MENU
SEARCHThese 2025 SALON TODAY 200 honorees are life-long learners, who develop educational systems that build the skills of their newest team members while encouraging their seasoned staff to stretch creatively, including the team of [salon]718 in Brooklyn, New York.
For the most successful service providers, education is a career-long process. The strongest salons and spas develop education systems that enhance the skills and confidence of their newest team members while encouraging and supporting the seasoned staff to continually stretch creatively.
The team from [salon]718 from Brooklyn, New York, with the NYC skyline behind them.
[salon]718
Brooklyn, NY
salon718.com
Michaella Blissett Williams
SQUARE FEET: 850, 510, 891, 750, 900, 650
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 85
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $79
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Pureology, Olaplex, Mizani
COLOR: Goldwell, L’Oreal, Davines
SKINCARE: Hydrafacial
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest, Mailchimp
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, PBA
“All Monday and Tuesday education sessions are open to everyone, not just apprentices, and we hold monthly training sessions for specific techniques, trends, best practices and salon protocols. We encourage attendance and recognize participation by offering certification and responsibilities.”
The team from All Things New Salon in Shelbyville, Kentucky.
ALL THINGS NEW SALON
Shelbyville, KY
allthingsnewsalon.com
Travis and Shanna Hernandez
SQUARE FEET: 2100
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $74
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Eufora
COLOR: Eufora
SKINCARE: Clique Beauty
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“New hires begin with a simple digital onboarding course before they come into the salon. This outlines our Core Values, Vision, Mission and Why on a video. Once in the salon, they are taught Relaxing Rituals right away so they can build confidence quickly with guests.”
The team from Allure Beauty Bar from Grand Junction, Colorado.
ALLURE BEAUTY BAR
Grand Junction, CO
beautybarallure.com
Bobbi Springer
SQUARE FEET: 2400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 20
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $46
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: R+co R+Co Bleu, Surface
COLOR: R+Co, Redken
SKINCARE: Eminence
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest, Vish, Mya, Glammatic
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Giving new team members a clear path to success has increased our employee retention and reduced cash flow on training programs because we ensure that from the start, they have goals and a game plan to bring in enough revenue to cover costs while they are starting off.”
The team from Changes Salon, Inc., from Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
CHANGES SALON, INC.
Chagrin Falls, OH
changessaloninc.com
Wendy Haverlack
SQUARE FEET: 2720
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $94
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Pureology, Redken
COLOR: Redken
SKINCARE: Mirabella Beauty
NAIL CARE: DND, OPI, CND
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest, Mya, Tippy
“New stylists entering our associate program follow a structured ‘earn while you learn’ system, as they are introduced to the floor within the first two weeks. Using Connecteam, they complete courses that include watching videos and submitting work for evaluation. They spend time with mentors, assist with guests and gradually transition to behind the chair.”
The team from Cutting Loose Salon in University Park, Florida.
CUTTING LOOSE SALON
University Park, FL
cuttingloosesalon.com
Coral Pleas & Travis Scheuer
SQUARE FEET: 5400 2800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 60
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $75
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Oribe, Bumble and bumble, Goldwell
COLOR: Goldwell
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest, Vish
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, PBA, 2 to 10
“Protégés now have the opportunity to graduate in as little as six months if they complete their homework and test out on all services. While it may still take some 12 to 18 months to graduate, this accelerated option has attracted highly motivated students who are eager to fast-track their careers.”
DeAnna Clifton and Sarah Poiroux, owners of Genesis Salon and Spa in Mobile, Alabama.
GENESIS SALON AND SPA
Mobile, AL
GenesisSalonandSpa.com
DeAnna Clifton and Sarah Poiroux
SQUARE FEET: 6500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 45
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $52
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Kerastase, Pureology
COLOR: Redken, Pulp Riot, L’Oreal
SKINCARE: Riman, Skin Script, Alexandria Professional
TECH SUPPORT: Boulevard
ASSOCIATIONS: Summit Salon Business Center
“Our community events like Daddy/Daugther Day, Free Cuts for Men and Kids Day and back-to-school kids days benefit our newer stylists as they gain hands-on experience with styling and interacting with guests. Some of these allow us to bless others while giving our stylists real-world practice.”
Class is in session with Candy Shaw, owner of Jamison Shaw Hairdressers in Atlanta, Georgia.
JAMISON SHAW HAIRDRESSERS
Atlanta, GA
jamisonshaw.com
Candy Shaw
SQUARE FEET: 5000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 40
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Sunlights, Wella. Olaplex
COLOR: Sunlights, Wella
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo, Google Ads
ASSOCIATIONS: Cosmetologists Chicago, ICA, PBA, Society of Cosmetic Chemists, IBA
“Based on a recent successful salon test, we plan to incorporate Silent Disco technology into our training program. This will create a library of recorded educational materials that don’t cut into senior stylists' revenue-producing time in order to teach classes, and classes will be available 24/7 to any size audience.”
The team from Janet St. Paul Studio for Hair & Beauty in Austin, Texas.
JANET ST. PAUL STUDIO FOR HAIR & BEAUTY
Austin, TX
janetstpaul.com
Janet St. Paul
SQUARE FEET: 2626
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $120
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: L'Oreal, Phyto, Milbon
COLOR: L'Oreal, Redken
TECH SUPPORT: Rosy, Salon Ninja, Tippy, Vish
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, ISBN, PBA
“Our education extends beyond initial training, as we prioritize continuous learning for all team members. We hold bi-monthly training sessions that focus on various aspects of hair care, styling techniques and client service, supplemented by a guest educator workshop every other month.”
