The Roots of Vogue Hair Salon in Nanuet

In 1994, John Dellolio left his wife, came out of the closet and changed careers.

“I don’t remember anything about that year,” Dellolio says “It’s all a blur to me.”

Dellolio grew up in Nanuet. He played football from the age of 12 to 17 and left the sport due to a broken pinky.

“I wanted to be popular,” said Dellolio. “Football made me popular.”

Dellolio grew up with an Italian father who stressed sports onto his two boys.  He also has two sisters.  The Nanuet Mall was a hangout for Dellolio when he was growing up, until he got a job at McDonalds.

“I had the keys, so my friends used to come all the time. It was a great place to get together,” he remembered. When he was 14 years old, he pretended to be 16 and landed the job (you had to be 16 to work there at the time). At only 16 he was made Manager. 

“I worked at McDonalds for almost 13 years.  It sounds strange, but they are a great company to work for.  The industry taught me a lot about hard work, how to run a business and manage people.”

On to Hamburger University and Marriage

Dellolio attended Rockland Community College and Pace University.  But nothing taught him more about business and life than Hamburger University. Yes really it does exist.  Since 1961 this “University” has taught its students everything about business, especially the restaurant business. Dellolio met people from all over the world at Hamburger U.

In 1986 Dellolio met Mary Lou Russo, his high school sweetheart.

“I should have known I was gay when I was planning my wedding,” he laughed “I loved every minute of it.” They were married in 1994 and by midyear there was trouble in the marriage. Dellolio met a New City salon owner and they became quick friends. He groomed Dellolio, taught him what he knew about the salon industry and sent him to Capri School of Cosmetology which was in Spring Valley at the time.

“I knew I had artistic abilities, but I just couldn’t figure out how to use them.” Dellolio said.

“It was a horrible time, so many things were changing in my life,” he said. After several years working at a friend’s salon, learning everything there is to know about the industry, this entrepreneur at heart knew he had to make a change.

Three years later, Vogue Salon was for sale and Dellolio took a huge leap of faith and bought it from Tom Campisano who is still a master stylist at Vogue today. “In one weekend we transformed this somewhat 80’s style salon into a current, trendy place,” said Dellolio. It was a week before Dellolio’s 30th birthday. It has been 11 years and every year there has been a project to be done. “I put my gay flair into it, I guess,” Dellolio joked.  The salon is a beautiful, comfortable space that Dellolio runs like a family.

Five years ago Dellolio was disagnosed with testicular cancer.

“You are never going to believe how I found out,” he says “I was watching Queer as Folk (a showtime sitcom) and the main character, Brian, had the same cancer. Dellolio went to the doctor the next day to get checked out.  Several days later he was in surgery. After 30 days of radiation Dellolio was extremely happy that this show featured the topic that could have saved his life.

“I love John, I love working with John," said Meghan, the Vogue Salon Coordinator. "He is a giving, generous, creative boss.”

“John is a terrific person, forward thinking and lots of fun," said Margo Bohlin, a Vogue customer. "His salon is very edgy and professional. A NYC Salon right here in our own backyard ... John Dellolio and Vogue. I love them both!”

Dellolio has found his home at Vogue.  If you cannot find Vogue, just look up…..they are above the Ekizian carpet store across from the old mall with entrance and parking lot in back.

A little Soho Style Loft Salon in Nanuet.

Vogue is proud to announce Fine Skin Care by Robyn. From waxing, reflexology to thermal touches therapies. Robyn also offers Ventura Tans for only $28.  Half body for only $14. In addition Vogue is offering red hair extensions in the month of February as a fundraiser for the American Heart Association and green extensions in March. Each extension is $10.

(Mention this article and all new customers receive 20% on any one service)

78 South Middletown Road, Nanuet

845-623-1145

Now Open on Sundays

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