Christophe Marais, Stylist

Christophe Marais, originally from France, came to Urban Retreat after studying under celebrity stylist José Eber and has only been in the United States for 7 years. He’s been with Urban Retreat for 2 years and prides himself on treating his customers like royalty. Speaking of royalty, Christophe was employed by the King of Morocco for 2 years as a stylist. Who else can say their stylist worked for a King?! Now that’simpressive. But I was impressed several times throughout the interview.

Christophe absolutely loves to create feminine, chic, and sexy hair styles. He also likes to look to his clients for inspiration to determine the type of style and cut that fits her personality. We all know how heartbreaking it is to leave the salon looking amazing and then holding your Chi iron and screaming the day after because you can’t recreate your look. We understand and apparently Christophe does too; he creates styles that are easy for his clients to replicate and maintain on their own. We love it!

Christophe is a self-confessed fashion magazine junkie and knows all of the European designers and fashion houses by their work. This is my type of hair stylist! Imagine the fabulous conversations while getting your hair styled and discussing the new Louboutin leopard booties or Gucci ostrich bag or Valentino bow pumps. Sigh. Perfection.

When Christophe is in Houston, if he’s not having a glass of Merlot or Pinot Noir with a delicious pasta at Da Marco’s, you may find him enjoying dumplings at Gigi’s.  Christophe is looking forward to spending time in Puerto Rico after the holiday rush at Urban Retreat and enjoys vacationing wherever there is a beach. I didn’t dare ask him if Galveston counted. When he has free time, he likes to visit Miami as well as work out at the gym (great combination!). Christophe enjoys traveling and mixes business with pleasure by traveling to France at least once a year to take classes and seminars to learn new hair styling and cutting techniques while updating his current skills. Again, I’m impressed.

After chatting with Christophe, you will definitely notice this intangible quality that makes him distinctive and unique aside from his well honed hair designing skills. As the French might say, he has that “je nais se quois”. Christophe’s services start at only $100 for a cut or color and his hours are Tue. – Sat., 9-6. Christophe is at the Urban Retreat Day Spa and Salon Main location at 2329 San Felipe, Houston, TX 77019. For more information or to book an appointment with Christophe, call Urban Retreat Spa and Salon at 713.523.2300.