For two decades, the crimson-red building at Burbank Boulevard and Lima Street was more than the home of Krimson Hair Studio. It became a neighborhood landmark, recognized by the woman painted across its exterior with long, multicolored hair flowing beside three simple words: “You are beautiful.”
This year, Krimson closed the door on that familiar location after the building was sold, but owner Amanda Rotunno was determined that the salon’s story would remain in Burbank. Krimson reopened at 2212 W. Burbank Blvd., beginning its next chapter on the same street where Rotunno first built the business more than 20 years ago.
The move arrives during a milestone year for the salon. Krimson was voted Best Hair Salon in the myBurbank’s Best 2026 contest, while Rotunno earned both Best Hair Stylist and Best Hair Colorist. The recognition reflects a career and a business deeply rooted in the city she has always called home.
A lifelong Burbank resident, Rotunno attended John Muir Middle School and Burbank High School and says she always knew she wanted to become a hairstylist. After graduation, she entered the beauty industry, working in Toluca Lake and Los Angeles before returning to Burbank to open Krimson in 2005. She has now spent nearly three decades behind the chair.
“Building my business from the ground up is something I hold deep pride in,” said Rotunno. “I can’t imagine living or working anywhere else.”
Leaving the original salon meant leaving behind one of Krimson’s most recognizable features. Created by artist Alex Ali Gonzalez, the “You are beautiful” mural was Rotunno’s gift to the salon for its 10th anniversary. Its flowing color stretched across the building and became a familiar sight for drivers traveling along Burbank Boulevard.
The mural could not move with Krimson, but its place in the salon’s history has not been forgotten. A framed photograph of the former red building now hangs inside the new studio, preserving the landmark and the memories made there. It is a small but meaningful link between the space Krimson had to leave and the one Rotunno has carefully rebuilt.
Inside the new location, longtime clients will still recognize Rotunno’s signature bohemian and Moroccan-inspired style. Ethnic vases line the cabinetry, gold Moroccan-style ottomans add warmth, and colorful arabesque mirrors frame the styling stations. The new salon carries forward the roots of the original space while giving them a brighter, fresher and more modern setting. Every detail feels intentional, from the decor to the upgraded client areas.
That sense of continuity was evident at Krimson’s grand-opening celebration, when the new studio quickly filled with longtime clients, friends and community members. Neighboring businesses have also welcomed the salon to its new stretch of Burbank Boulevard, reinforcing Rotunno’s decision to keep Krimson close to home.
The new studio is home to 18 independent stylists, each bringing a different specialty to the salon. Rotunno, an American Board Certified Haircolorist and Redken-certified colorist, specializes in dimensional blondes and radiant copper and red tones. She has worked with Redken color throughout Krimson’s two decades.
The team’s depth extends across color, cuts, extensions and texture services. Many of the stylists are American Board Certified Haircolorists, Kevin Murphy educators and some are even dual-licensed in cosmetology and barbering. Together, the team offers everything from precision cuts and customized color to perms and special-event styling.
Krimson stylist Lauren Morales was also recognized in the myBurbank’s Best 2026 contest, winning Best Hair Extensions Specialist. Morales focuses on natural-looking extension work, including natural beaded rows and sewn-in hand-tied extensions designed to add seamless length and fullness.
Rotunno also used the move as an opportunity to rethink the salon’s wash and treatment experience. The upgraded washing stations feature a tourmaline filtration system designed to reduce the effects of Burbank’s hard water on the hair. Clients can book a dedicated head spa experience or add the service to a wash during a regular appointment.
To help clients continue that care at home, Krimson carries Filterbaby filtered showerheads, along with Unite and Kevin Murphy hair products. Complimentary wine, coffee and tea are offered during appointments, part of Rotunno’s effort to make a salon visit feel like a complete experience rather than simply a service.
Air quality was also considered in the remodel. The salon’s air-conditioning system includes specialized filtration intended to reduce airborne salon chemicals. Krimson does not offer Brazilian Blowout or certain keratin smoothing treatments because of Rotunno’s concerns about formaldehyde that some smoothing products may contain or release when heated. The choice reflects an emphasis on the long-term comfort and well-being of both clients and stylists.
After more than 20 years, Krimson’s address has changed, but the heart of the business has not. The new studio remains a place where longtime relationships, individual artistry and community connection share the same space. By carrying pieces of the old salon into a new home, Rotunno has created something that feels both familiar and renewed, a fitting beginning for Krimson’s next 20 years in Burbank.
Krimson Hair Studio is accepting new clients at 2212 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank. To learn more about the salon, its stylists or booking options, visit krimsonsalon.com or call (818) 848-8557.
