About our NYC Hair Salons

Authentic. Passionate. Educated. Inspired.

Authentic. Passionate. Educated. Inspired.

Melyssa Graham

Owner and Master Hair Artist

Owner and Master Hair Artist Melyssa Graham opened the doors of Thomas Taft Salon on 2nd Avenue in 2013. During Melyssa’s decade-long experience working in Manhattan salons, she bore witness to an odd reality.  Although her industry appeared to be female dominated, most hair salons were owned by men. While she couldn’t be sure, this duplicity seemed to fuel another nagging thought; some of these NYC salons lacked authenticity. Melyssa decided to fill this gap. Thomas Taft Salon is named after Melyssa’s grandfather who owned and operated a hardware store in the Hudson Valley. Clearly, working with her hands is in the genes.

Stephanie Del Russo

Operations & Marketing Manager

Stephanie graduated Summa Cum Laude from Johnson & Wales University with a BA in Hospitality Management. Her career began in a 100% commission direct sales role. She went on to open and operate three direct sales offices in Upstate NY & NYC. She transitioned into the salon industry in 2015 in Connecticut and found her way to Thomas Taft Salon in the summer of 2017. Stephanie is an integral part of the brand voice, culture, and creation of the systems that run Thomas Taft Salons. She is a general purveyor of creative expression. Stephanie now lives full time in Las Vegas, visiting the salons throughout the year, and is just a phone call away for the team and salon partners.

Angie

UES FRONT DESK | COORDINATOR

Straight out of the boogie down Bronx, Angie is extremely passionate about art, animals and the beauty industry. Her artistry ranges from photography, to interior design, as well as using her hair as her canvas. She has quickly become the recognizable voice on the phone and in-person coordinator at all Thomas Taft locations. Angie is ready to welcome you to our space with a warm smile and hearty laugh. 

Thomas Taft Hair Salon Community Partners:

  • Bowery Mission Soup Kitchen

  • Ronald McDonald House

  • Montefiore Children’s Hospital

  • Popup for Change

  • New York cares Food Drive

  • Yellow Rose Project

Our Mission, we aim to:

  • Inspire (in and out of our salon, our peers and our clients)

  • Be amazing hairdressers (creating unique styles to fit our clients)

  • Educate (ourselves and our clients, there’s always more to learn)

  • Build deep relationships (with clients, professionals and each other)

  • Revere authenticity and creativity (in all forms)

  • Partner (with our clients, peers, community and environment)

  • Love what we do (otherwise, why bother?)