TEAM

Melanie Smith Jones, Owner and Stylist
With a dream and a whole lot of talent, Melanie opened Urban Style Lab seven years ago. She has loved hair and fashion since childhood, her teenage years spent saving money to buy the latest issues of Vogue hoarded in piles under her bed. A native of the DC area, Melanie attended Graham Webb Academy and apprenticed at Molecule Salon under Tuan Tran. For her loyal clients and new friends alike, she creates looks that are classic, modern and sexy. She enjoys working to bring out the best in each client's natural texture, including curly and wavy hair. Melanie is a fan of her two daughters and also of her husband's band - Justin Jones and the Driving Rain.

Melanie (Melissa) Moses, Stylist
A native of NYC, Melissa moved to Washington DC in 2003. She began her career on Madison Avenue at Minardi Salon. With fifteen years experience in the beauty industry, Melissa is well versed in all hair textures and is our resident chemical straightener specialist. She believes hairstyling is the perfect marriage of art and architecture. Your hair should be specifically contoured for not only your texture and face shape, but your lifestyle and finishing skills at home-sexy, modern, and contemporary hairstyling. Melissa looks forward to working with you.

Annie Onstad, Stylist
Annie Onstad, a space cadet from the '80's fueled by espresso and smiles, seeks enrichment through progressive style while keeping her classic foundation inside the box. Though originally rooted in the East Coast, she attended the accredited and world-renowned Toni and Guy Hairdressing Academy in Dallas, Texas, and got her start at the Toni and Guy Salon before bringing her expertise back to the DC area. With an open ear and kind heart she bends and blends client's hair, leaving nothing but quality, balance, and beauty in her tracks.

Tim Felton, Stylist
Having studied at both Graham Webb Academy and Toni & Guy, Tim brings 20+ years of experience to Urban Style Lab. As a hairdresser and musician, he is influenced by music, fashion, street style and old Hollywood - everything from motorcycles to high fashion. So, if it's Rock and Roll grit, elegant chic, Morrissey pomp or 60's bob you are looking for, Tim is your guy.

Amy Putens, Stylist
Amy is a proud DC native and has been a stylist for nearly 8 years. She honed her career in London where she styled shoots for clients ranging from Tom Ford to the BBC television hit How To Look Good Naked (the answer of course is to have great hair!) She trained with Graham Webb Academy, did her apprenticeship at Molecule Salon, and during the last year worked for the esteemed DAVINES education team. Amy pulls inspiration from the dance-floor fashions of Washington's nightlife style setters. She can transform the skinniest of strands into a deceptively full updo for any special event. She can even bring out the best in men's hair!

Tricia Bennett, Stylist/Colorist
Bio coming soon!

John Peter, Stylist/Colorist
John loves combining his hospitality background with his passion for hair. He was born Colombian but was raised between New York City and Miami, where he attended beauty school. He moved to DC nearly five years ago to cut and color with integrity and to do what he does best-make clients feel good about their look - from dramatic full hair makeovers to minimal changes.

Tyler Larish, Stylist/Colorist
Armed with an innate sense of style, Tyler is a multi-talented artist whose medium is ever-evolving. Professionally, he has spent more than a decade honing his skills as a hairdresser. His frenetic energy is matched by a deep passion for design. He specializes in creating a full look - from cut to color, styling to finishing - Tyler strives to make every guest look and feel their individual best. Tyler is committed to creating believable hair you can recreate in your daily life, from classic to avante-garde, or anything in between. In addition to his work behind the chair, Tyler has been a creative force behind numerous events including Fashion's Night Out Georgetown, New York Fashion Week, and "Immortal Style" DC Fotoweek. Some of his editorial work has been featured in Washington Life magazine, Fashion Fights Poverty look book and Capital Pride.

Claudia Torrico, Colorist
Claudia has worked in the top salons of DC over the last ten years, and has been part of the Urban Style Lab for the for the last seven years. She was featured in the 2001 Allure Rising Star Directory and has been mentioned in many subsequent issues. She is sought after for her natural dimensional color, and her precision and attention to detail preserves the healthy, natural condition of the hair.

Sertac Ozturk, Colorist
Sertac (pronounced Sir-touch) is a second generation hairdresser who grew up in the salon business. He has a big personality and fifteen years experience to match, crafting all types of hair-from classic to funky. He does it all and loves color corrections. An extremely good looking and humble guy, he likes long walks on short piers.

Monica Smith, Manager

Urban Style Lab is open Tuesday through Friday from 11am to 8pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 6pm.
Please call us at (202) 223-2066 to make your appointment today!