Well hello, I’m
Maria Athena
YOUR HAIR DOESN’T HAVE TO BE NORMAL.
In September 2022, I said fuck it, packed up my Chicago life, and moved across the country to Northern California.
I’m a city girl at heart, but somewhere between the weird little towns, giant trees, coastline, desert, and endless places to explore, California started feeling like home.
And honestly? I’ve always been the weird one.
The nerd. The alternative one. The person who never quite fit into the box.
So why the hell would I create hair that does?
I’ve been behind the chair for 10+ years, and somewhere along the way I realized I don’t just do hair.
I create identity.
Vivid color. Blinding blondes. Hair extensions. Alternative cuts and color. Mermaid hair. Anime-inspired transformations. Looks that make strangers stare. Hair that walks into a room before you do.
That’s my shit.
If your dream hair is a little too weird for the average salon, we’re probably going to get along.
If you want blonde so bright it practically needs a warning label—I’m in.
If you want vivid color that looks like it crawled straight out of your favorite anime, fantasy world, or fever dream—show me the inspo.
If you want extensions that completely change your hair and make you feel like an entirely new bitch—LET’S FUCKING GO.
And if you have absolutely no interest in looking like everyone else?
Even better.
I believe your hair should reflect the person underneath it. Your attitude. Your personality. Your weird little obsessions. Your confidence. Your evolution.
You don’t have to tone yourself down so your hair can be “professional.”
You don’t have to choose boring because it’s easier.
You don’t have to fit into somebody else’s idea of what looks good.
You get to take up space.
I pull inspiration from anime, nature, fashion, art, theater, music, and all the beautifully strange shit that makes life interesting. Hair is my art, but YOU are the canvas—and I want to create something that feels unmistakably yours.
I also get to take my creativity beyond the chair through photo shoots, editorials, theater, and creative projects, because apparently one outlet for my obsession with hair wasn't enough.
You can find me at Obsidian Hair Studio in Roseville and Coven Beauty Collective in Sacramento—spaces where individuality isn't something you have to apologize for.
When I’m not behind the chair, I’m probably hanging with my fur babies, loving on my baby girl, hunting down a new pop-up, screaming lyrics at an emo night or concert, exploring Northern California, filming TikToks, juggling kids schedules, or finding another way to make my life as colorful as possible.
So if you're looking for the stylist who will tell you to play it safe...
I'm probably not your girl.
But if you're looking for someone who gets genuinely excited when you say:
"I want something nobody else has."
Pull up a chair.
Let's make some fucking art.
Your hair doesn't need to follow the rules.
Neither do you.

