Scott began his formal advanced education at a top Aveda Concept salon where he learned to appreciate the relation between beauty and well being and how that is important, not only to his client, but to the world around him. Later, during his time with Vidal Sassoon Scott learned the discipline necessary to be successful in this industry. He also learned to provide his clients with services based on the precise and creative techniques that have made Sassoon famous.

As Scott's career continued he learned to connect these two philosophies. Through careful consultation, by paying close attention to detail and with purposeful consideration of the well being of his client, he creates great beauty and style for himself, his clients and within his salon. He is grateful and considers himself fortunate to make a living by using his talent and knowledge.

Katherine Sawyer, the first stylist to be invited to join Descend Salon, brings her many years of experience as a talented hair designer and color expert. As a previous salon owner (dava dava salon on Union St) Katherine listens to her clients and incorporates their needs into her design philosophy.

Katherine began her career at age 19 assisting some of the best hairstylists and colorists in the area and her training includes hair academies in Paris and London and many advanced color classes, including color correction. Through the years she has performed at hair shows, taught large styling classes for clients and trained her own assistants. Katherine has also styled hair for large runway shows, television and video, including ABC Rocks and Billy Preston¹s video for his hit song ³And Dance². Katherine works exclusively with Framesi and Redken color lines and has developed a unique highlighting technique called 'Double Blonde¹ that gives maximum natural blonde results.

Katherine says deciding to join Descend Salon was made easy after meeting owner¹s Robert and Scott, their care and attention to detail and a decidedly green approach to hair care was an obvious fit for her.

Dianne Mendonca has experienced great joy as a result of her 15 years in the beauty industry. Throughout that time she has benefitted from collaboration with industry leaders in Toronto, NYC and San Francisco.

At Malcolm's in Toronto, Dianne underwent intensive training and worked/trained with Jean Louis David. She next worked at Elizabeth Arden's The Red Door Spa where she quickly became artistic director. Through her work at Elizabeth Arden, Dianne became connected with Wella products. She joined their team and became a cut/color educator, teaching others her lifelong love of hair cutting and coloring as well as the advanced techniques necessary to help each client realize their best potential. Since moving to San Francisco, Dianne has worked at 77 Maiden Lane and dava dava salon on Union Street.

Dianne keeps her practice current through continuing education in NYC and San Francisco with Loreal, Wella and Paul Mitchell. She has joined Descend Salon as an independent contractor where she will continue to support clients by helping them transform themselves and look their best!

Started Feb. 4, 2008

Started March 1, 2008

Initially trained as a fine artist, Shannon has been able to transfer her artistic skills to her hairstyling. What she learned as a painter and sculptor translates into her color and cuts. She began her career in Los Feliz, a hip neighborhood of Los Angeles, where she trained in extensions. Since then, Shannon has worked with many different types of extensions, testing out nearly all the different methods out there. Working in Hollywood, avant-garde styles came naturally to her. While in L.A., she did hair and make-up for television commercials, photo shoots, theatrical performances, and Miss Sixty fashion shows.

With her move to San Francisco, she decided she wanted to master softer, more natural hairstyles. She comes to Descend from Madusalon, where she specialized in curly hair. She consistently attends hair shows and advanced training classes not only to continue her education but also to keep up on current trends.

Most recently, Shannon has co-founded a system of extensions that she both blends into a clients' natural hair and teaches to other stylists. This is an amazing method of strand by strand, micro-link extensions that do not damage the integrity of the hair. These extensions are easy to maintain and have minimal up keep, which involves regular tightening (as opposed to completely redoing the entire process). The quality of the hair is exceptional and can easily last for a year, if cared for correctly. The hair blends perfectly, chosen to match both color and texture. Extensions are great to add volume, length, or both.

Unlike most traditional stylists, Shannon utilizes a "dry cut" method, enabling her to take into consideration the particularities of each client's hair, resulting in a more personalized cut. With the dry cut method she can actually carve out the shape and style of the cut while seeing how it moves with your hair. Not only is she a versatile stylist, but her clients say, her biggest talent lies in her ability to really listen and give them exactly what they want: a fabulous hairstyle that is manageable and practical for their lifestyle

Starting June 2008

Starting June 2008

Marco's career began 14 years ago in a bohemian corner of Santa Barbara California. As an apprentice for a local artisan he developed a strong foundation in color theory and perennial techniques in cutting with an emphasis on lightening and care for the integrity of the hair. These fundamentals served as a springboard for a broader experience in the industry.

New York City offered the next stage of his education and opportunities to explore and refine his craft. With over a decade working in Manhatten's West Village and events that took his practice to Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala and major cities in Europe, he cultivated a demeanor and skill to translate a client's vision and customize their needs.

As his tenure begins at Descend Salon he continues to draw from a comprehensive well of talented colleagues and dynamic clients to bring inspiration and skill to color and form.