Meet the Stylists
Michel Gurule
Owner & Master Stylist
Michel’s long and distinguished career as a master stylist and colorist had its foundations in his childhood. “My mother was a manicurist at an upscale salon, and I spent a lot of time there as a little boy,” he says. “By the time I grew up, I knew it was what I wanted to do.”
Michel and his wife and partner, Mayren, bought The Gates Salon in 2007, moving his professional base from Hancock Park to the San Gabriel Valley. His admiration for Pasadena has continued to grow. “It’s a beautiful city with a wonderfully diverse mix of people,” he says. “Fortunately, it’s also close to where I live.” His long career in the upscale beauty field has given Michel invaluable perspective on the evolution of style – and a laser-sharp sense of what’s next. Right now, he says, natural-looking color is making a comeback, along with healthy looking and feeling hair. That’s why he and his team are committed to staying on the leading edge of the latest products and trends. “It’s key to giving our clients the most beautiful hair possible,” he says.
In his off-work hours, Michel is passionate about golf, which he’s been playing since he was a boy. Ask him to describe the most challenging part of his job and he’s uncharacteristically lost for words. “I really enjoy the craft,” he muses. “It's hard to think what makes it difficult.”
Daniel Diaz
Senior Stylist
Many people find a beauty career appealing because it’s an outlet for their creativity. For Daniel, it offers a second and equally important draw. “I find it very rewarding to make people feel good about themselves,” he says. “A lot of us suffer from not being OK with the way we look or feel. Our hair influences so many areas of our lives, including our sense of self-confidence.” Daniel’s approach to style isn’t confined to “artistic” cuts and colors. “For me, the best looks now feel lived-in, with appealing natural tones and textures,” he says. While the end result may look easy, achieving it takes an exceptionally high level of skill. Daniel chose to bring his talent and deeply personal approach to The Gates because “ the salon is beautiful, and they carry my favorite product line, Kerastase.”
When he isn’t working, he likes to spend time with his wife and two sons (especially at Dodger games), and visit his extended family. Generally a modest guy, Daniel does own one serious claim to fame: “I give the best shampoo in Los Angeles.”
