Sofia Richie’s Hairstylist Nicolas Flores Opens Own Salon in L.A.

He’s the hairstylist to the hairstylists — and the L.A. cool girls. Now he has his own salon.

Nicolas Flores’ regulars include Sofia Richie Grainge, twins Simi and Haze, Marianna Hewitt and Tania Sarin, along with celebrity hairstylists like Jen Atkin, who styles Kendall Jenner, and Amanda Lee, who works with Hailey Bieber.

“I still have my pinch-me moment when I walk in,” Flores said of opening his flagship, located steps from Melrose Place.

Flore Salon, at 8873 Melrose Avenue, is a joint venture with Paul Perez, his business and life partner. They run a team of 15.

“It was the hardest thing, finding a space,” he said of the 2,400-square-foot salon, which formerly housed a Danish lingerie company. “Finally, we came across the space after six months.”

He collaborated with Studio Four Eleven on the design and Raw Builders on construction, featuring a glass facade, high ceilings, stone and wooden floors, brass accents, natural light, with warm touches and earthy materials throughout.

On a Friday morning, the salon is buzzing with energy — a typical scene as Flores sees 20 to 25 clients a day, with daily foot traffic ranging from 70 to 90 visitors.

“It just seemed like a big undertaking,” he said of branching out on his own after leaving Sally Hershberger. “But then, as I was getting busier and busier, I just started thinking, ‘OK, maybe I can do this.’”

Originally from Orange County, 36-year-old Flores moved to Los Angeles at 21 to pursue his career. “I worked super hard. I never said no to anything, and just absorbed as much as I could,” he recalled of his early hustle.

Today, he’s the go-to stylist for those looking for the layered, ’90s-inspired haircut that’s been making a comeback. “It’s all about this bombshell hair,” Flores said. He stocks his salon with products he believes in, like Rōz by celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak, whose clients include Emma Stone and Zoe Saldaña, and Milbon from Japan.

Also on trend: fullness and movement.

“Everyone wants healthy, shiny hair,” he added. “Highlights are still around, but I’m noticing a lot more clients wanting to stick to their natural colors and having just super healthy, shiny hair that’s layered, of course, and has a lot of bounce to it and softness.”