A Dream Come True | Amico Salon

Amico Salon is finally here—after months of anticipation and city approvals. Located in the heart of Downtown Manhattan Beach, steps from The Strand, the salon was designed to reflect owner Stephen D’Amico’s fondness for both travel and the beauty industry.

“I wanted to create an environment that feels like you are on a tropical vacation,” he says. “I have an affection for traveling and am blessed to have traveled all over the world, but I am always ready to return to the South Bay.”

Stephen and his team of stylists are dedicated to maintaining a high level of skill and immersing themselves in all the latest beauty techniques and trends. He has long held the vision of opening a salon where clients can fulfill their beauty needs and stylists can grow and enhance their careers in a positive environment.

“Our hairstylists are highly trained to offer guests the latest haircut, highlighting, balayage and color to fit their face shape and skin tone,” he says. “I am very particular in selecting staff with great energy and amazing chemistry to become part of our team. We strive for our guests to feel that energy and excitement as they are enjoying their Amico Salon experience.”

Stephen is committed to empowering his stylists by teaching them to excel at their craft. Attendance of weekly classes and seminars in a robust apprenticeship program he created sharpens their skills and techniques. 

Knowing that hairstyling was his chosen career path at a young age, this Connecticut native started cutting hair at age 14, apprenticed at age 15 and graduated from cosmetology school at age 18. His craft led him to salons in New York City and Beverly Hills, as well as traveling the country as an educator for Brazilian Blowout.

“I am very particular in selecting staff with great energy and amazing chemistry to become part of our team.”

While maintaining lifelong friends and a large, supportive extended family in Connecticut, Stephen grew to love the Southern California life after moving to this area. “I love the South Bay, especially Manhattan Beach,” he says. “Living and working here for 12 years, I have made some really good friends. Guests of Amico Salon are treated like good friends and family. Our goal is for them to be confident, knowing they look their very best.”

Stephen has lofty goals for the future of Amico: opening multiple salons, creating a distinct brand that includes his own line of products and setting career paths for his stylists to earn six-figure incomes. He stays grounded by practicing gratitude and helping those less fortunate. 

“I have had the opportunity to build homes and cut orphans’ hair through participation in missions to Guatemala four times and twice to Tijuana, Mexico, and will continue to do so,” he shares.

If you happen to see Stephen on one of his early-morning walks on The Strand with his dog, Lola, stop and say hello. He will likely share with you his appreciation for the opportunity to open his own salon and live in a place as special as the South Bay.

Amico Salon

1100 Manhattan Ave., Suite 103, Manhattan Beach  |  424-294-8382  |  amicosalon.com  |  @amicosalon