The Watergate Salon was inaugurated into business within the Watergate Complex on November 3, 1966. Italian Architect Moretti, who designed the Complex, offered Antonio Buttaro this prized location for establishing his salon.

The Watergate Salon is discreetly tucked away on the lower level, among the elegant shops of the infamous 231-unit building located at 2532 Virginia Avenue, NW. The 2,200 square-foot salon has been the beauty hub for political and social Washington since its inception and appeared in Life magazine in 1969, with a full-page photograph of Mrs. Mitchell, wife of the Attorney General and Mrs. Stans, wife of the Secretary of Commerce enjoying the Watergate Salon's services.

The Watergate Salon also offers state of the art skin care services like the Oxygen, Power Peel and Lumi facials performed by highly trained estheticians, as well as an award winning array of hairdressers from Europe and the Middle East. The salon is also noted for its excellent team of manicurists and the exceptionally soothing massage therapist who has studied many European techniques which are incorporated into her services.

The Buttaro family has invested heavily in keeping their prestigious salon current with a wonderful staff, as well as a fashionably accessorized boutique. The boutique is located in the front of the salon and offers an extensive selection of skin care products including Biodroga, Dr. Schrammek, Essensa, Guinot, Naturopathica and Skinceuticals. Hair products such the widely popular Kerastase Paris are offered, as well as The Thymes products with its selection of lotions, candles and air mists.

On February 23, 2006, Antonio Buttaro passed away. Mr. Buttaro was born in Potenza, Italy in 1920. He worked with the Italian Intelligence Service until 1958, when he accepted an appointment to the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C. as Secretary of the Italian Military Attaché, where he remained until 1973. Mr. Buttaro opened the salon in 1966, developing its stylish concept, facility and staff.

He is the reason the salon prospers and exists to this day. Through the years, he hired many talented European and Middle Eastern stylists from their native countries and trained and guided them to be Washington's elite stylists. With Mr. Buttaro's blessings, many have gone on to open successful businesses themselves.

He was truly a good man and a class act. His memory and spirit lives on at the salon.

Born in Rome, Italy in 1958, Claudia grew up in Arlington, VA. As early as 1971, she began working at the Watergate Salon as a receptionist. She began working full time in 1977 and took over management of the salon in 1989 when her mother retired. As owner, she is active in day to day operations of the business as well as long term planning and strategy to keep the salon running efficiently and profitably. She has attended beauty schools for hairdressers and numerous seminars to expand her awareness of the salon business.

Born and raised in Bethlehem, PA, Ron has lived in the Washington area since 1978. He received an accounting degree from George Mason University and has been involved with the salon since his marriage to Claudia in 1983. His duties include taking care of the financial side of the business, including payroll, bookkeeping, accounting and taxes. He currently resides in Arlington, VA with Claudia and their two children.