2018 Salons of the Year Trends

The spread from our May/June 2018 issue, which featured all of the 2018 Salons of the Year finalists.

The nearly all-white décor of <a href="http://arsengurgov.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Arsen Gurgov Salon</a> in New York, New York, defines elegance. With its simplicity, it exudes extravagance, and the 14 large windows allow an abundance of natural light in order to make clients feel as though they’ve entered a salon in the clouds.

The nearly all-white décor of The Arsen Gurgov Salon in New York, New York, defines elegance. With its simplicity, it exudes extravagance, and the 14 large windows allow an abundance of natural light in order to make clients feel as though they’ve entered a salon in the clouds.

The redesign of <a href="https://www.blazehaircolor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blaze Color Salon</a> in Coralville, Iowa, used white décor to give clients a feeling of cleanliness and openness. The white color scheme provides a blank slate for the color bar to stand out and allow clients to visualize where the magic happens.

The redesign of Blaze Color Salon in Coralville, Iowa, used white décor to give clients a feeling of cleanliness and openness. The white color scheme provides a blank slate for the color bar to stand out and allow clients to visualize where the magic happens.

<a href="https://www.aspirewv.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aspire Salon</a> in Parkersburg, West Virginia, chose repurposed wood throughout, including an antique church pew, to create an earthy and inviting vibe. The original brick from the early 1900s was purposefully left exposed and transports clients to a more relaxing era.

Aspire Salon in Parkersburg, West Virginia, chose repurposed wood throughout, including an antique church pew, to create an earthy and inviting vibe. The original brick from the early 1900s was purposefully left exposed and transports clients to a more relaxing era.

When clients enter <a href="https://www.arborhairstudio.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arbor Hair Studio</a> in Waite Park, Minnesota, they’re greeted by signage that includes a green O. The O is representative of Arbor being the first Green Circle-certified salon in central Minnesota, and it contrasts well with the wooden desk and themes throughout of water and leaves.

When clients enter Arbor Hair Studio in Waite Park, Minnesota, they’re greeted by signage that includes a green O. The O is representative of Arbor being the first Green Circle-certified salon in central Minnesota, and it contrasts well with the wooden desk and themes throughout of water and leaves.

Beautiful architecture such as the Color Cathedral inside <a href="https://robertcromeans.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Robert Cromeans Salon</a> in San Diego, California, is hard to find. The open area is free of mirrors and is designed to celebrate hair color. The layout of the original space was flipped, and the Color Cathedral was born. The glass dome and floor-to-ceiling windows allow for natural light to shine in for perfect color creations.

Beautiful architecture such as the Color Cathedral inside A Robert Cromeans Salon in San Diego, California, is hard to find. The open area is free of mirrors and is designed to celebrate hair color. The layout of the original space was flipped, and the Color Cathedral was born. The glass dome and floor-to-ceiling windows allow for natural light to shine in for perfect color creations.

Oh my, do we love a good color punch! <a href="https://www.currentbynese.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Current Salon and Color Bar by Nese</a> in Ashburn, Virginia, exemplifies color with its two wall murals. The bright purple hues on the 14.9-foot ceilings create sophistication and a wow-factor like none other.

Oh my, do we love a good color punch! Current Salon and Color Bar by Nese in Ashburn, Virginia, exemplifies color with its two wall murals. The bright purple hues on the 14.9-foot ceilings create sophistication and a wow-factor like none other.

Another focal point inside Current Salon and Color Bar by Nese in Ashburn, Virginia

Monaco Salon Extension Lounge in Tampa, Florida, was looking to create a design that was sleek. The marble flooring and wall accents instantly bring the salon up a level in class. The marble is accented further with the salon’s branded logo, which has been backlit in blue.

Upon entering <a href="http://agneso.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anges O. Hair Design & Derma Spa</a> in Chicago, Illinois, clients will notice the salon’s marbled front desk. The elegant simplicity of the desk pairs well with the gray color scheme and the natural punches of purple throughout the salon.

Upon entering Anges O. Hair Design & Derma Spa in Chicago, Illinois, clients will notice the salon’s marbled front desk. The elegant simplicity of the desk pairs well with the gray color scheme and the natural punches of purple throughout the salon.

1/10

View all

1/10

Slider

The spread from our May/June 2018 issue, which featured all of the 2018 Salons of the Year finalists.

2/10

Slider

3/10

Slider

4/10

Slider

5/10

Slider

6/10

Slider

7/10

Slider

8/10

Slider

Another focal point inside Current Salon and Color Bar by Nese in Ashburn, Virginia

9/10

Slider

10/10

Slider

Every year we get a glimpse of what’s trending in the salon and spa world, thanks to the various submissions to the Salons of Year competition. And 2018 didn’t fail to give us the inside scoop. We discovered some delightful details we hope will inspire your future salon renovations. Get ready to mark your favorites.

White Space:

Clean and pristine was the theme for some of the salons this year. With all the color creation happening inside a salon, the white décor lets the color shine where it really matters: as part of your clients’ new looks. By choosing to create mostly white palettes, these salon owners made their spaces seem luxurious and high class. (For photos of these examples, scroll through the gallery at the top.)

The Arsen Gurgov Salon in New York, New York

Blaze Color Salon in Coralville, Iowa

Down to Earth

Fabulous hair is even better when clients and stylists can feel at peace with the environment. We saw several salons looking to bring the great outdoors inside by using wooden and green elements to create a sense of Zen.(For photos of these examples, scroll through the gallery at the top.)

Aspire Salon in Parkersburg, West Virginia

Arbor Hair Studio in Waite Park, Minnesota

Focal Points

In terms of salon design, drama can be both good and bad. Luckily, this year’s entries utilized drama in the best way possible, with gorgeous focal points that took our breath away. We know clients will feel special and exclusive when visiting these salons, thanks to their show-stopping elements. (For photos of these examples, scroll through the gallery at the top.)

A Robert Cromeans Salon in San Diego, California

Current Salon and Color Bar by Nese in Ashburn, Virginia

Rock Solid

Marble patterns are trending on everything from notebook covers to phone cases, so it makes sense we’re seeing this trend in the salon world, too. The classic rock can turn any space chic. (For photos of these examples, scroll through the gallery at the top.)

Monaco Salon Extension Lounge in Tampa, Florida

Anges O. Hair Design & Derma Spa in Chicago, Illinois

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.