
Got a Gorgeous New Business? SALONS OF THE YEAR Application Now Open!
The landmark, photo-based interior design competition has opened its application process. We'd love you to hit us with your best shots!
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.










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

The landmark, photo-based interior design competition has opened its application process. We'd love you to hit us with your best shots!

The landmark, photo-based interior design competition has opened its application process. We'd love you to hit us with your best shots!

At night, Dominic Michael Salon keeps the interior lights on, as the illuminated, eye-catching contemporary design serves as a billboard that consistently attracts new guests.

Built from the ground up, Mane 18’s design strikes a balance between an elevated experience for guests and the functionality and flow necessary for team members to perform at their best.

Andreas Hogue Salon’s recent renovation surprises visitors with the interior’s expansion of space, elevated retail area, and changing views of the restored Chicago prairie.

It's Day 10 of our SALON TODAY 200 reveals, and we've reached the end! Today, we toast the honorees in the second half of growth--the salons, spas, and barbershops that constantly strive to build stronger bottom lines, including Brandy Smith Stephens in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

On Day 9 of our 2026 SALON TODAY 200 reveals, a big 'Huzzah' to our first look at the salons, spas and barbershops that fueled their growth by mastering a number of best practices, including the fun team from Lavish Hair Lounge in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (P.S. The second half of Growth comes tomorrow.)

A big "Bravo!" to the salons and spas that develop strong cultures that fuel growth while retaining team members, such as Soleil Salon & Spa team in Windham, New Hampshire, who catch up reading last year's 200 issue.

We tip our hats to the salons and spas that genuinely connect with guests and strive to elevate their service, including Chenica Racine and Ricka O'Bannon, owners of C&R Beauty Bar in Louisville, Kentucky.

Hats off to the 2026 SALON TODAY 200 honorees who make education a priority for employees at every level, including Eric Fisher Salon, which hosted Educator Oscar Bond for a cutting class in Wichita, Kansas.

Today, we have two 2026 SALON TODAY 200 categories as we hail the salons that find creative ways to build client loyalty and the ones that constantly explore and embrace new technology to further their businesses, including the social-savvy team from Verde Salon Group in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

For today's SALON TODAY 200 announcements, we toast the honorees who prioritize the environment in their business decisions and those who take retail to the next level, including the excited team from Pure Salon Spa in Louisville, Kentucky.

Cheers to the SALON TODAY 200 honorees who give their time, talent and fundraising efforts to their communities, including Eli Mancha and the team from Bang! Salon, whose cut-a-thon has collected more than 1,200 coats that have been donated to Chicago's unhoused.

It's Day 1 of our 2026 SALON TODAY 200 announcements, and today, we raise our glasses for the honorees in the Business Builders category. These salons, including Elan Hair Studio in Spring Lake, New Jersey, took strategic risks that paid off in revenue-generating success.

It's time to celebrate the 2026 SALON TODAY 200 honorees who design rewarding career paths and seek out enriching benefits to keep their team members healthy, happy and growing, including the team from Pinup Studio in Raleigh, North Carolina, who always enjoy a good pajama party.

With a training salon, treatment rooms, education and collaboration spaces, a podcast studio and a yoga studio, BASE ONE is the foundation for the future growth of PENZONE Salons+Spas, as well as the company's gift to their community and the industry. Peruse the image gallery or take the personalized video tour led by Debra Penzone to see this exceptional space.

As our judges read those last essays and create their list of honorees in each category, we're planning to start announce the 2026 SALON TODAY 200 starting February 25.