the salt strands team

Val Plunk

OWNER | MASTER STYLIST

Raised in Southern California, beach culture has always been an organic influence on Val’s approach to hair color + extensions. “I’m forever trying to mimic what the sun does naturally to lighten hair, so I can give each client purposeful dimension, that looks effortless + timeless” 

Val has trained under the most elite colorists in the industry over the past 20 years, in addition to specializing in extensions for the past 10 years. This led her to creating her own luxury hair line: salt strands hair co.

She knows not everyone was born with great hair, but that doesn't mean you can't buy/ achieve it. Val is known for her epic sunkissed color + extension transformations that look so natural no one can tell you weren’t born with it. She caters to clients around the U.S. as well as trains stylists around the world. Her philosophy when it comes to hair is “keep it natural looking, but don't lose your edge…lets customize a transformation just for Y O U”

FOLLOW VAL ON IG →

Jillian Sullivan

STYLIST

Jillian is a new generation stylist, after completing her cosmetology licensing, she joined the salt strands team. she was taken under val’s wing, where she acquired all of her skills and techniques. Jillian has taught education alongside some of the best names in the hair industry. from blondes to brunettes, she aspires to specialize in all lived in color and extensions, while preserving the hairs health. her dedication, creativity and positive mind brings a fresh take to the hair industry. 

FOLLOW JILLIAN ON IG →

Missy Cabrera

MASTER STYLIST

Missy has spent over a decade in the hair game. She considers herself to be an absolute extension snob who’s obsessed with seamless and dimensional color. When away from the chair, she goes by “mama” to three boys. Missy is bilingual (ASL), obsessed with fashion + thrifting, and Neo-Soul. 

FOLLOW MISSY ON IG →

Chelsea Hedrick

STYLIST

Meet Chelsea ~ SoCal born + raised and mom of 2 (hopefully 4 one day). 

She’s rapidly making her mark in our industry with her endless motivation, creativity & hard work. This led her to the incredible opportunity to be trained & mentored under the most elite colorist & extension artist in our industry and has opened the door for her to work alongside OC’s most prestigious salon creative teams. 

Chelsea specializes in Custom Color & Luxury Extensions catering to clients globally. “No head of hair is the same! Yours should be uniquely customized, thoughtfully tailored & curated specifically to you & your lifestyle.” She finds inspiration through California’s organic textures & movement, highlighting each client’s unique features & enhancing their natural beauty. For Chelsea it’s about so much more than hair, it’s about the relationship & trust built together, it’s listening intently & communicating efficiently, creating realistic goals & guiding her clients to have hair that will be sure to turn every head & drop every jaw. 

Now let’s slay some hair together! 

BOOK WITH CHELSEA →

Kathy Gomez

STYLIST

OC native and true creative, Kathy has turned her hobby of playing with hair into her career and has been dedicated to the art of hairdressing for 10 years. From blondes to brunettes she specializes in dimensional lived in color &  extensions. With a commitment to her craft and her guest, Kathy is constantly attending advanced education and evolving as a stylist to perfect her artistry, and give her clients the best experience. She strives to give each woman stunning, healthy hair that leaves them feeling beautiful and confident. When she's not behind the chair you can find her on beach runs with her dog, Rufus, or exploring new destinations with her husband.

BOOK WITH KATHY →

Kenzie Caton

STYLIST

Kenzie has been creating hair behind the chair for the past 5 years. Specializing in custom-color and extensions is what she is most passionate about. “When effortless hair color is perfectly paired with extensions designed just for you, it’s pure magic.” 

When Kenzie is not behind the chair, she is a mama to her one year old, Jaxon. You can find her at a good coffee shop, soaking up some sun at the beach, or cozied up at home watching reality tv.

BOOK WITH KENZIE →

Claire Mckeown

SALON ASSISTANT

Claire is newly licensed and is here to elevate the guest experience at salt strands! She loves color + extensions and delivering a luxury experience to everyone who walks through our doors. 

CURRENTLY CREATING MAGIC OUT OF SUNNY SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA

〰️

CURRENTLY CREATING MAGIC OUT OF SUNNY SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA 〰️