Although invisible, salon culture is that tangible energy that binds and propels a team, attracts clients, and forges a brand. A strong culture is hard to define and even harder to build, but when a salon or barbershop masters it, they are unstoppable.

CHANGES SALON, INC.
Chagrin Falls, OH
Wendy Haverlack
SQUARE FEET: 2720     
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $100
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Pureology, Redken, Matrix
COLOR: Redken  
SKINCARE: Mirabella  
NAIL CARE: OPI, DND, CND
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo, Mya, Tippy, Salonscale
“This year, I made it a personal goal to help my team slow down, breathe, and reset. We started a new ritual where we each write down something we want to let go of—something that’s been weighing on us—and we burn it together. It’s symbolic, simple, and powerful. We also do vision boards every year, but instead of filling them with cars and handbags, we focus on words and intentions—things like peace, confidence, patience, and health.”

CITRUS SALON
Martinez, CA
Candice Gliatto
SQUARE FEET: 3400, 1995    
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 34
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $85
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda  
COLOR: Aveda  
TECH SUPPORT: Zenoti, Mya, Vish, Zenoti
ASSOCIATIONS: Green Circle
"Last year, we transitioned from quarterly one-on-ones to quarterly group goal-setting sessions. Not only has this eliminated redundant KPI reviews and saved time, but it has also led to a strong sense of culture, support, and peer-to-peer accountability. With the mantra of ‘The knowledge is in the room,’ team members touch base, share wins, troubleshoot challenges, and identify action steps."

GENESIS SALON AND SPA
Mobile, AL
DeAnna Clifton and Sarah Poiroux
SQUARE FEET: 6500     
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 40
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $49
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Kerastase, Pureology 
COLOR: Redken, Pulp Riot, L’Oreal
SKINCARE: Skinscripts 
TECH SUPPORT: Boulevard, Vish, Chris Baran Trainers Playbook, Afterpay
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA    
“Tapping into the passions and strengths of each team member, we have created positions that reflect those individual interests. Our music-loving stylists serve as ‘Spotify gurus,’ curating seasonal playlists. Team members with green thumbs carefully select and nurture all our plants, adding life into every corner. Our detail-oriented teammates monitor our individual licenses and send out the appropriate reminders for renewals or regulation changes.”

GLOW BEAUTY BOUTIQUE
Braintree, MA
Shelley North
SQUARE FEET: 1900     
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 17
SKINCARE: Control Correctives, Skin Better Science, Farmhouse Fresh
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest, Mya  
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, Green Circle
“We work as a team and not as individuals. We trust each other. We want our clients to know they are in the best hands when they can't get in with their preferred staff member. If one of us is running behind, we jump in to help flip the room for their next client. If we are on vacation, on maternity leave, or otherwise away, we encourage our clients to come in and see another esthetician in our absence. Because of this, our team/salon retention is over 90%.”

GRAEBER & COMPANY
Boise, ID
Shelby Bills
SQUARE FEET: 4600     
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 31
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $75
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, Oribe 
COLOR: Aveda  
SKINCARE: Aveda, Epicutis 
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest, Mya, Vish 
ASSOCIATIONS:  PBA, HPSA
“Our annual calendar is thoughtfully curated to help every team member design a life and lifestyle they love while serving guests at the highest level. From New Year Kickoffs and Team Retreats to community events like the Festival of Trees Fashion Show, our culture thrives on connection, contribution, and celebration. Monthly team meetings weave together fun, education, and recognition, encouraging small-group collaboration where creativity and innovation come alive.”

JAMES GRIFFITH SALON
Venice, FL
JAMES AND CHRISTINE GRIFFITH
SQUARE FEET: 5000, 2040, 1700   
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 88
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $85
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, Kerastase, Shu Uemura
COLOR: L’Oréal, Aveda 
SKINCARE: Ultraceuticals, Epionce, Aveda
NAIL CARE: Essie, OPI, CND 
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest, Vish  
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, PBA, Green Circle   
“We have a Bad Ass award that goes to every single non-service provider, including managers, salon coordinators, apprentices, and housekeeping. These staff members are the wheels that keep JGS moving, and we want all the hairdressers to know this. This highlights each part of what makes our team whole. It always ends with gratitude for every one of our staff, a little toast, and then some fun group photos and a way to mingle with the team. This is one of our highlights every year.”

OTTALAUS SALON
Lehi, UT
AnneMarie Krainich
SQUARE FEET: 2500, 3400    
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 56
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $73
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Kerastase, Oribe, Goldwell
COLOR: Goldwell, Redken, Pulp Riot
TECH SUPPORT: Zenoti, Mya, Vish 
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, PBA   
“When our team was asked what sets Ottalaus apart, the answers were overwhelmingly consistent. They described the salon as a family, not just a workplace, but a place where everyone feels accepted, supported, and celebrated. Many mentioned feeling genuinely cared for as people; employees shared examples of support through pregnancies, illnesses, and life challenges. The flexibility, empathy, and trust shown by leadership have created an environment where stylists can thrive both personally and professionally. “

PANACHE AN AVEDA STORE, SALON, AND SPA
St. Augustine, FL
Kristy Weeks and Michelle Vijgen
SQUARE FEET: 3500     
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 49
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $75
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda  
COLOR: Aveda  
SKINCARE: Eminence, Aveda 
NAIL CARE: OPI, SNS 
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Mya, Vish, Reach.ai
ASSOCIATIONS: ISPA, PBA, Green Circle  
“In our daily huddles, we all share something for which we are grateful. It was awkward at first, but after a few months, I could tell that my team was really starting to develop a spirit of gratitude. Our huddles have become a space where we share joy, celebrate, and ask for support if needed. These few moments together every day have formed a bond in the salon that is truly special.”

