Anyone who has ever tried to “google translate” their way through a styling session or beauty treatment is already aware of the difficulties, impossibilities and occasional shame that comes along with styling lost in translation. After weeks of back-packing around South America or trekking up Machu Pichu, returning to the city and getting ready for a night on the town can seem like more of an uphill climb than that trip to the Andes. We feel your pain, and a handful of expert expats do too, bringing with them their natives tongues of English and their trans-cultural talents to save the day.
Sarah Johnson of Lady Fingers gives a manicure (Photo: Marc Rogers)
Fancy Fingers & Lady Gardens
Sarah Johnson, the UK-born Aussie and professionally certified aesthetician in both Australia and Argentina was drawn to Buenos Aires for its mysterious energy and life. Her self-started business, Lady Gardens and Fancy Fingers has become a haven to the English speaker and waxing-wary traveller in BA.
“As a traveller, [waxing] is hard enough to do with a stranger, let alone someone you can’t speak the language with,” she empathised. “There is nothing in the books to tell people where to get this done — and when you come back to Buenos Aires from your travels, you want to put on a skirt and have your nails done when you go out for a night in the city.”
Sarah’s adventure began modestly working out of the fifth floor of the Millhouse hostel. Catering to the plight of travelling guys and gals on the go, she not only offered her services as an English-speaking aesthetician, but also dolled out manicures wanting to enjoy the nightlife of Buenos Aires — as well as those recovering from it.
“I love what I do because I like giving people a quality service,” said Johnson, remembering the many horror stories she collected from traveling friends and clients at the Millhouse. “and [my work] lets you meet such fabulous people— explorers and the adventurous type. I have made some amazing friends from all over.”
Waxing and manicure services may seem to be a simple aesthetic treatment, however if done improperly, they can be dangerous, warned the professional aesthetician.
“From burns in Peru to waxing solicitations — many people offering this service just aren’t qualified,” said Johnson. “You have to be cautious, always.”
After traveling around herself, Sarah noticed a dire need for a certified aesthetician with know-how and English skills to take the guesswork out of a trip to the salon, and did something about it.
She established Fancy Fingers & Lady Gardens and Fancy Fingers has since left her Millhouse days behind, working out of her own location offering services from a full range of waxing and specials to manicures and pedicures.
The Fancy Fingers and Lady Gardens website offer’s a full list of services, prices and the story behind the success. www.ladygardens.net
Ryan Oakley styles his client's hair at the end of her appointment (Photo: Marc Rogers)
Ryan Oakley
Ryan Oakley has spent the last three years establishing a name and a home for himself in Buenos Aires while creating a new salon experience for each one of his clients. Originally from Toronto and working outside of Alberta for the last ten years in his own salon, Oakley – inspired – decided he needed a change. Packing up everything he could, he moved to Costa Rica and became a yoga instructor, but it wasn’t long before his nomadic spirit struck once.
“I showed up with my one Buddha statue that a client got me from Japan, my backpack, two suitcases and a yoga mat,” he laughed along with the image of his arrival into Buenos Aires.
His ever-growing business is testament to his styling, despite his difficult beginnings. Originally snipping and styling out of his room in the Palermo Soho Hostel, Oakley fast-forwards to the present in his own studio where his clients can come in, set their phrase books down and put their minds at ease.
“I think the biggest concern for clients and foreigners coming here is that even in our own countries, half the time the hairdresser doesn’t know what the client is asking for because they don’t have the terminology,” Ryan reasoned. “Imagine trying to translate that into a different language and a different culture?”
Catering to the travel needs of his long time clients, Oakley’s mantra is to help his clients achieve low-maintenance manes with chic and natural colors that will last.
“I deal with people who want nice hair,” he said. “My big concern is the integrity of the service, not just a look.”
Loving what he does is a big part of Ryan’s success, though his varying clients and friends are really the most rewarding aspect of his job.
“Getting to meet so many people and hear so many stories (most rewarding)
Everybody has a past and an experience,” he said, petting his Schnauzer, Vayu, currently sporting a mini Mohawk. “I have been able to meet so many beautiful, diverse, people. It humbles you to know what we have is a gift. I don’t think you find an experience like that doing hair in your own country.”