The team from JMAC Hair Studio & Medispa in Powell, Ohio.
JMAC HAIR STUDIO & MEDISPA
Powell, OH
jmachairstudio.com
Joanie McQuade
SQUARE FEET: 3600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 25
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Kevin.Murphy, Unite, K-18
COLOR: Kevin.Murphy, Well,a Igora
SKINCARE: Skincueticals, Hydrafacial, Colorescince
NAIL CARE: Luxa, Zoya, Apres
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo, Emma
“In 2023, our team requested advanced training for hair extensions. We partnered with Easihair Pro, and the investment was $899 per participant with 11 attending. Each team member paid $300 toward the class, the remaining balance was paid by the salon but in the end we were reimbursed 100%. We did a model call for the class, and offered models heavy discounts, but many wanted to add more hair. We sold over $3500 during the class.”
An inside look at Kenneth's Salons and Spas in Columbus, Ohio.
KENNETH'S SALONS AND SPAS
Columbus, OH
kenneths.com
Representative - Tony Anders (We are 100% Employee-Owned)
SQUARE FEET: 8300, 9700, 17700, 5500, 5000, 3200
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 340
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $57
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: private label, Redken, Kenra
COLOR: Redken, Pulp Riot
SKINCARE: Derma Md, Hydropeptide, Circadia
NAIL CARE: Foot Logix, Morgan Taylor, Gelish
TECH SUPPORT: proprietary
“The final phase of our training program focuses on our core value of community. We basically have a fully functional salon within our Academy. At this level they are now booked by our phone center, and they learn how to manage their business and monetize their craft. We coach to retail, retention, social presence, pre-booking, treatments and upselling.”
The team from Luscious & Co. in Shelton, Connecticut.
LUSCIOUS & CO
Shelton, CT
lusciousandco.com
Liz and Jess Arrindell
SQUARE FEET: 4000, 1700
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 23
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $80
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Kevin.Murphy, Eleven Australia, Great Lengths
COLOR: Kevin.Murphy, Eleven Australia
TECH SUPPORT: Vagaro, Vish, Mya, Tippy
ASSOCIATIONS: 2 to 10
“The final phase of our Gold Standard Academy includes workshops that close the learning gap for new professionals in the beauty industry. Workshops include financial literacy and understanding your compensation and benefits; key metrics that enhance understanding on gratuity; and social media and AI
practices that help them create a social funnel that’s easy to manage.”
NURTUR SALON + SPA
Columbus, OH
nurtursalon.com
Patrick Thompson
SQUARE FEET: 4000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 41
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKINCARE: Aveda, Ultraceuticals
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Beekeeper, Unfocus, Vish
ASSOCIATIONS: ISBN
“Apart from our apprentice program, Nurtur offers continuing education for every team member. Thanks to the help of our Aveda Purefessional, Bryan Foss, we have a strong leader and educator based in the salon. With his extensive knowledge in both cut and color, we can offer scheduled education classes, as well as pop-up education sessions, allowing us to respond more quickly to team education requests.”
Stylists at work at Penzone Salons + Spas in Columbus, Ohio.
PENZONE SALONS + SPAS
Columbus, OH
penzonesalons.com
Charles + Debbie Penzone
SQUARE FEET: 13000, 7900, 12000, 1100, 3000, 763
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 403
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $59
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Davines, Color Wow, L'Anza
COLOR: Schwarzkopf, Davines, Evo
SKINCARE: Eminence, Jan Marini, Dr. Dennis Gross
NAIL CARE: OPI, Mazz Hanna, Footlogix
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Salonclouds+
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, ISBN, PBA
“This year, we piloted an internship program. Eligible students at participating schools have the opportunity to observe and learn with our experienced Hair Artist Mentors in one of our salons or spas. This program is a great first step to a successful career at PENZONE and has allowed us to showcase what we can offer students before they even graduate.”
Celebrating their 16th anniversary, the team from Revive Day Spa in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
REVIVE DAY SPA
Aberdeen, SD
reviver3.com
Fallon Helm
SQUARE FEET: 4650
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 18
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: L’Anza, Pureology, Surface
COLOR: L’Anza
SKINCARE: Lexl,i Bare Minerals
NAIL CARE: CND, Gelx, OPI
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo, Salonclouds+, Vish
“Through scripting, systems, processes and procedures, we educate the team on retailing through social media, direct marketing, merchandising and cross-promoting services, between departments, as well as with other businesses in our local market. This has led us to become the local beauty store experts for educating, trying, buying and retaining guests.”
A consultation in progress at Verde Salon in Winnipeg, Alberta.
VERDE SALON
Winnipeg, MB
verdesalon.ca
Roberto Sinopoli
SQUARE FEET: 2300, 2100
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 31
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $63
BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKINCARE: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Zenoti, Mya, Vish, G-suite
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, 2 to 10, Green Circle
“In 2024 alone, we celebrated 26 stylist promotions, which contributed to our overall success. When a new stylist steps into our salon, we commit to their success. We focus on three key areas—training new hires, ongoing education for all employees and bringing in external artists to share their knowledge.”
It's that time of year again: SALON TODAY 200 Application Season! To celebrate our 30th anniversary we have a new best practice category--Talent Recruitment and Retention. Applications due October 31st!
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.
