Those poor Manhattan Beach bunnies. Sailing away on their luxurious laissez-faire lifestyle and nary a posh salon in town to tame their sun-soaked tresses. Children of the coast, wipe a salted tear from those sea-sprayed cheeks - salvation has arrived. Your boisterous beach beckons have hereby been answered.

And how. Anthony Morrison is not just your average man with a dream and a pair of good clippers. If winning Bravo's Shear Genius didn't make him famous, I promise you, it would have happened anyway. He's just that magical combination that happens once every light year or so, when talent, charisma, ambition and charm unite. And who are we kidding? A British accent is never a bad thing.

While Manhattan Beach dwellers are blessed with the convenience of proximity, Anthony's masses would march in his direction no matter where he planted himself. His Londoner Salon is his training field: small, but heaving with protégés poised and perched, eyeing his every move. As well they should. He's a self-built man who may be on his way to building an empire.

With not two but three assistants, you become Anthony's own personal project. It's fun. You sit beneath two stylists, Anthony and another, and you're done in half the time. I happen to like this speed. I like to exit a salon while the sun's still out. Especially when it's hanging over the ocean.

And like all good time spent, go for the experience at large. You'll emerge with a spectacular ‘do - reality television already did your market research for you. But beyond that, our Shear Genius is a sheer pleasure. He's a joy to kibbitz with, trade restaurant tips and compare Hollywood hangs (can't wait for your appointment? Check out what 41 going on Fabulous looks like: Myspace.com/bbcbrit ). But make no mistake; this is not the flip-flop wearing come as you are culture so commonplace amongst beach boutiques. The stylists stir about in top to bottom black garb, with Londoner belt buckles, sleek and refined. Anthony is without exception. This is a very classy joint kids. Up market, just down from the sand.

And my hair, you ask? In the absence of geographic propinquity, I might have to consider a commute.

Getting an appointment with Anthony is as easy as a reservation at Mozza, but like the squash blossom pizza, he's indeed worth the wait. This is a man who lavishes life's finer things. It may not be why he styles for a living, but it's certainly how. His bon vivant brilliance penetrates his profession - he runs a tight ship and everyone is thrilled to be on board. Ahoy, Captain Anthony. Shear Genius got it right.

By: Jolie Loeb

LONDONER
220 Aviation Boulevard
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310.798.2672
www.londonersalon.com