Touching lives through his many cuts and creations, Oakley knows his calling in life represents much more than a haircut and color.
“When you come in, you’re a woman. When you leave, you’re a diva. I want you to feel confident and good about yourself.”
For some, a visit to Ryan Oakley’s hair studio is a break from conjugating and removes the stress of delicate communications, while others may find that his creative spirit and stylistic intuition turn his clients into friends and newcomers into regulars.
Ryan’s services can be expected to range from $125 and up for cuts and $110 for base colours, though prices vary. He can be reached for styling at r_oakley@hotmail.com.
Styling by Terri (Photo: Patricio Guillamon)
Terrie Orr
Terrie Orr has been trained to be a stylist since she was 16-years old. After selling her house, she left her hometown in Belfast, Ireland to travel around the world and came Buenos Aires for an adventure.
A woman of many interests, Terrie enjoys concerts, going out with her friends here in BA and horseback riding. However, this is merely a fraction of what makes up the expat hair stylist.
Back in Belfast, Terrie’s true love has always been styling hair — what started as an after school job at a salon turned into a career. After a horse riding accident left her badly injured in her left arm, Terrie took to her books and without giving up on herself acquired a degree in anthropology and business, and eventually the use of her arm again.
“After 18 months, I began to get feeling and movement back in my arm,” said Orr. “It was great because I was able to use hairdressing to work my way through my time at the university and to stay there longer to get an extra degree.”
Through her world travels and excursions she has styled for a variety of different people and in many different places, from the UK in her own salon to volunteer teaching her gift in Cambodia, Orr continues to promote progress and style. She has even gone so far as to style for the photo shoots of photographer, Pato Guillamon — though she admits she can’t resist the pull of Buenos Aires.
“I fell in love with Buenos Aires because it’s one of those cities that’s easy to adapt to,” she explained.
As much as Orr loves the city, she noticed that despite innumerable local hair stylists and salons on every corner, that there was still an undeniable need for English-speaking hair stylists among the expat community.
For those looking to eliminate communicative errors and hoping for a variety of styles, Terrie empathizes as she has had many of the same troubles finding a stylist during her travels abroad. Understanding her clients and her talent for hair cutting and coloring has helped her make friends and grow roots into the South American soil.
Terrie Orr can be contacted for hair services at terrie.orr@googlemail.com
Lead photo by Marc Rogers
I am so happy to read about Lady Fingers !
gracias !
My hairdresser, Abel, is low-key, not a cult-figure, and probably would never find himself listed on a blog for foreigners, but he’s wonderful, especially with cut and color, and speaks English:
Pelo’s Design
Yerbal 591
close to Rivadavia y Acoyte
in Caballito
4903-1986
Hi,
Just want to bring to the attention of everyone who reads this article that, the photo that I provided is from a fashion shoot I did for the excellent photographer Patricio, however,I did the style not the make-up. As a hair stylist I feel that this is important…jeje
Cherie, Abel may or may not list himself on blogs etc… so why do you feel the need to do it for him?!!
Sarah saved me from a hairy adventure in Argentina! and my roots needed Terrie’s expertise pronto! I had great fun meeting both and them and was really happy with the results. I miss them both now that I’ve left BA
I have been primped and preened by both Sarah and Terrie several times and would highly recommend their services!
Terrie is lovely. She has a wonderful calm way, works quickly and on time, her prices are very fair and she cuts good hair. Her place is a lovely short stroll off the D line through a tree lined neighborhood. She answers appointment queries through email or phone. I’ll definitely go back again…
Finally! It took me a whole year to find Terrie who gave me a great cut and colour for very decent price. At last I have found my hairdresser in BA.
I visited Ryan Oakley’s hair salon for a hair cut and color, I had a terrible experience, while I was waiting for my hair color, he stepped outside in the building hallway and started fighting with his neighbor, I stayed more than 30 minutes inside his studio, while he was arguing and insulting his neighbor whom wants the hair salon closed because it is illegal to have a business in that building.
A horrible and expensive experience, I will never return to his salon, the place is discusting, dirty and illegal!
