Joico Celebrity Colorist, Denis De Souza, has his finger on the pulse of all that’s hot and happening in the City of Angels, and brings his cutting-edge aesthetic to every look he dreams up!
Though he originally hails from Brazil, this Los Angeles-based rock-star-of-a-hairdresser has been living and loving LA for the past 14 years and is deliciously in-the-know about how to eat, shop, chill, and get gorgeous in Hollywood and beyond. “So many places in Los Angeles take you to another world… they just transport you; I love to seek out those special spots,” explains Denis.
Get ready: He’s opening up his LA address book to all of you…
Favorite eateries…
The Sunset Tower Hotel has an amazing restaurant – very cozy, dark atmosphere, perfect for people-watching; romantic views of the city. And, of course, the service and food is just great. I love their fish, especially… but if I’m craving filet mignon, this is where I have it!
My favorite vegan restaurant is Gracias Madre… it’s sooo LA. I’ll meet friends in the afternoon and drink margaritas for hours, because the gorgeous ambiance makes me feel like I’m in a Mexican hacienda. And the food is totally healthy.
When I want an exotic setting, I head to Acabar – it used to be a Moroccan restaurant, and now serves delicious Mediterranean fare. But they kept the whole feeling and theme… with arches, mosaics, a beautiful fountain.
I found Portos bakery and café hidden in Burbank on the way to the airport. It’s where I indulge in Danish pastry, cookies, and the occasional breakfast croissant. Total splurge.
Favorite hair products…
Every client who gets my new “Sombre” service –it’s an updated take on the popular Ombre technique– hears me recommending Joico Color Therapy Trio: The super-nourishing combo of shampoo, conditioner, and restorative oil is the perfect regimen to protect newly-lightened hair.
Nothing puts the oomph back in dry, dull, lifeless strands than my trusty tube of K-PAK RevitaLuxe. This stuff literally repairs years of damage and protects hair against color fade with a single application. And, believe me… when I create a gorgeous head of color, I really want it to last and last!
Joico Instant Refresh is a new must-have in my tool bag: This volumizing dry shampoo works like magic; perfect after the gym when you don’t have time for a full-on shower, and a great way to prolong color services by minimizing exposure to suds each week.
Favorite shopping spots…
I really enjoy stores that aren’t in the mainstream. One of my very favorites is called Opening Ceremony – it’s got great designer clothing that you don’t find everywhere else. Only problem is, they’re located next to the car wash I use; so when there’s a sale for a wash, I end up spending hundreds of dollars while I wait. Kind of defeats the whole purpose!
Brentwood Country Market is amazing. There’s farm food, cute stores, great jewelry, gorgeous flowers. I love to spend a few hours there on the way to the beach.
Favorite play zones…
I adore Laguna Beach… it’s only about 75 minutes’ drive from LA and totally transports you somewhere far away, like Italy or the south of France. The beach itself is quaint, and you have all the hills and houses overlooking the water.
The Hollywood Bowl is so iconic, but for good reason. I try to go every time there’s a good concert on the schedule; I’ll bring wine, picnic food to share with friends. It’s the best.
When it’s time for a hike, I head up to Runyon Canyon. It offers the most beautiful views–you can see all the way from downtown LA to the beach; kind of makes me feel like I’m in the wilderness looking down at a magical city. Which, actually, I am!
Next time you’re in Los Angeles, be sure to visit Denis De Souza at The Andy Lecompte Salon:
616 North Almont Drive, West Hollywood, Ca 90069. (310) 273-4100