THE STORY OF
saltwater
Saltwater Salon was born from a shared dream: to create a space that feels both elevated and inviting. A place where modern technique meets organic ease, inspired by the laid-back elegance of life by the sea.
Founded by Cait + Jean, Saltwater is more than a salon- it’s a space where beauty flows naturally, and good vibes come standard. With years of experience behind the chair, the goal was simple: to create a welcoming, coastal-inspired salon that feels just as relaxing as it is refined.
WHAT WE'RE
all about
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Sunlit Style – Think lived-in color, soft dimension, beachy balayage, and effortless cuts that move with you.
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Low-Key Luxury – Premium products, expert technique, and a chill atmosphere — the best of both worlds.
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Authentic Connection – We listen, collaborate, and celebrate what makes you you.
At Saltwater, luxury is low-key, authenticity is everything, and every guest is welcomed like family.
caitlin
CO-FOUNDER / MASTER COLORIST
Caitlin is an LA native whose hairstyling journey has been influenced by her coastal surroundings. She believes hairstyling is about more than just hair- it’s about trust, connection, and making sure you walk out feeling radiant, refreshed, and completely yourself.
With 12 years of experience and recognized as one of LA’s top 20 hairdressers, Caitlin elevates women’s color and cuts to an art form- bringing dimension, movement, and a modern touch to every look.
From subtle, sun-kissed brunettes to seamless, bright blondes, her approach is all about a style that blends into your lifestyle.
When she’s not behind the chair, you’ll find Caitlin chasing her little ones around the baseball field with an iced latte in hand, cheering them on, and embracing the beautiful chaos of mom life.
jean
CO-FOUNDER / MASTER COLORIST + EXTENSION SPECIALIST
Born and raised in sunny Southern California, Jean’s connection to the beach runs deep. It’s more than a place-it’s a way of life and the inspiration behind every look she creates.
With 18 years of experience as a master colorist and educator, Jean has perfected the art of effortless, sun-kissed color. Specializing in lived-in blondes, beachy balayages, and seamless dimension. Her work is a perfect blend of precision and artistry.
Jean is also known for her skillful use of luxury hair extensions to add natural-looking volume, length, and fullness. She customizes each application to blend flawlessly with her signature color work- enhancing beauty without compromising hair health.
Her true passion lies in helping clients embrace their unique beauty with a goal to make everyone feel confident in their own skin. She combines technical expertise with the laid-back ease of coastal living, ensuring each client leaves with a look that feels sophisticated yet effortlessly wearable.
julie
STYLIST
Julie is a South Bay transplant by way of Salt Lake City, Utah, but after more than a decade in Los Angeles, it’s safe to say this is home. With over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in blonding, extensions, and lived-in color designed to feel chic, wearable, and effortless.
For Julie, the best part of working behind the chair has always been the connection. She approaches every appointment the way she would want to be treated: with care, honesty, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to make you feel heard, understood, and totally at ease. Her goal is more than just “good hair”, it’s helping you feel your absolute best and having someone in your corner to cheer you on.
Julie’s love of beauty started young, but it’s the relationships she’s built along the way that continue to keep her inspired. Known for her calm, friendly energy, she creates a salon experience that feels easy, welcoming, and personal from start to finish. Julie is there to guide you, hype you up, chat about life, and send you out with great hair days ahead.
When she’s not in the salon, you can usually find her planning her next trip, snuggling her pups, trying a new restaurant with her husband, or finding inspiration in all things beauty, design, and style. But when you’re in her chair, it’s all about you.
tatum
ASSISTANT
A true Manhattan Beach local, Tatum was born and raised by the coast and has no plans of ever leaving her hometown roots behind. After graduating from Paul Mitchell, she followed her passion for the beauty industry and joined our team to continue growing her craft and creativity.
Tatum specializes in all things color, with a particular love for creating beautiful, lived-in balayage and dimensional blondes. She is passionate about helping every guest achieve their dream hair through customized color and precision cuts. Whether you’re looking for a subtle refresh or a complete transformation, Tatum is dedicated to creating a look that enhances your natural beauty while fitting your lifestyle. Known for her warm personality and attention to detail, She loves building lasting relationships with her clients and helping them feel confident and empowered when they leave her chair.
When she’s not in the salon, you’ll find Tatum soaking up the sun at the beach, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying everything the South Bay lifestyle has to offer.
sydney
ASSISTANT
Sydney is your blondie bestie! From bright blondes, to rich brunettes, and customized extensions, she is passionate about making you look and feel your best.
Sydney loves to provide a relaxing experience and has the gentlest hands, great for the girlies with tender heads.
Outside of the salon, you can find her spending time with her family and friends, or in the kitchen trying out new recipes.
She can’t wait to get to know you and help you reach your hair goals!
letty
FOUNDER, SALT + SEA HEAD SPA
Letty Mendiola is a licensed cosmetologist with 13+ years in the beauty industry, specializing in wellness-based hair and scalp treatments. Equal parts sweet and spicy, she was proudly raised in a big Mexican family where love, loyalty, and taking care of people are at the heart of everything she does.
She began her journey at Aveda Institute, where she developed a passion not only for hair care, but for wellness and elevated guest experiences. After years behind the chair as a hairstylist, Letty discovered Korean Head Spa in 2018 and instantly fell in love with creating relaxing, one-on-one experiences focused on scalp health, stress relief, and self-care.
A beach-loving creative with a hands-on approach, Letty is constantly learning and refining techniques inspired by Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, and Filipino Head Spa methods to give her guests the most thoughtful and rejuvenating experience possible. Nothing makes her happier than helping people leave her chair feeling relaxed, confident, and refreshed.