As a long time, returning client of Ryan’s, I can safely say that his salon is neither dirty, nor “discusting”, as erroneously attributed above by Pat.
It sounds like Pat had a bad experience. Ryan’s work is generally of the highest caliber. But it is on his terms.
For your information JZ, I was also a long time returning customer of Ryan. Things have gone from bad to worse for him, the space he is now renting, is a dump at the end of a creepy hallway, I maintain what I said, his studio, where he lives and works is disgusting. I also found out that a lot of the positive reviews Ryan has, he posted himself. My advice is, BE AWARE OF THIS SHADY CHARACTER.
@Pat. Are we talking of the same Ryan here?
What is written surprises me. I met a very nice person, a very clean place and he did a great job on a quite desperate case, beleive me.
And I am NOT Ryan, I am Mado, a 56 years-old woman… He was totally professional and I highly recomand him.
Hey, Im one of Ryans oldest clients and none of the places he has worked out of have been dumps or disgusting, yes its at the end of a hallway and? Im suprised that if you think he is a shady character why you have been a returning client? Ryan always does quality work and takes pride in what he does. If you wanted something legal, why didnt you go to a street salon?
JZ thank you, thank you , thank you….. I am completely horrified right now about what was said by this alleged client.
I have been seeing Ryan for over four (4) years. I would not trust anyone else in B.A. with my hair. I don’t know why anyone would bash him this way. He is not only the BEST hair stylist in BA, but an incredible human being and friend. If there’s any doubt of his professionalism, please contact me. BTW – this is not a Ryan post! I’m really a bit disgusted with this unfair attack. Mary
I have seen the pics of Ryans apartment before and after his expert touch and he’s turned that place he calls home into a place any Diva would love to visit. He did the same thing here in Kelowna B.C Canada always using his talents to improve this world we live in…keep it up budz your awesome
Hi, im Katrine from Denmark in Europe.. Im a client of Ryan. And ive never in my life suck a great person and suck a great talent. Ive tried to get him to come to Denmark, cause their not even as good here in Denmark. His salons are NOT disgusting and “pat” you sound like a disgusting human being. Maybe you should get some therapy for all the hate and jealousy ur displaying. Ryan you are AMAZING. Dont let one worthless person get under ur skin. You know ur talent. U are amazing. Love Katrine from Denmark.
Such I was supposed to
Write;-)
@ Pat – It is one thing to complain about things that may be true, but it is another to lie about them too. I have been a client of Ryans for 10 years both in Canada and here and NEVER have I had a horrible or even bad experience. Shady is not the word I think of when I think of Ryan – but artistic, creative, daring and brilliant sure are realistic descriptive words for Ryan!
Not only are you dissing Ryan about a dirty house which he has never had but now you are also dissing his lovely assistant who takes great care of his house – where does lying get you?!?
Everyone is allowed a bad day or things going on in their lives and unfortunately there isn’t always perfect timing, so perhaps you could be a little more sympathetic when someone is going through a difficult time instead of adding to that fire by telling outright bullshit lies!!
Ryan will always be the greatest, the one who cares about your hair more then you do, and the one who will give you a real experience. When I found him again in B.A. it was the biggest relief and I guarantee anyone seeing him feels the same.
Don’t worry about negative people Ryan, they will never be important in your life – You will always have my support and love, you rock!!!!!
who is this pat??? Sounds like Pat is the shady character. I have had at least 5 hair-cuts by Ryan in both of his cool studio spaces. It is sad that his neighbors are causing him trouble. He is a great guy and visiting him is a lot of fun and he is very talented at what he does.
I have been a client of Ryan’s for 2 years now, and I just cannot believe that someone could ever think his place is a “dump”. I know for a fact he spent quite a long time decorating it, as he did with every place he’s had, since I think he loves interior decorating as much as he loves hair. The place is lovely, and the fact that it’s at the end of a hallway means nothing, most of the really beautiful houses in Argentina which date from the first decades of the 20th century are accessible through such hallways. And it’s not only the house that is really nice, but the environment he creates…he always has great music, a very attentive assistant, and he even creates his own scented candles…it just creates a fabulous experience. And that’s only the place, cause his styling is a whole other subject: after 26 years of not knowing what to do with my curls, mainly because argentinian hairdressers are only used to styling girls with straight hair, Ryan’s interventions totally changed my look. I would be devastated if I had to switch back to another hairdresser. And I can guarantee you I’m not Ryan, I’m a 28 years old argentinian client, which you can probably guess since I’m sure there’s some spelling/grammar mistakes.
