Best of Boston

2003 Best Hair Colorist

Laurel Elliott, Vidal Sassoon Hair Salon

The words “natural” and “hair color” rarely occur in the same sentence. That is, unless you’re talking about the work of color artist Laurel Elliott, who is herself something of a natural wonder. Clients lucky enough to snag an hour with Elliott at Vidal Sassoon leave with hair that shines, shimmers, and is undeniably real. Brunettes grow richer with chocolate single processes, while blondes are brought back to that elusive sun-kissed color of their childhoods. Elliott’s talents run much deeper than boosting the wattage of ordinary locks. She’s also an expert at correcting the damage done by lesser colorists. What’s more, this pint-sized prodigy, a J.Lo look-alike with the style to match, couldn’t be sweeter or more understanding to the follicly distressed. Which makes us wonder what we ever did without her.

14 Newbury St., 4th floor, Boston, 617-536-5496,