Our Stylists
Maria Ripley, Salon Owner
Master Stylist + Healthy Hair Mentor, @MariaBlaichHair
Maria Ripley is a seasoned Hair Stylist with over three decades of experience, from traveling the world as a member of Schwarzkopf’s North American Artistic Cutting Team, to educating at global hair shows, to styling backstage at New York Fashion Week. Yet, it’s in the heart of her own salon, Salt Hair Lounge in Huntington Beach, where Maria feels most inspired.
From mastering the wrap-around French braid as a child to mastering precision cutting and color formulations, Maria’s dedication to her craft has only grown stronger over the years.
Her passion for serving others is rooted in her faith. Echoing the ethos of her salon's name, Maria's life stands as a testament to the call to be Salt and Light.
Maria hopes you feel at home the moment you step into SALT, and by the time you leave, you'll feel more confident, beautiful, and uplifted. After all, when you salt your hair, you lift your soul.
Jenny McMahan
Custom Colorist + Extension Specialist, @HairVibesByJenny
A proud Huntington Beach local, Jenny brings over 20 years of expertise behind the chair, blending creativity, precision, and passion into every appointment. She specializes in custom color, extensions, and precision cuts- always tailoring each look to highlight her client’s natural beauty and personal style.
Jenny’s career includes six years as a cosmetology instructor and an exciting stint working on the set of General Hospital, both of which deepened her commitment to ongoing education and staying at the forefront of trends and techniques. Her heart for learning ensures every guest leaves her chair feeling confident, refreshed, and beautifully seen.
Whether it’s a bold transformation or a subtle glow-up, Jenny loves helping clients feel like the very best version of themselves.
Heidi Duvall
Blonde Specialist + Dimensional Colorist, @Heidis_Hair
With over a decade behind the chair, Heidi brings a joyful blend of skill, heart, and artistry to every client she serves. Specializing in blondes and multidimensional color, she’s passionate about crafting custom looks that enhance your natural beauty and leave you glowing- inside and out.
Heidi is a master-certified extension artist, known for her meticulous eye and winsome warmth. Whether you’re looking for subtle sun-kissed strands or a total transformation, Heidi’s goal is simple: to make you feel like your most radiant, confident self.
For Heidi, the best part of her work is that moment when you see yourself in the mirror and smile- that’s when the magic happens.
Mende Wright
Color Specialist + Precision Cutting, @TheCoastalChair
With 29 years of experience in hairstyling and color specialization, Mende has built her career on staying ahead of trends and continually refining her skills. For three years, she served as an educator for Living Proof, traveling across the country to teach and inspire others in the beauty industry. Her deep passion for the art of hair and her creative vision drive her to help clients not only look stunning but feel beautiful from within.
Focused and detail-driven, Mende ensures every client receives personalized service, always prepared to deliver the highest standard of care. Her goal is to make each client feel refreshed, confident, and radiant—inside and out.
Rachelle Hildebrandt
Natural Blonde Specialist + Color Formulation Expert, @ItsHildee
After spending many years as a kid on the salon floor watching her mother enjoy this industry, Rachelle decided to pursue the same dream. She migrated to California from the Mid-West 12 years ago to attend The Aveda Institute of Los Angeles and never looked back.
Following her education she worked with and learned from some of the LA’s great stylists. Now settled in Orange County, her hope is to bring not only beautiful hair to this thriving community but to also give a warm and welcoming energy to everyone who walks through the door. Specializing in natural blondes, color formulation and women’s cutting, your beach hair is sure to flourish.