A Swiss Italian native of Lugano, Switzerland, Rita Ghidaoui began her career as a hairstylist after graduating from the Ticino Cosmetology school in Switzerland. Ms. Ghidaoui continued her studies through apprenticeships and employment in some of the top salons in Lugano and Geneva, Switzerland. She later founded her own salon in Lugano and conducted a successful business for 20 years. In 1999 she relocated to Washington, D.C. to join the Watergate Salon. Her ongoing training with world-class salons and popular stylists like Tony and Guy, and Vidal Sassoon in London keeps her styling and coloring techniques current and in demand at the Salon.

Veronica Gonzales is a new addition to our team and is quickly establishing herself as trendsetter. She is a native of Bolivia and a graduate of Graham Webb International Academy of  Hair. Veronica's passion for art and her experience as a make up artist lend a keen eye for color. This combination results in perfect hues and tints to match your skin and excentuate eye color. Whether it's a night on the town or a business meeting, her polished finishes reflect the latest trends.

Michele de Vincenz is the Watergate Salon’s senior esthetician, specializing in skincare and facial techniques. She trained in her native country of Romania and studied biology prior to becoming an esthetician. Of note is that her Romanian training required her to create her own products for individuals, by combining herbs and natural products available in Romania. Michele moved to the United States in 1979 to work with Elizabeth Arden and Elodie Salon before joining the Watergate in 1981. Over the last 25 years, Michele de Vincenz has widened the range of her skills and techniques through additional training experiences with Essensa, as well as her completing specialty courses in clinical aesthetics, aromatherapy, artistic make-up, massage therapy, electrolysis and micro-dermabrasion (Power Peel) in the US, France and Germany. Throughout her tenure at the Watergate Salon, she has applied the newest skin care products and techniques available to the Watergate’s clientele. Fifteen years ago, when the Watergate Salon spearheaded the introduction of aromatherapy and botanical-based cosmetic lines such as Essensa, Michele was personally selected for one-on-one training with M.P. Magomet, the renowned French creator of this outstanding skincare line.

Originally from England. Janice received her Esthetician training and worked at a number of prestigious health and beauty spa's in England.She was later recruited to work in Bermuda at the island's top beauty spa, where she was the head esthetician. Janice then relocated to the Washington D.C. area and has worked at a number of spa's in the city,and is delighted to be back at the Watergate Salon. Janice maintains her skills and techniques through on going training and education. She is renowned for her soothing facial techniques, body treatments, and waxing.

Julia is a certified Massage Therapist with advanced training in Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques and Neuromuscular therapy. The treatments combine Myofascial release, Deep Tissue, Swedish massage, Rehabilitation, Sports massage and Trigger Point Therapy. She trained in Far Infra-Red Mineral Therapy (TDP) for support with chronic pain and Myoskeletal problems. Stress related issues to more advanced needs like injuries and chronic pain management. TDP lamp has proven extraordinarily effective in treating numerous ailments such as muscular sore and pain, soft tissue injuries, arthritis and various skin conditions.

The TDP Mineral Lamp is registered with the FDA as a Medical Device and is Acceptable for Insurance Billing. TDP lamp features a round plate coated with a proprietary mineral formation consisting of 33 elements essential to the human body.

She was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary and received numerous massage therapy trainings in Europe and the USA.  Some of the leading educators in the industry (Dr. Erik Dalton, the founder of Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques), a specialist in neuromuscular therapy trained her. Specializing in myofascial release, managing chronic pain, deep tissue massage, and post-rehabilitation massage. She has particular experience (10 years) working with people living with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, sciatic, and chronic back, neck, shoulder pain, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.