From styling A-list celebrities,like Bella Thorne, to redefining the art of balayage and dry cutting, Angela Calisti has cemented her status as a leading innovator in the hairstyling world. With over 15 years of experience, the owner of Beauty Social Salon in Astoria, Queens, has built a reputation for creating stunning transformations that empower her clients and celebrate their individuality.
Angela’s client list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood, featuring names like Sophia Richie, Olivia Culpo, James Franco, Lori Harvey, Amanda Steele, Francia Raisa, and Olivia Palermo.
Calisti was trained in New York by industry giants John Barrett and Oscar Blandi. Angela’s skills are finely tuned and highly sought after.
In 2014, Angela brought her vision to life by founding Beauty Social Salon, a destination offering expert hair and makeup services in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Known for delivering a touch of Hollywood glamour to Queens’ bustling streets, the salon has become a go-to spot for anyone seeking show-stopping looks.
As the holiday season winds down and winter 2025 trends take center stage, Social had the privilege of catching up with Ms. Calisti. She shared her insights into upcoming styles and her favorite tips for ringing in the New Year with confidence and flair.
Ms. Meghan Forte: Are there any holiday hair trends or colors you’re excited to see take off this season?
Ms. Angela Calisti: This season, I’m loving the cinnamon brown trend—it’s such a gorgeous combination of cowboy copper and classic brunette tones, offering a rich and warm look perfect for the holidays. It’s versatile, flattering, and really embodies the cozy yet chic holiday aesthetic.
Ms. Meghan Forte: The holidays can be stressful—what’s your advice for making a salon visit feel like a moment of self-care amidst this busy time of year?
Ms. Angela Calisti: The holidays can be hectic, so I always encourage clients to treat their salon visit as a time to recharge. We create a relaxing atmosphere at Beauty Social Salon. It’s not just about hair—it’s about feeling refreshed and confident.
Ms. Meghan Forte: What are your personal tips for keeping hair healthy and shiny during the colder months and through the party season?
Ms. Angela Calisti: Hydration is key during the colder months. I recommend deep conditioning treatments like the Milbon “Restorative Treatment,” which is a four-step process you can get in the salon, or *Amika’s Soul Food Mask* for at-home use. Always use a heat protector when using heat on your hair. During the party season, a lightweight oil or shine spray can add that polished look without weighing hair down.
Ms. Meghan Forte: What advice do you have for aspiring hairstylists looking to work with high-profile people or open their own salon?
Ms. Angela Calisti: To work with high-profile clients or open your own salon, start by building strong technical skills and a personal brand. Networking is crucial—connect with industry professionals, assist established stylists, and be ready to go above and beyond. Opening a salon requires vision, resilience, and understanding that success comes from creating a space where both clients and team members feel valued and inspired.
Ms. Meghan Forte: Can you share your experience training with industry icons like John Barrett and Oscar Blandi? How did they shape your approach to hairstyling?
Ms. Angela Calisti: Training with icons like John Barrett and Oscar Blandi was transformative. They emphasized the importance of precision, artistry, and creating a tailored look for every client. Those lessons shaped my approach, pushing me to continuously refine my techniques and bring my best to every styling session.
Ms. Meghan Forte: What is it like being Bella Thorne’s personal hairstylist? Do you have a favorite look you’ve created for her?
Ms. Angela Calisti: Ms. Angela Calisti: Styling Bella was an incredible experience, traveling with her was a dream. She’s creative, bold, and always up for trying new looks. Styling Bella Thorne was an incredible experience, and traveling with her was a dream. She’s creative, bold, and always eager to try new looks. One of my favorite styles was the wet look we created for GCDS at Milan Fashion Week.
Ms. Meghan Forte: You’re renowned for balayage, dry cutting, and extensions. What drew you to specialize in these areas?
Ms. Angela Calisti: I was drawn to these techniques because they’re transformative and versatile. Balayage allows you to find the perfect color for any client, dry cutting offers precision for all hair types, and extensions empower clients to achieve dramatic changes with ease. Together, they let me customize the perfect look for every individual. You’ve worked on campaigns for iconic brands like Skinnygirl and Material Girl. What’s your creative process when tackling such high-visibility projects? For high-visibility campaigns, I always start with the brand’s identity and the story they want to tell. Collaboration with the creative team is key, ensuring the hair aligns with the overall vision. It’s about creating a look that feels fresh, on-brand, and impactful.
Ms. Meghan Forte: What makes balayage such a versatile and trendy option for all hair types, lengths, and colors, and how do you customize it to suit each client’s unique look?
Ms. Angela Calisti: Balayage is so popular because it’s customizable and low-maintenance. It works on all hair types and lengths, offering a natural, lived-in look or bold pops of color. I tailor the color hue to each client’s skin tone, lifestyle, and preferences, ensuring the result enhances their unique beauty.
Ms. Meghan Forte: What inspired you to open Beauty Social Salon, and how does it reflect your stylist philosophy?
Ms. Angela Calisti:I opened Beauty Social Salon to create a space where clients could feel empowered and confident through hairstyling—a safe space where they can engage in open dialogue and connect with others. Our salon fosters conversations that go beyond beauty, creating a community where clients feel seen and supported. It’s also a space to empower aspiring hairstylists from my mentorship program through my high school Queens Vocational—providing opportunities for growth, intense training, and a platform to develop their craft in a collaborative and nurturing environment.
Ms. Meghan Forte: What’s next for you and Beauty Social Salon? Are there any upcoming projects, events, or collaborations you’re excited about?
Ms. Angela Calisti: We have some exciting plans in the works, including introducing bridal services both in-house and on location, as well as opening our private room to accommodate clients who require privacy for religious or personal reasons. We’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for everyone. Additionally, we’re expanding our team by hiring new talent and offering extended hours to better serve our clients. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come!
As we look ahead to 2025, the beauty industry continues to evolve with fresh trends and styles. Angela Calisti’s innovative approach to hairstyling and her dedication to empowering her clients through personalized transformations set her apart in an ever-changing field. From her expert techniques to her focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere at Beauty Social Salon, it’s clear that Angela’s passion for her craft is only growing. With all these exciting trends on the horizon, when will you book your appointment with Angela Calisti?
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Physical Address: 24-20 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105
Phone Number (718) 440-3370
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