Our Story
Like our namesake island,
a visit to Tortola Salon is a rejuvenating getaway.
Even if it’s just an hour out of a hectic day, you’ll leave feeling more relaxed, upbeat and good about yourself.
Tortola Salon is in the heart of TriBeCa. We opened here in 1983 with the area’s artists, designers and performers as our first customers. Many clients have been visiting us for years, which we consider the highest praise of all.
We don’t believe in dictating styles or looks. Instead, we listen, get to know you, and work on a direction together. It’s a more intimate, personal approach to hair care.
Please call to set up an appointment or just drop by and say hello.
With Love,
Jo Castagna & Tom Kollar
Meet The Owners
Tom Kollar
Born in NYC • First salon job was actually two – one on 57th St. and the other in the Five Towns. • The hairstylist I trained with on 57th St was one of the city’s top three at the time. He taught me how to be creative, that not everything had to be a formula • I’m most inspired by Italy, from ancient Rome to La Dolce Vita to now • “In this business, you always have to learn and I’m still learning” • Love TriBeCa’s artistic beginnings, its creative energy, the light, air and sky, the quiet • In my spare time I like to read, go to the theater, study Italian • Secret styling tip: listen to your clients • “A haircut is only perfect if the person wearing it feels good” • If I didn’t love cutting and styling hair, I’d be a therapist, real estate agent or architect • Always be honest, care for the people around you, and never lose your spiritual self.
Jo Castagna
Born in NYC • First salon job was in SoHo in the late 1970s • Most inspired by the creative people I’ve met – painters, sculptors, designers – especially in those early years • Learned through my diverse range of clients how to communicate and get people to open up about what they want for themselves and their hair color • In my spare time I design jewelry, read non fiction and go antiquing • Secret color tip: “Try to enhance your natural color – apply highlights a shade or two from your natural color so you don’t have to repeat it in four weeks” • If I didn’t love the art of coloring, I’d design jewelry with colored stones • Sometimes in life you really do experience the kindness of strangers; since you can’t reciprocate with that person, you can repay them by passing it on to someone else.
Our Philosophy
At Tortola Salon in TriBeCa NYC, we believe great hair is not about chasing trends, it is about creating something that feels natural, effortless, and uniquely yours. Hair should be easy to live with, beautiful to look at, and flattering in a way that enhances your everyday life. In a fast-paced city like New York, we see every appointment as a moment to reset, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. Our philosophy is rooted in listening first, understanding your lifestyle, and collaborating with you to create a look that reflects who you are, not just how you want to appear.
We take a highly personal approach to hair care, combining decades of experience with modern techniques, advanced treatments, and premium products that support the health, strength, and vitality of your hair. True beauty comes from within, and we see our role as bringing that out through thoughtful consultation, precision work, and attention to detail. Whether it is in the movement of your cut, the dimension of your color, or the finish of your style, every detail is designed to feel authentic and wearable.
As a long-standing TriBeCa hair salon since 1983, we have built lasting relationships with our clients by creating an environment that is welcoming, relaxed, and built on trust. We believe confidence comes from feeling comfortable in your own skin, and your hair is an important part of that expression. Our goal is simple, to help you look your best, feel your best, and leave every visit with a renewed sense of confidence, energy, and ease.
Meet Our Stylists
Mia (Master Colorist)
Mia strives to be flexible, patient and informative in consulting with clients. Her strengths are doing natural, low maintenance color and color correction.
As a second generation hair colorist, Mia loves to replicate her childhood memories of a satisfied client.
Michael (Stylist/Colorist)
Michael maintains an attentive and communicative approach to our clients.
He uses his hair cutting, styling and hair coloring skills to help clients achieve a “stylist look” with not a lot of upkeep. He enjoys doing Balayage.