RAIN SALON & SPA
Nampa, ID
Mechele H. Duke
SQUARE FEET: 3100, 2800    
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 38
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $60
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda 
SKINCARE: Alastin, Glymed, Aveda
NAIL CARE: Tammy Taylor, Luminary, Luxa
TECH SUPPORT: Aura, Vish, Mya 
“As employees, we agree to be direct in our conversations with other team members, recognizing that being clear is kind. We know that we can trust conversations to be kept between the people involved; we listen to hear rather than to react, and questions are encouraged. Additionally, we uplift and share thanks regularly, communicating these things to each other through words of affirmation, ACCE cards, and Shines on our team app.”

REJUVE SALON SPA LLC
Carmel, IN
Troy & Nicole Hardister
SQUARE FEET: 3600     
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 23
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $70
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda  
COLOR: Aveda  
SKINCARE: Aveda, Erica 
NAIL CARE: OPI, CND 
TECH SUPPORT: Zenoti, Vish  
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA    
“To ensure new hires align with our vision, we introduced the Care Team, a diverse group representing all areas of the business: leadership, service providers, and guest care receptionists. Meeting monthly, they focus on initiatives that strengthen team morale, encourage creativity, and deepen community engagement. Their efforts span motivational activities, philanthropy, salon promotions, and team-building events, bringing our culture to life.”

SHEAR ART SALONS
Tampa, FL
Heather Bagby
SQUARE FEET: 3500, 2000    
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 72
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $68
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Pureology, Redken, Kerastase
COLOR: Redken, L’Oreal
SKINCARE: Dermalogica  
NAIL CARE: OPI
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo, Vish  
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, Summit 
“Our shareholder program is integral to our culture. By nurturing our employees to become owners, we create an investment in their future and the future of the salon itself. Currently, we have 13 shareholders who range in age from 30 to 70, reflecting our commitment to succession planning and the growth of our team members. As shareholders, they not only benefit from the company’s success but also actively participate in decision-making, ensuring a legacy of leadership and responsibility that enriches our company.”

SOLARIS AVEDA
Evansville, IN
Amy Carter
SQUARE FEET: 2400     
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 13
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $76
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda  
COLOR: Aveda  
SKINCARE: Aveda  
NAIL CARE: Aveda, Spa Ritual 
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Vish, Reach. Ai 
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA    
“We do an Employee of the Month where the team votes for each other, and get very specific as to why they are voting for this employee. It’s so fun to listen to what they are praising about each other. But when we have an issue with mis-hires, my motto is: if I think of you more than two weekends in a row, you got to go... and it works! It’s not easy, but it works.”

SOLEIL SALON & SPA
Windham, NH
Luisa G. Garcia
SQUARE FEET: 3700    
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 16
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $70
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, BOB
COLOR: Aveda 
SKINCARE: Ultraceutical, Okay
NAIL CARE: Dazzle Dry, OPI
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest, Mya, Vish, Salon Symphony
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA    
“Using tools from Phorest and Qnity, our Unicorn Challenge gave team members personalized trackers for four focus points: service revenue, retail sales, client count, and average ticket. Through weekly meetings, daily check-ins and personal follow-up, we began connecting numbers with meaning. We celebrated tiny breakthroughs, and together, we built a rhythm of recognition, accountability, and joy.”

THE HEADROOM
Grande Prairie, Alberta
Danielle Cherewyk (owner), Elyse Rogers (partner), Bailey Nicholson (partner)
SQUARE FEET: 4000, 5000    
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 46
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $56
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Amika, Redken, Evo
COLOR: Redken, Pulp Riot 
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo, Mya, Weave, Vish
ASSOCIATIONS: HPSA
“We wanted to reignite that excitement in our Level Jump celebrations. Spousal and family support is everything for so many of us, and there’s something special about making your partner proud. I approached local restaurants and created a gift card trade program. Now, every stylist who jumps a level gets a $100 gift card to the restaurant of their choice and is encouraged to use it to celebrate with family or loved ones. In turn, the restaurants receive The Headroom gift cards to share with their teams.”

TRACI WOODARD SALON
Destrehan, LA
Traci Woodard
SQUARE FEET: 3300     
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 14
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Davines  
COLOR: Davines  
SKINCARE: Bush Balm  
NAIL CARE: Madame Glam  
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest, Opanova Digital  
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA  
“In 2025, we implemented a Team Retreat to reset us. We focus on self-development and setting clear goals for the new year. Each team member creates a vision board that hangs in our office, and we keep a blank ‘Goals Board’ beside it to write milestones as we hit them. Our Personal Development Meetings, led by the team (not leadership), empower everyone to own their growth and align with our values.”