Product line links salon with celebrities and success: Pelusi's East Coast reputation translated here once his wares hit the store shelves.

MARCO Pelusi arrived in Los Angeles in 1997 with decades of experience in the salon industry. His last name is known all over the East Coast because his uncle Philip owns 15 eponymous salons. But Pelusi was an unknown here, and needed additional certification exams before he could even start working.

He worked in product development for well-known brands Framesi SPA and Joico Laboratories Inc., and eventually put out his own shingle on Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood in 2005. Few came. But things changed when Pelusi launched his own line of hair products in 2006. He soon attracted celebrity clients like Vivica A. Fox and Carol Alt.

"It's provided me so much PR," Pelusi said of his product launch. "I've been able to tap into the buzz makers and I've gained a lot of celebrity clients."

Pelusi's products were recently picked up for sale at Palmetto natural beauty stores in Santa Monica and West Hollywood. They're also sold at Le Meridien at Beverly Hills, and at Pelusi's salon and Web site.

The personal product line is a proven formula for success in the salon business. Art Luna and Nick Chavez have both gained prominence with their lines, and Frederic Fekkai's products have made him an international superstar.

Pelusi is working to expand his line. He plans to come out with a styling foam this fall and dry scalp and "bodifying" shampoos next year. Pelusi's products are unique because they contain collagen to protect color-treated hair from fading. The products' ingredients are pharmaceutical grade, so they don't come cheaply at $35 a bottle.