Inside the U.S. Open Pop-Up Salon for Tennis Stars

Inside the U.S. Open Pop-Up Salon: A Behind-the-Scenes Beauty Hub for Tennis’s Brightest Stars

If you thought the thrill at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center was reserved for jaw-dropping aces and dazzling rallies, think again. Tucked away in the exclusive enclave of the players’ lounge, Julien Farel’s U.S. Open pop-up salon offers elite athletes a sanctuary of self-care, style, and unexpected camaraderie just steps from the courts.

From haircuts and hairstyling to manicures, pedicures, and braids, this miniature beauty oasis is where tennis’s biggest names calm their nerves and prep their image for the global stage. Since 2007, the salon has quietly shaped not only the looks, but also the confidence and rituals of Grand Slam icons—proving there’s more to match readiness than physical training alone.

A Brief History of Tennis’s VIP Salon Experience

Julien Farel’s influence in the world of tennis beauty began long before the pop-up debuted in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Renowned for his Park Avenue salon, where he’s styled New York’s elite since 2001, Farel became the official hairstylist for U.S. Open players in 2007. Over the years, his pop-up has transformed from an insiders-only secret into a fixture of many athletes’ pre-match rituals.

Some of tennis’s most legendary figures—including Chris Evert, Billie Jean King, and Novak Djokovic—have become regulars at the salon. For others, a stop here has even seemed like a harbinger of good luck; Coco Gauff famously stopped in for hair and makeup just before winning her final, and in 2010, Farel’s dramatic chopping of Rafael Nadal’s signature locks kicked off a victorious tournament for the Spanish star.

Who’s Who in the Salon Chair

• Chris Evert: Grand Slam icon, longtime regular for maintenance and style updates
• Billie Jean King: Tennis legend and beauty enthusiast
• Novak Djokovic: Frequent visitor enjoying classic cuts
• Coco Gauff: Visited for a winning hair and makeup appointment pre-championship
• Guy Fritz: Esteemed coach, father of Olympian Taylor Fritz, stops by for regular trims

The Heart of the Pop-Up: Rituals, Routines, and Relationships

The first two days of the U.S. Open are the busiest for the salon. Access is exclusive to athletes still in the running—once you’re out, the privilege ends. This urgency leads to a charged yet friendly atmosphere, sometimes resulting in last-minute, after-hours requests for a quick trim before the next round.

What truly distinguishes the salon, however, is its ability to foster a sense of calm and community. Stylists like Jonn Rhamani and Gia Burgos share how these brief appointments put athletes in a meditative state—offering respite from competition’s intensity. The result? A unique space where rivalries give way to beauty tips, product recommendations, and genuine connections.

Global Bonding Over Beauty

Players from around the world swap their favorite product secrets and styles—whether it’s a Spanish athlete mentioning a hard-to-find serum or a U.S. star jotting down a must-try European hair tool for their next international trip. In the U.S. Open salon, tennis and beauty become true universal languages.

Main Services on Offer: Beyond the Standard Trim

• Haircuts (trendy and practical, tailored for athletes)
• Manicures and pedicures (natural polish focus, long-lasting top coats)
• Hairstyling (including braiding and fast updos)
• Consultations and product advice from expert stylists

All services are performed by a dedicated team that echoes the expertise of Farel’s prestigious Park Avenue location, ensuring A-list quality even in this pop-up setting.

Expert Stylists in the Spotlight

• Jonn Rhamani: Known for his attention to trending cuts and calming presence
• Gia Burgos: Specializes in versatile styles and athlete-friendly grooming

Tennis’s Trending Haircuts: What’s Hot in 2024

Much to many’s surprise, curtain bangs have emerged as the most-requested cut among world-class competitors this year. Athletes favor a longer, swoopy fringe—which can be easily pinned back during matches, then styled for a quick off-court ‘reveal.’ According to lead stylist Jonn Rhamani, this versatile look is perfect for fast transitions from court to event.

