Tribute to John Dellaria, Founder of Dellaria Salons
“It is my considered opinion that the hairdresser is the most influential person in any community. A clever, thoughtful, ambitious hairdresser wields a power beyond the comprehension of most people.” — John Steinbeck
John Dellaria was a gentle yet powerful force in the hair and fashion community for over 60 years. A thoughtful visionary, John was affectionately referred to by his loyal clients and staff as “the hair brain.” A respected gentleman, he was a kind man of many talents and few words. When he did speak, it was inspiring — and delivered in his signature Bostonian accent.
How It All Began
When asked how he got his start in business, John replied: “A friend of mine wanted to go to beauty school. While he was being interviewed, I walked around the school. Immediately I was taken by the textures, the sculpture, the beauty — not to mention the women. I enrolled. He never did.”
John Francis Dellaria was born in Massachusetts on April 8, 1936 to Giacomo and Rita (Morrison) Dellaria. A star basketball player at East Boston High School, John chose beauty over brawn after graduation and enrolled at Boston’s Mansfield Beauty Academy, which has a history dating back to 1909.
After graduating top of his class, John’s illustrious career started as “Mr. John” of Continental Coiffures on Langley Road in Newton Centre, MA. He earned the title “Mr. John” due to his numerous first-place wins in creative hairstyling competitions and his gentlemanly chairside manner with clients.
Building the Dellaria Legacy
In the 1960s, John opened his first salon in Boston and for many years served as Chairman of Dellaria Limited with salons throughout Massachusetts.
In 1981, he opened a 5,000 square foot salon on 3 lofted levels in a historic landmark building at 433 W Broadway in SoHo, New York. The ahead-of-its-time salon featured computers, video monitors, movable dryers built to Dellaria’s specifications, dimmers at each station to flatter clients at every step, photographer’s studio lighting in the color area, a central vacuum system, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and freshly brewed espresso and cappuccino.
Designed by John and manager Fred Pirkey, the salon was christened “the Love Boat.” New York magazine wrote that it was a rocketship: “It’s definitely the spankingest white space we’ve seen.”
At the salon opening, John said: “New York itself is a tremendous source of creative energy. Being in SoHo allows me still greater freedom of thought and expression.”
The Pyrametrics® Cutting Method
John authored the stylist manual “Changing Styles,” which showcases his revolutionary haircutting technique: the Pyrametrics® Cutting Method. This approach uses the unique contours of each head to achieve balanced volume, precise layering, natural shape, and longer-lasting style.
John’s patented system produced an international cadre of renowned hair designers who built loyal client followings using his cutting method. Today, every stylist at Dellaria’s 21 Massachusetts locations is trained in the Pyrametrics® system.
His philosophy: “Hair is fashion. Fashion is change. Change means being today and sometimes tomorrow. Nothing dates us more than our hairstyle. It must remain current, reflecting where society is and who we are at the moment. For me, the hairstyle is the most creative way of expressing who we are and who we hope to be.”
Innovation and Industry Leadership
In 1990, John partnered with his best friend Joe Tucci to form the professional hair care product company Ariella Inc. As the product innovator, John created D-Chrome bleach — a patented delivery system designed to protect colorists from the danger and inconsistency of powdered bleaching agents.
Ariella was the first beauty product manufacturer to bring aluminum packaging to the industry with the natural castor oil-based Dressy Mist styling product. John was also the first to re-introduce pomades to consumers. His Stay and Fix products were packaged in glass jars and targeted the growing population of male salon-goers.
John and many talented hairdressers bonded together in the 1990s to create Beauty Cares/Hair Cares Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization focused on AIDS awareness through benefit fashion shows.
Awards and Recognition
During his reign as one of America’s top hairdressers, John served as President of Intercoiffure Magazine and as Fashion Director for six consecutive years. In 2011, he was honored as the first inductee into Intercoiffure North America’s Hall of Fame.
He received hundreds of awards for his artistry, including:
- “Man of the Year” — Intercoiffure
- “Top Ten Role Models”
- “Oner International Award” — Lo Zeffiro Milan, Italy
- “Super Styler” — National Beauty Editors
- “Salon of the Year” — Modern Salon Magazine
John and his talented team of stylists and makeup artists were regularly featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, Coiffure de Paris, French Vogue, Modern Salon, International Hairdresser, and New York magazine.
Mentoring Thousands
During a career spanning over 60 years, John mentored thousands of hairdressers who adored him and found inspiration in his approach: matching the hairstyle to the person.
“Before you look at their hair, see the individual and decide what will make that person look and feel attractive.”
Remembering John
In his signature all-black attire — jeans, T-shirt, and Yankees cap — John was well-known in the Chinatown restaurants where he gathered with clients and friends to cheer on his team, the New York Yankees.
John was also a passionate photographer who uniquely captured fashion and life through eyes that deeply appreciated the beauty in all people and things.
He is survived by his son Alexander “Alex” Dellaria, daughter-in-law Sabine, granddaughter Alesa, his brother Robert “Cory” Dellaria, and sisters Maryanne Cholfin, Candice “Candy” Dellaria, Michelle Dellaria-Juffre, and Cheryl Dellaria — and thousands of hair and fashion stylists, friends, and clients whose lives were touched by the hands and enriched by the heart of “the hair brain.”
John Dellaria left us on October 2, 2016. His legacy lives on in the hairstyles created by the beauty industry professionals who use his cutting system — and in every chair at Dellaria Salons across Massachusetts.
Written by Pennie Landry
Learn more about John Dellaria and our history.
What a wonderful article. I was lucky enough to work with John on multiple occasions in my 25 years working in one of the Boston locations. He was and will always be a huge part of my creative sense. We need to make a reminder in all of the current salons of the reason we do what we do and honour his creativity for our love of the craft. Although I recently left the company I am forever grateful to John and the Dellaria family for giving me the chance to be a part of such an amazing legacy.
Really nice article. Thank you so much to share with us. You did great work. I appreciate your hard work. keep writing for us.
I began my career at the Chopping Block (eventually named John Dellaria)Longmeadow, Ma in 76′. Was fortunate to have John and his team of Master Stylists as my instructors and eventually peers. After nearly a 30 year career I am at awe with the talent, gifts and education that I received.
Earning a chair at Dellaria in those times was not an easy feat. Yes, I did have the talent and thank you for believing in me.
John may we someday meet again.
Love
Carla
I began my career at the Chopping Block (eventually named John Dellaria)Longmeadow, Ma in 76′. Was fortunate to have John and his team of Master Stylists as my instructors and eventually peers. After nearly a 30 year career I am at awe with the talent, gifts and education that I received.
Earning a chair at Dellaria in those times was not an easy feat. Yes, I did have the talent and thank you for believing in me.
John may we someday meet again.
Love
Carla
I worked. By. His. Side. At. Fountenblue. Miami. Have his. Paremetrck Book. Sighned. Joe. Coleman.