The Riah Experience
The quaint storefront of Riah beckons in Nolita, blending funky chic with majesty, an intimate, eclectic salon that reverberates with a soothing spirit of its own. To experience Riah is to experience a salon like no other, a center for divine locks with distinctive personality.
The inviting atmosphere of Riah is cultivated by stylist and owner Ann Minahan whose instinctive approach toward her craft has been refined by a broad range of experience in the New York market - from magazine cover shoots, to feature film sets to television studios.
"I have a holistic approach. I'm attentive to making people look and feel better - men and women from all cultural backgrounds," Minahan says.
With Ms. Minahan's philosophy at work, clients are educated on the physiological makeup of their hair and skin. Her product line is entirely organic with the Canadian line AG and Dr. Haushka lining her shelves. As a color specialist in the Robert Craig technique, she heals broken follicles and avoids harsh chemicals, restoring natural qualities internally that transform outward appearance. Her background in Native American cultural studies at a Pine Ridge, South Dakota reservation supports her well-informed advice on the use of plant extracts. Combined with her work at Leanord's of London and the Chanel School of Paris, Ms. Minahan achieves upscale salon finesse with a holistic nature.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Ms. Minahan came to New York in 1982, where she became immersed in the downtown arts scene as a stylist of note. An individualist, she branched off founding Riah in 1984. Her exclusive clientele has grown with her over the years. She is in demand for off-site work in the entertainment industry and for gala affairs including spreads in Cosmopolitan, Interview, Fortune and Esquire. Her extensive television credits include Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, PBS, NBC, and MTV. Her personal touch on hair and makeup has adorned the Dangerous Liaisons gala at Metropolitan Museum of Arts, Tommy Hilfiger runway shows , Monica Byrne's collection, and Nike commercials. Rebecca Romijn, Neneh Cherry and Paula Abdul have sought out Minahan's mindful treatment.
Despite her stellar vitae, Riah offers a departure from pretension, pomp and circumstance. Ms. Minahan's adoring clientele regularly drop in for a visit - whether or not grooming is required. They are actresses, designers, Wall Street executives and mothers. When they emerge from Ms. Minahan's care, they are calm, relaxed and beautiful.
"People are drawn to this place for a reason," says Elizabeth Line, a university student who has worked closely with Minahan. "It's because of her approach. It's a mixture of high-end pampering, with a very down home style. She knows how to treat people and people feel comfortable here. People walk out grinning ear to ear."