A native Italian, Luigi Parasmo worked for several years in Rome, including a stint with the notable hairstylist Sergio Valente before joining the Watergate Salon in 1994. He has extensive professional training in Italy including attending beauty school and the A.R.A. Hair Academy in Rome, specializing in color, highlights, up-dos and geometric fashion cuts. Additionally, Luigi has participated in international hair competitions and studied under Tony & Guy in London, Christophe Carita in Paris, Llongueras in Spain and Aldo Coppola, Milan’s favorite hairstylist. No stranger to the fashion world, Luigi worked for four years for the Milanese agency, Battaglia Hair & Makeup. He concentrated his efforts to style runway models for the leading designers such as Valentino, Armani, Versace, and Emilio Carallini of Florence. He also participated in the fashion industry’s two biggest shows, Milano Vende Moda in Milan and Pitti in Florence.

Living in the United States has shifted Luigi’s focus to attend the annual beauty shows in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. He also stays current with Italian trends by returning to Bologna for the Cosmoprof.

Born in Madrid, Spain, Javiér Calvo studied beauty in his homeland before relocating to America. His career has afforded him the opportunity to work as a hairstylist in Florida, Michigan, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C. before joining the Watergate Salon in 1982.

Javiér’s exposure to travel in the US has been beneficial in many aspects as it allowed him to attend several of the country’s best hair shows. He also returns to Europe for new ideas and is noted at the Watergate Salon for his long-time clientele that appreciate his emphasis on keeping their style current.

A native of Beirut, Michael Awad had a flourishing salon in Lebanon in 1970, and was considered one of the top hairstylists in Beirut, catering to an elite audience. In 1975 he was invited to open a salon in Ontario, Canada because of his success in his homeland. In 1977 he relocated to Zaire, Africa to serve the President and the First family in Zaire, as well as the diplomatic community.

L’Oreal recruited Michael Awad to Paris where he also worked with Alexander of Paris. Then in 2000, Michael moved to Washington, D.C. and joined the Watergate Salon in 2001.

A Swiss Italian native of Lugano, Switzerland, Rita Ghidaoui began her career as a hairstylist after graduating from the Ticino Cosmetology school in Switzerland. Ms. Ghidaoui continued her studies through apprenticeships and employment in some of the top salons in Lugano and Geneva, Switzerland. She later founded her own salon in Lugano and conducted a successful business for 20 years. In 1999 she relocated to Washington, D.C. to join the Watergate Salon. Her ongoing training with world-class salons and popular stylists like Tony and Guy, and Vidal Sassoon in London keeps her styling and coloring techniques current and in demand at the Salon.

Vlady was born in Milano, Italy. He worked with the Framesi Company for several years where he was responsible for instructing students on haircutting techniques. He worked for Italy Company as well and traveled extensively throughout South Africa and Spain teaching new techniques and styles.  Vlady had his own salon in Milano, Italy before joining us here at the Watergate Salon & Spa.

Kate was born and raised in Morocco. She graduated from The College of Economical Sciences but later found her passion to be in the art of hairstyling. Kate likes to make people feel beautiful and comfortable with her creative style and flair. She has taken special classes with L'oreal in Paris as well as specilizing in Thermal hair relaxer(Japanese Relaxer).

Michele de Vincenz is the Watergate Salon’s senior esthetician, specializing in skincare and facial techniques. She trained in her native country of Romania and studied biology prior to becoming an esthetician. Of note is that her Romanian training required her to create her own products for individuals, by combining herbs and natural products available in Romania. Michele moved to the United States in 1979 to work with Elizabeth Arden and Elodie Salon before joining the Watergate in 1981. Over the last 25 years, Michele de Vincenz has widened the range of her skills and techniques through additional training experiences with Essensa, as well as her completing specialty courses in clinical aesthetics, aromatherapy, artistic make-up, massage therapy, electrolysis and micro-dermabrasion (Power Peel) in the US, France and Germany. Throughout her tenure at the Watergate Salon, she has applied the newest skin care products and techniques available to the Watergate’s clientele. Fifteen years ago, when the Watergate Salon spearheaded the introduction of aromatherapy and botanical-based cosmetic lines such as Essensa, Michele was personally selected for one-on-one training with M.P. Magomet, the renowned French creator of this outstanding skincare line.

A native of Algeria, Nadia trained in Paris, France with Guinot and Jeanne Gatinot. She worked in both France and Algeria before coming to the U.S.

In 1994, she was drawn to join the Watergate Salon because of its international clientele and staff. She specializes in deep cleaning facials, aromatherapy, power peel facials as well as all types of waxing procedures. She also excels as a makeup artist for all types of occasions and is an expert in Lavish Lashes eyelash extensions, such as those popularized in Hollywood by many actresses.

Born in Malaga, Spain (Andalusia), Julia obtained her License and Studies from the University of Spain of Health and Sciences in Seville, Spain, where she worked in various places, demonstrating her abilities with enthusiasm for all her clients and always providing gratifying services. Julia was contacted to work in Paris, Rome and Dublin and finally took a permanent four year position in Turin, Italy. While in Turin, Julia was contacted to take part as Sports Therapist during the 2006 Winter Olympics. She then married and moved to the United States where she resides in Maryland.

Julia is considered to be very dynamic in her profession and has a "special touch" and personality that all her clients adore. She uses very diverse techniques and tends to any client special needs. She converses in Spanish, Italian and English. Her professionalism and relaxation techniques add to the specialty services provided by the Watergate Salon.