About Us

About the Salon

Our History

Experience a salon and spa like no other...
The destination for fashionable people who want to look and feel their best.

Since opening its doors in Manhasset on June 19,1973, nuBest Salon and Spa has provided generations of customers with a combination of exceptional service and unparalleled quality, combined with an experience that includes the latest, cutting edge trends in beauty and fashion. nuBest is the legacy of the founding owner, Michael Mazzei. nuBest represents cutting-edge style, trend, product and talent. Mr. Mazzei is one of the most beloved and well-respected individuals in the professional hair care industry. His vision of beauty and leading edge approach to style has inspired generations of stylists from all over the world. He has been instrumental in defining modern hair for men and women. Mr. Mazzei and his collaborator, Leland Hirsch, also developed ARTec Worldwide, an innovative global hair care brand that was purchased by L’Oreal in 2002.

Michael Mazzei, and his staff of over 125 beauty professionals, provide distinguished services including: hair design, hair color, skin treatments, make-up application, nail services, in a state-of-the-art custom designed space of over 20,000 sq. ft.Special attention to every detail is given to each client’s look. nuBest’s luxury spa specializes in rejuvenating skin care and body treatments with true benefits for the mind, body, and soul. Michael's son Jamie, and nephews, Vincent and Christian, are succeeding Michael’s vision and artistic direction.


Our Team

Michael Mazzei

Michael Mazzei

Owner / Hair Designer

Michael Mazzei, and his staff of over 125 beauty professionals, provide distinguished services including: hair design, hair color, skin treatments, make-up application, nail services, in a state-of-the-art custom designed space of over 20,000 sq. ft.Special attention to every detail is given to each client’s look. nuBest’s luxury spa specializes in rejuvenating skin care and body treatments with true benefits for the mind, body, and soul. Michael's son Jamie, and nephews, Vincent and Christian, are succeeding Michael’s vision and artistic direction.


Jamie Mazzei

Jamie Mazzei

Creative Director / Hair Designer

Jamie Mazzei, the Creative Director of nuBest salon and spa has been instrumental in definingmodern hair for men and women for the past 26 years. His work as a product innovator and master educator played a leading role in the development of ARTec Worldwide’s textureline brand of professional hair care products. Today, Jamie consistently delivers cutting edge style and brings his passion to each individual client. His work has been featured in beauty and fashion magazines for the past two decades including: GLAMOUR, MARIE CLAIRE, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, WORKING WOMEN, and MODERN SALON. He also appears regularly on television shows such as GOOD DAY NEW YORK, WEEKEND TODAY IN NEW YORK, MTV, and WABC EVENINGNEWS to talk about the latest trends in hair, beauty and fashion. nuBest salon and spa is an integral part of the Manhasset community largely in part to Jamie’s active role in helping local charities including: Gift of Life International, March of Dimes, Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer, UNICEF, the victims of Hurricane Katrina and Northshore LIJ Transplant Center.


Vincent Mazzei

Vincent Cascio

Creative Director / Hair Designer

Vincent Mazzei, a Creative Director for nuBest salon and spa, approaches hair design with the precision and grace of a master artist. He is influential in training the nuBest staff and plays a vital role in the educational programs to enhance and meet the challenges of the industry. As a stylist, Vincent has been a major force in the beauty industry. He has traveled worldwide educating stylists with his signature techniques. Vincent was a featured educator and stage artist for ARTec Worldwide and helped launch one of the most successful professional hair care lines in the world. As a stylist, he has the reputation of giving the client the best cut for their individual style. Vincent believes in the concept of “wearable hair” which allows the client the freedom to be comfortable yet stylish.


Christian Fleres

Christian Fleres

Artistic Director / Master Colorist

Christian Fleres is the Artistic Director of the nuBest color salon. For over 25 years he has presided over a staff of 30 color specialists creating the best hair color results for hundreds of clients. Inspired by fashion and art, Christian takes his craft to the next level. He is always looking for inspiration from the fashion world to translate into the looks and trends of today in hair and beauty. He exceeds the limits of traditional hair color and creates beautiful, natural color that leaves hair looking fresh and touchable. Known for his natural highlights and rich full colors, Christian is always one step ahead of the industry curve. Beauty editors rely on him for his color expertise. He is frequently quoted by beauty editors in publications including: ELLE, ALLURE, MODERN BRIDE, and NEWSDAY. He has also appeared regularly on television shows such as A MAKEOVER STORY, and GOOD DAY NEW YORK.