In 1979, John Allan began his career in Paris, France under the personal apprenticeship of Jean Louis David. At the time, Jean Louis David had become a major force in the industry with over 200 of his International Salons located throughout Europe. For over three years, John Allan trained in Paris and Milan until his return to the States where he was promoted to National Technical Director for the JLD Hair Salons' U.S. expansion. As Director, John Allan set up the Jean Louis David Training Center in the flagship salon at Henri Bendel’s, NYC. It was here that he taught cutting techniques while educating the JLD staff on the latest styles from Europe. Under John Allan's directorship, the Jean Louis David International Salons expanded into Beverly Hills, Chicago and Toronto.
John Allan’s first club opened on Stone street in 1988 where he introduced his signature Full Service and club membership. 13 years later, with the events of September 11th, John Allan realized the impact of “membership” when clients called with overwhelming concern for his family and staff. A makeshift club on the 19th floor of the Hotel Roosevelt proved to be a home for his members as John Allan’s and downtown rebuilt.
As the men’s grooming industry grew, so did John Allan’s: January 2002, the Midtown Club opens soon followed by the reopening of John Allan’s Downtown. March 2003, John Allan’s hair care line launches at Barneys New York immediately climbing to the top of sales. May 2004, skincare is introduced with national product distribution. November 2005, John Allan’s and Saks Fifth Avenue partners to open the first club in a retail establishment while the product line enters the global distribution. Today, John Allan’s explodes into 2008 with the celebration of John Allan’s Tribeca Club and training center and our Chicago club slated to open in the fall of 2008. Plans for club and product expansions are at the forefront as John Allan's celebrates its 20th anniversary.
With four successful clubs, and global distribution of his hair care, skin care, shaving and accessories lines, John Allan continues to pave the road for the men’s grooming industry.