About Us
Our Story
For more than five decades, nuBest Salon & Spa has been a destination for beauty, artistry, and innovation.
Founded in Manhasset in 1973 by visionary hair designer Michael Mazzei, nuBest was built on a simple but powerful philosophy - beauty is personal, and every guest deserves thoughtful attention, exceptional technique, and an experience that feels entirely their own.
Michael’s approach reshaped what a salon could be. He elevated consultation, precision cutting, modern hair design, and customized service long before it became industry standard. Generations of guests - and generations of stylists - grew alongside his ideas.
Following Michael’s passing on February 1, 2025, his presence remains deeply woven into everything we do. His standards, his eye, and his belief in mentorship continue to guide our team every day.
Today, nuBest is led by the family and artists he trained - including his son Jamie and nephews Vincent and Christian - together with a team of over 125 beauty professionals who carry forward his commitment to excellence.
Who We Are Today
nuBest is more than a salon.
It is a collective of specialists working together to deliver a complete beauty experience.
Within our custom-designed 20,000 sq. ft. space, guests receive:
- Hair Design & Color
- Luxury Skin Treatments
- Makeup Artistry
- Nail Services
- Advanced Spa Therapies
Every service begins with consultation and intention. We do not rush. We do not repeat formulas. We tailor each experience to the individual - their features, their lifestyle, and their goals.
Our work blends modern technique with timeless taste - refined, natural, and never overdone.
Moving Forward
The future of nuBest remains rooted in the principles it was built on:
- Education
- Artistry
- Innovation
- Personal Connection
We continue to train, mentor, and evolve - introducing new services, advancing treatments, and developing the next generation of artists while preserving the culture Michael created.
His legacy lives not only in our history, but in every guest who walks through our doors and every stylist who learns within our walls.
nuBest has always been about people - and that will never change.
Founder Biography - Michael Mazzei
Michael Mazzei
Founder, Hair Designer, Mentor
Michael Mazzei was a pioneer of modern hair design and the founder of nuBest Salon & Spa.
Opening the salon in 1973, Michael introduced a philosophy centered on consultation, precision, and individuality at a time when the industry focused largely on trends rather than the person wearing them. His work emphasized balance, movement, and longevity - styles that enhanced natural features rather than masked them.
Respected internationally among professionals, Michael helped influence contemporary men’s and women’s grooming and collaborated in developing ARTEC Worldwide, later acquired by L’Oréal in 2002.
More than his technical skill, Michael was known for mentorship. He trained and inspired countless stylists who built successful careers around the principles he taught: listen first, design second, and never stop learning.
Michael passed away on February 1, 2025.
His legacy continues through his family, his students, and the culture of nuBest - a salon he built not just as a business, but as a place where artistry and people always came first.
Our Team
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 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
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.