Other top requests include:

• Lob (long bob): Practical for updos and ponytails, yet sleek and trending
• Layered cuts: Adds movement and volume, ideal for personalizing mid-length hair
• Sleek shags and texture: For that ‘lived-in’ athletic look with a trendy edge

The consensus: It’s all about balancing functionality with style. Players want hair that holds up to sweat and physical intensity, but still delivers personality and polish for cameras and fans worldwide.

Men’s Grooming Evolves: More Than Just a Buzz Cut

A striking shift in 2024 is the increase in male athletes seeking professional grooming. More male players than ever are booking manicures, pedicures, and tailored haircuts. While bold colors are rare, clean, sheer-polished nails and expert linework for beards and styles have become standard for athletes who want to feel (and look) sharp on the global stage.

Table: Top Hair and Nail Trends Among U.S. Open Players in 2024

Nail Care: Staying Practical for On-Court Action

When it comes to nails, the U.S. Open salon keeps things classic. While many athletes are interested in sophisticated gels or nail extensions for durability, the focus remains almost exclusively on natural polish and long-lasting top coats. Classic reds, beiges, and sheer polishes dominate, providing a chic, low-maintenance look that won’t distract during play—or chip off mid-rally.

Popular approaches include:

• Traditional Polish: Often paired with a high-performance top coat to extend wear
• Nail Health: Athletes are increasingly aware of cuticle health, moisture, and natural strength
• Gentle Care for Men: Male athletes opt for clean, groomed, and buffed nails over color

FAQ: Players’ Most-Asked Salon Questions

• Do you offer gel nails or extensions?
  While many athletes ask for gels, Farel’s team sticks to classic polish for practicality and healthy regrowth.
• How can I prevent chips during matches?
  Stylists recommend a top-quality top coat and gentle care to maximize longevity.
• What’s best for sweaty hands and on-court activity?
  Choose breathable, light shades, and avoid heavy embellishments that can distract or break.

Why Beauty Rituals Matter for Top Athletes

Beauty routines might seem superficial compared to athletic performance, but for many tennis stars, these rituals are an essential part of mental preparation. Sitting in the salon chair offers a rare moment of stillness—a chance to reset, meditate, and connect before the pressure of competition sets in.

These moments are also deeply social. Players, regardless of ranking or nationality, use the salon as a hub for conversation, relaxation, and trading beauty hacks. In an environment often characterized by solitude and rivalry, the salon’s sense of togetherness is its strongest asset.

Examples of Salon Camaraderie

• Swapping recipes for tennis-proof top coats
• Recommending hard-to-find hair masks from abroad
• Sharing strategies for post-match styling recovery

Tennis and Beauty: A Continuing Evolution

The U.S. Open salon not only keeps pace with fast-moving trends in beauty and personal care, but often spearheads them. The 2024 edition demonstrates the growing sophistication of player requests—from intricate, functional haircuts to gender-neutral nail care—and the important role grooming plays in performance and mindset.

While pop culture continues to shift its view on gender and beauty standards, the salon’s increasing popularity among male and female players alike underscores a larger transformation within professional athletics: Expression, self-care, and confidence are as much a part of the game as skill and strength.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who can access the U.S. Open pop-up salon?

A: Only tournament players and select insiders during their active run in the competition.

Q: What are the top-requested haircuts at the salon this year?

A: Curtain bangs, lobs (long bobs), and practical yet trendy layered cuts are most popular.

Q: Are gel manicures allowed or just traditional polish?

A: The team prefers natural polish for healthier nails and easier maintenance, with long-lasting top coats for durability.

Q: Do male tennis players use the salon?

A: Absolutely. Men’s grooming—including mani/pedis and sharp haircuts—has surged in popularity.

Q: Why do athletes prioritize beauty routines before matches?

A: Grooming helps players calm their minds, build confidence, and bond with peers before high-pressure moments.

Conclusion: Style Meets Sport

Inside the vibrant halls of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the U.S. Open pop-up salon has become a haven for athletic excellence and personal expression. Whether it’s a well-timed fringe trim, the perfect nail polish, or a shared tip from across the globe, these beauty rituals remind us that in tennis—as in life—it’s the attention to detail, and the joy of community, that truly set champions apart.