Hello! Another long time client here! Ryan was my saving grace in Argentina. When I was too pregnant to go to him, he came to my place. Over the years he became a friend as well as being a top notch stylist. His space is original and funky, always something going on. If you are looking for a sterile and boring cookie cutter salon and cut, this is not your place. But if you want a style that people will stop you on the street for, and the chance to laugh and relax during the cut, Ryan is your man. I recently moved from Argentina, but Ryan stopped by to see me on a layover on one of his trips home. This guy is great! (I am a 3+ year client, 41 years old, mother of two.)
I’m a client of Ryan’s, and can vouch for the fantastic results. He seems comfortable with any mix of hair types and styles, and knows exactly what to do to keep my thick wavy hair looking healthy despite the differences in water, pollution and products that have been conspiring against it. My experience with Ryan was exactly what I expected when going to someone’s home for a service such as this. It’s not a luxury salon, but it’s comfortable and extremely reasonably priced, and he truly does have a talent. I’ve recommended Ryan to fellow ex-pats, and will continue to do so.
Ryan Oakley does things with color that are above and beyond. He has been cutting my hair for almost a year now and I will quite literally go out of my way never to let anyone but ryan touch my hair again.
Whomever wrote that comment clearly has a personal problem with Ryan, because his home and studio are beautiful and his prices are fair – a touch more expensive than going to some random salon on on Santa Fe, but you won’t walk out of ryan’s looking like someone cut your hair with a weed whacker or colored it with easter egg dye.
If you’re hesitant about ryan’s services, ask the man for a reference. Myself and his entire client base minus “pat” would i am sure be happy to provide one.
when I arrived in Argentina a year ago I was miserable and had a bad experience at another hairdresser. I went to see Ryan and not only did he give me my best hair ever he made me feel so welcome and I had a lot of fun. In fact I came away feeling that I had had my best night out in Argentina so far. Ryan is not only a great hairdresser, he’s a great guy and I can’t believe anyone would say his place is a dump, that’s just not true. My husband also goes to Ryan for his hair now after one too many bad mullet cuts at other salons. A trip to Ryan’s to get my hair cut is always a pleasure and I don’t just go for the cut, I go to spend time with him too.
Lo conozco a Ryan hace años y realmente no puedo creer que haya gente TAN AL PEDO en la vida para perder tiempo hablando todas las PELOTUDECES que hablan mal de el.
Gente se los pongo en español para que se tomen el tiempo de traducirlo!!!
Antes de perder tiempo hablando mal de gente que no se lo merece!! Comprense un burro y hágance coger!!! Quedo claro?!
I got married last December, and I wanted to have the perfect cut and colour for that special day… I asked Ryan to do it… I was the prettiest bride ever thx to him!!!!
He can live in a dump (BTW his place is awesome!) and I will always choose him before a street salon…
And I invited him to my wedding of course.. because this is absolutely true: “… turn his clients into friends and newcomers into regulars…”
Go to Ryan’s and see it for yourselves!
I’ve gone to Ryan several times and have been extremely happy with the results of cut, color, and straightening. It’s always scary going to see a new hair dresser, especially in a foreign country. Ryan made me very comfortable in his salon and with the high caliber of the work that he has done with my hair. I would personally recommend him if you want someone talented with hair cut and color.
I am an old friend/client of Ryan’s. When he moved to Costa Rica from Calgary, I actually flew down south to see him and have him take care of my hair!! He changed me, and I have never found another to replace him in Calgary. He opens his home and heart up to every single person who walks through his door. Not only is he the best stylist I’ve ever had, he is one of the most thoughtful friends I’ve ever had! You’re the best Ryan! Don’t let some trashy lady ruin your day! xxoo
I don’t know what “Pat” is talking about, because Ryan’s place is not a dump… it may be at the end of a hallway, but that isn’t creepy at all, and the place is lovely, clean and very welcoming (as is Ryan). He isn’t a shady character at all, as myself, and many other clients (such as those posting here), can attest to.
