A celebrated Boston stylist sets up shop on the North Shore. By Emma Haak
As a child, if you asked Anthony Vitale if he’d ever end up spending his days tending the tresses of some of Boston’s most stylish women, the answer would have been a definite “No.” Despite coming from a long line of hair stylists, Vitale had other plans. But the family vocation won out in the end and today, Vitale is a sought-after colorist and stylist with a brand-new salon on the North Shore.
On November 1, Vitale opened the Anthony David Salon in Burlington. With more than 20 years of experience-including opening and operating Studio for Hair in Kenmore Square-Vitale says the move was motivated by a desire to bring some city style to the suburbs. “People want to look good, whether they live in the city or the suburbs,” he says.
Though he’s now a master colorist whose work has been featured in magazines like Allure, Boston, and InStyle, Vitale took a roundabout route to get here. It was only after a stint in art school and another in animation school that he decided becoming a hair stylist was the right choice. Applying his knowledge of color theory from his art background, Vitale was a natural in the salon and quickly became known for his ability to correct even the worst color disasters. He says his methodical and personalized approach is what sets him apart from other colorists. “Nobody’s hair is the same,” he says. “You have to see what’s going to fit the individual and find the color that works best for them.”
A longtime North Shore resident, Vitale says that the area was an obvious choice for his new salon because of its increasingly upscale vibe. “People on the North Shore expect more from their suburbs,” he says. “Nicer condos, nicer restaurants, nicer shopping, nicer hair salons,” he says. “[They want] things that they’re accustomed to getting in the city but don’t want to have to go to the city to get.” 120 Cambridge Street, Burlington, 781-272-0002, anthonydavidburlington.com. -Emma Haak
Best Face Forward David Nicholas brings the business of beauty to Ipswich.
Another beauty pro making waves on the North Shore is makeup artist David Nicholas, who has styled TV and sports stars and taught his craft in Boston. With business partner/husband David Miranowicz, Nicholas, who also lends his skills to victims of burns and other physical trauma, moved the HQ of David Nicholas International from Charlestown to Rowley last Memorial Day. Now, clients at the new space off the Newburyport Turnpike can take advantage of the company’s full complement of services without making the trip into Boston. It’s a beautiful thing. 529 Main Street, Rowley, 617-242-0177, makeupdni.com.  -E.H.