Beauty begins with belonging

Rooted in technique, elevated through creativity, grounded in care

Joey Viola Gehman

Owner & Stylist

“Advanced technique meets deep care.”

With nearly 20 years behind the chair, Joey brings mastery, intention, and a deep love of the craft to every client experience. A Philadelphia native and Redken Artist with advanced certifications in design, color, and barbering, he has built a career not only on technical excellence but also on mentoring and educating stylists across the country.

Specializing in textured hair, balayage, blonding, cutting, razoring, and barbering, Joey is known for his precision, versatility, and ability to help people feel confident in their own skin. His work is rooted in connection and guided by the belief that beauty should feel personal, not performative.

VIOLA Salon is the realization of a long-held vision: a space that reflects his values, voice, and everything he’s learned from the mentors and clients who’ve shaped his journey. As owner and founder, Joey is proud to offer something entirely his own— where advanced technique meets deep care, and every guest is seen, celebrated, and styled with intention.

Outside the salon, Joey finds joy in spending time with his husband T.J., their cat Louie, and their dog Layla. He’s a Broadway enthusiast, an active member of Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ sports leagues—and a volunteer with Restore Salon Services, a nonprofit that provides free, empowering hair care to individuals unable to access traditional salon spaces.

Hey! I’m Joey

A woman with curly red hair smiling and looking to the side, blurred background of a store or pharmacy interior.
Young man with a styled, edgy haircut featuring dark hair with purple highlights, beard, and earrings, looking downward.
A young woman with curly hair smiling outdoors, wearing a beige jacket over a white top, with a backpack strap on her shoulder.
A young woman with long, curly brown hair, wearing a sleeveless denim vest and white skirt, standing in front of a wooden door, smiling and looking to her left.
A woman with shoulder-length, blonde, curly hair in a salon or similar setting.
Back view of a woman with long, curly blonde hair styled in an elegant updo adorned with white floral hairpins and small decorative elements, wearing a red and black patterned dress.
Woman with curly hair smiling with eyes closed, wearing a pink knitted sweater, in front of shelves with hair and beauty products.
A young man with curly light brown hair and blue eyes, smiling broadly, against a black background.
Young man with a textured reddish-brown hairstyle, wearing a black hoodie, sitting indoors with blurred shelves in the background.
Side profile of a woman with long, straight, caramel-colored hair and a light yellow top, smiling against a black background.
Side profile of a man with styled light brown hair and a beard, wearing a plaid shirt with a gold chain, against a black background.
Back view of a person with a short, blonde bob hairstyle wearing a blue garment against a dark background.
A young woman with curly red hair smiling, wearing a black tank top and a beige vest, standing in front of a wooden wall and a frosted glass window with graffiti.

The Intention Behind the Chair

Everyone belongs here.

Not every salon has felt that way—especially for those whose sense of self hasn’t always been affirmed. That’s why I lead with care, hold boundaries with respect, and create room for you to feel safe, seen, and beautiful.

All hair is good hair.

I approach every texture—straight, wavy, curly, coily—with equal respect and curiosity. No hair needs to be “fixed.” It just deserves to be understood, supported, and styled with intention.

Comfort is part of the service.

Whether you come for quiet retreat or easy conversation, VIOLA Salon is a space to slow down, sip a coffee or a glass of wine, and take an intentional pause from the pace of everyday life.

Beauty is a collaboration.

I don’t just style—I listen, adapt, and co-create. We start with conversation and shape every choice together, so the result always reflects who you are and how you want to feel.

Excellence is the baseline.

Technique, creativity, education—these aren’t extras, they’re the foundation. Every detail matters. Every client deserves work that’s not only beautiful, but meant to move with you: fluid, natural, and lasting.

★★★★★

“Joey’s been our person for over a decade—stylist, confidante, and cheerleader through every season.

He brings grace, skill, and a sense of calm—even when life (and curls) get wild.”

– Nina P.

★★★★★

“Joey is hands down the best curly hair specialist in Philadelphia...

Anyone who wants fantastic hair needs to see Joey!”

– Amanda B.

★★★★★

“Joey is the most talented curly hair specialist I’ve found in Philly—

creative, kind, and genuinely down to earth.”

– Ben P.

Book Appointment

FAQs &
Kind Reminders

    • Plenty of street parking

    • We validate parking at the parking garage at 215 Lombard Street

    • Main ELITE Suites entrance and restrooms are ADA accessible

    • Private salon suite allows for low-sensory, one-on-one experiences

    • Private locking area for bikes and scooters

    • Located one block from buses 40 and 12

    • Five minute walk to buses 42 and 21

    • Ten minute walk to the L (2nd Street stop)

  • Let us know about any sensory needs, accessibility requests, or preferences - we’re here to support your comfort in every way.

    • Private Suite entrance

    • Complimentary light snacks, wine, and assorted beverages

    • Free WiFi

    • Phone charging station

    • Cozy waiting area

    • ATM on site

  • We accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash.

    Credit card payments are charged a 2.6% processing fee at the time of service.

    ATM is available on site.

    A valid credit card is required at the time of booking to secure your appointment. A temporary $1.00 hold will be placed on your card to verify it, but it will not be charged. Payment is only processed at the time of service.

  • We kindly ask for at least 48 hours notice whenever possible. A minimum of 24 hours notice is required.

    Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will be charged 50% of the service total.

    No-shows will be charged 100%.

    If you need to reschedule, your cancellation fee can be credited toward a new appointment within 10 days, pending availability.