Shame on you “Pat” for trying to dirty the name of a good person, and great hairdresser, like Ryan, in a public forum.
Ryan was my hairdresser (cuts and colour) in BA for 2 years until I moved home. He is the best hair stylist I have had and wish I could still visit him (I live in London – arguably the best city in the world for hairdressing).
I am an interior designer by profession and I can say that he has great style when it comes to his home/salon. He is truly a creative talent.
He was always warm, welcoming and enormous fun. I would highly recommend him every time.
I’ve been going to Ryan for more than 2 years now and I’ve never had a bad experience. I wouldn’t trust anyone else to cut my hair and would recommend him to anyone moving to Buenos Aires looking for a highly skilled hairdresser who really cares about the quality of his work.
I’m going to Ryan for more than 2 years now and he’s actually the best hairdresser I’ve ever had. He knows exactly what I like and I don’t have to explain him anything, just let him cut and dye my hair and it’s all the time an amazing experience what he’s doing! And btw, his place is actually really warm and stylish, like Ryan!
I think you’re delusional, “Pat”, or your medication expired.
I’m an argentine who met Ryan about 3 years ago and I’ve been getting my hair done with him ever since. Not only have I found an amazing professional in his field (which in fact I consider him to be a fucking surgeon with the scissors), but also I found a true friend in him, one of those who tells it like it is. He’s super funny, smart and gives an outstanding customer service experience, all of which led me to witness a million clients of his being in awe at the end of his service, including myself.
If you have found those supposed self written positive reviews, I dare you to show proof of that, which I highly doubt you can, unless you’re a hacker or something, or else just stop slamming people just because you are bored.
Pat please.
Ryan Oakley has been my hairdresser for over a year now.
He is by far the most talented hairdresser EVER and a amazing person!
@Pat go fuck yourself
This Pat person is delusional and clearly is not a client of Ryan’s. I have been a client for over two years and I have long blonde hair that always looks amazing thanks to Ryan’s expertise. I was worried when I first moved here that I would not find the level of talent I have been accustomed to in San Francisco, so thanks to Ryan my hair always looks great.
I highly recommend Ryan and refer him to all of my clients and friends.
Hey Pat
Step of my brother, he has worked his ass to be who he is. And in my opinion he is f$&kin amazing in every why. A well loved by the people who has had the pleasure of ever meeting him.
Well it’s apparent by all of the comments from Ryan’s true clients, but I just had to leave a note to this Pat person and say that Ryan has been doing my hair here for over a year and thank GOODNESS I found him, because he is absolutely amazing and my hair always looks incredible when I leave his salon… He is the only person I’ve found in BA who does blonde hair right (and other hair too, mine just happens to be blonde). When I showed up he had to fix what a few other salons had done to my poor hair and I have been so happy to have him in my life.
As for his place being dirty, it’s actually really clean and cute, and has great design. It’s warm and friendly.
I’ve known Ryan for 5 years now, but Im not going to say how awesome he is as a hairdresser or human being because you all know that already. I just want to clear a thing. There was an incident with his neighbor and it started because the nice couple next door filled Ryan’s place with dust ( they were installing the AC in the hallway) and Ryan nicely asked them to please blow the dust the other way, in response, his gentle neighbor, started yelling and insulting him. How do I know this? I WAS THERE, and unless, you my dear “PAT” have the super power of becoming invisible! YOU WERE NOT THERE, or ever have. If you’re going to lie, lie better!
With this clear, just want to say that this person must be so incredible bored, that has to play to be someone else and TRY (because you’re not going to make it) to damage someone reputation.
Ryan I LOVE YOU!
I am a client of Terrie Orr’s and I will say that she has also cut my hair very nicely, according to precisely what I went in for. She’s very welcoming and her flat is lovely and has a warm feel to it. I recommend her service to all ladies or gents who fancy a chilled, down-to-earth hairdresser who’s talented with their scissors.
Terrie is the only one in town now. Both of the top businesses have left Bs As. Just as an FYI.