Beauty Launchpad is spotlighting the winners of its Top 20 Salons contest for 2025! Sponsored by Wella Professionals, this contest spotlights innovative and unique salons that go above and beyond to provide stellar experiences for their clients and opportunities for growth for their hair pros.
Here, Marylle Koken (@kokentheharlot) welcomes us to The Harlot Salon in Los Angeles, CA, founded in January 2011.
Q&A with Salon Owner
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is the backstory of your salon? What motivated you to start your business?
Marylle Koken (MK): My salon is a special place for creative hairdressers, where their talents are not just highlighted but celebrated. I've built a brand, “The Harlot,” to express our identity and foster a sense of belonging. It's about us: a supportive community with a place to continue to learn, expand the craft and make a difference in their careers. The Harlot is here for hairdressers, not just clients.
The Harlot Salon interiorCourtesy of The Harlot Salon
MK: The Harlot is the perfect blend of rebellious and chic. I wanted to create a space where stylists enjoy spending their day, unleashing their creativity.
BLP: What services do you provide your clients? Are any of these services signature and/or exclusive to your salon?
MK: Creative Cut, Razor Cut, Creative Color, Color Correction, Extensions, Wigs, Balayage, Foliage, Shags, Pixies, Wolf Cut, etc. – You describe it, we’ll create it.
BLP: What products are used/retailed in your salon? Do you have a personal favorite?
MK: The Harlot uses color from Wella Professionals and styling products from Hairstory, Oribe and Sebastian Professional. My go-to products are Sebastian Professional’s Dark Oil and Shaper Hairspray.
BLP: What makes your salon unique and stand out?
MK: Our incredible family of stylists who creates a fun, relaxed environment. Clients feel comfortable and supported – we are all vibing!
BLP: What takeaway do you hope clients have after a visit at your salon?
MK: Honestly, we have clients who always share what a great time they had at The Harlot. It's not just their hair service, but the great time they had meeting the people they want to spend the day with.
BLP: What advice would you give a new salon owner?
MK: Establish a brand with your salon, and embody what you imagine for your space. Competing with others can dilute your own brand and hinder growth. Your salon doesn't need to be huge with a luxury vibe to succeed. Success comes from originality aligned with your vision.
BLP: What changes do you want to see in the industry to help salon owners and hairstylists working in salons grow and thrive?
MK: Bring value back to salon owners, and inspire hair brands to partner with salon owners to create something special that can give young up-and-coming stylists more opportunities.
BLP: What’s next for your salon? Do you have any goals for 2025?
MK: In 2025, my goals with my amazing team include participating in exciting hair competitions, such as The Beauty Envision Awards and NAHA, deliver on-trend collections and mentor the talented up-and-coming stylists dedicated to succeeding in this industry.
Follow the Salon
Website: harlotsalon.com
Instagram: @theharlotsalon
