Michele International Holds Soft Opening for New Blow Dry and Braid Bar

A long-time staple in Pacific Palisades, Michele International Hair and Beauty Products announced the soft opening of its blow dry and braid bar on July 1.

The blow dry and braid bar is located in the beauty products shop, which recently relocated from the north side of Swarthmore to the south side of the street.

The relatively new salon concept has already taken a strong hold in Los Angeles, but the owners are calling it the first of its kind in the Palisades.

“We’re very proud of it,” said Anne Egan, who co-owns the business with her sister Marice McCrory-Irwin. “It’s a more personalized thing for our clients.”

Irwin’s brother Martin manages the 1,400-square-foot space, formerly occupied by Roy Robbins Gifts and Stationary. Brochures, social media and a website are in development.

“Bangs are back,” said Irwin. “Braids are back. People here do color, too.”

Prior to moving to Los Angeles and falling in love with the Palisades, the sisters had firmly established Michele International stores back in their native country of Ireland. The pair also used to be judges on “Miss Ireland” and “Miss Great Britain.” They also have a beauty supply store in Boston.

“It’s been one of the top salons in Britain, not just Ireland,” Egan said about its UK stronghold.

The owners of Michele International plan to stick around through the widely-publicized Palisades Village land deal with Caruso Affiliated, which would affect them.

“Everything was falling apart [on Swarthmore],” Egan said. “Then with the Caruso talks starting, we’re so optimistic about it. We don’t think Caruso will throw us out. We’re good tenants here in the Palisades.”

Egan said as stores continued to shutter along Swarthmore they questioned whether to leave the community, but Michele International’s business continues holding steady.

“We were lucky we had people who needed their hair cut,” she said. “A loyal, established clientele. We’re so lucky to have them.”