidance of master colorist Michael Stinchcomb.  Anna says, “Michael taught me that color is both an art and a science and there is always something new to learn – whether it’s new products, new methods or new advances in technology, the key to doing great work is to stay current.”

Anna believes that a client’s complexion, personality and lifestyle should dictate color choice.  “Some people like bold looks; others prefer a more natural or understated effect.  I’m happy to go either way, as long as the result is right for the client.  

“It’s up to the client to tell me what kind of look they’re going for – but, it’s up to me to make it happen.  And, for that I need to factor in the texture of their hair, the line of their cut,  their eye color, skin tone and their appetite for maintenance.”

Anna sees haircolor as a fashion accessory and gets inspiration from art, film and popular culture.  She has two children:  a six-year-old son and a 14-year-old daughter, who (with their friends) love to experiment with clothing and cosmetics and provide Anna with a fresh source of ideas on haircolor.

Louise Coombs

The self-anointed Queen of Conditioning says there’s never a reason or a season to refrain from treating your hair to a restorative conditioning treatment.  Whether you’re a regular color client or a newbie to Japanese straightening or smoothing, Louise recommends a deep conditioning treatment immediately following your chemical procedure.  Even if you just wash and blow dry your hair several times a week, conditioning is critical to restore natural oil and moisture and add shine. 

 “I recommend conditioning treatments for men and women, alike, regardless of the length or thickness of their hair.” Louise says.”  “A little touch of gloss or polish just makes every head look healthier.”

Nicholas Modlin

With a practiced eye for selecting the right tint, tone or shade, Nicholas has been the genie behind many of New York’s most head-turning blondes, brunettes and redheads.  A professional colorist, who earned his stripes (or should we say streaks), as a consultant to Clairol and Wella, Nicholas is known for his signature blondes in a range of shades from champagne to honey.

One of his favorite techniques right now is using ombre colors, multiple shades that “are friendly to one another and mimic the way a child’s hair looks when it’s kissed by the sun.”  He likes to apply lighter hues around the face to brighten the eyes and add warmth to the skin.  “Lighter shades lift the spirits.  They make everyone look better and feel better.”  

Nicholas uses his ombre color technique on brunettes and redheads (natural or not), to add dimension and warmth.  “I interweave complementary shades to create a nuanced, natural effect that helps blend in gray, grows out gracefully and cuts down on the number of touch-ups that are required to maintain the look. 

John Del Guidice

Fresh from a star turn at Gerard Bollei, multi-talented stylist, colorist, make-up artist and hair extension specialist, John Del Giudice joins Vartali.  An industry veteran who  ran a world-class salon in Englewood Cliffs and mentored a “Who’s Who of Top Stylists and Makeup Artists” over the course of his career, John brings a practiced eye and an artistic approach to his work.

His expertise in the area of hair extensions expands the Vartali repertoire, giving our clientele even more options to choose from.  As for John, he’s as enthusiastic about joining our team as we are to have him.  He says:  “I love people, I love to create; I 
I love the magic of coming to work everyday.”