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SEARCHAn original piece of art can elevate the client experience by evoking an emotion, connecting the client to the brand and making the service memorable. See seven of our favorite examples of salon art.
A custom piece of art as part of your salon’s décor can envelope a client in your experience quickly and effectively. A striking piece can cause the viewer to pause and contemplate, and that not only elevates your salon design, but it can evoke an emotion within your client, and give your salon a standout moment that differentiates your salon from all the others in your community.
When it comes to art though, seeing is believing. Take a look at how the following salons effectively weave an artistic moment into their salon experiences:
At Totalee On the Alley in Beverly Hills, California, a massive Brigitte Bardot mural hangs above the velvety X-shaped sofa, both greeting guests and connecting them with a historically iconic beauty. Owner Lee Rittner says this piece was delicately carved from layers of fresco-style plaster and engraved on the wall.” (Totalee On the Alley was a 2019 Salons of the Year honoree)
With a degree in art, Steve Hightower creates his own installations at his namesake salon in Atlanta, Georgia. At a shoot, he created a wall of colorful hair pieces and extensions, asked the photographer to photograph it and take the image and print it out as wallpaper. Today, that wallpaper playfully frames a station in his color room, while also giving the overall black and white salon a spot of color.
This past year, The Steve Hightower Hair Salon & Day Spa transformed its deck where staff and clients used to enjoy their lunch into an outdoor service area for guests who felt more comfortable getting their hair cut or colored outside. This also gives the salon more space to safely service clients. “I painted the sun screens with colorful flower scenes to give this outdoor space a whimsical touch, and I plan on changing those scenes later this year to keep it intriguing,” Hightower says.
In Miami, Jaxson Maximus caters to the well-groomed man. Owners Madison and Christian Boehm commissioned local artist Claudio Picasso to recreate the 1965 James Bond Thunderball album cover in a 15-foot mural that towers over the cutting floor. “We wanted something that combines old and new, so that mean of all ages can feel a connection to our brand,” they said. (Jaxson Maximus was a 2020 Salons of the Year honoree.)
In Knoxville, Tennessee, owner Shane Archer chose the shampoo room as the site for a whimsical piece of art featuring Dolly Parton as hairdresser Truvy in Steel Magnolias. Muralist Jessica Ramsey even worked in Truvy’s famous quote, “I don’t trust anyone that does their own hair, I don’t think it’s normal.” This artistic feature was a favorite at the salon’s former location, so Ramsey was called upon to lovingly recreate it at the new Grow—A Shane Archer Concept.
In Columbus, Ohio, a welcome wall complete with graffiti art and neon lettering is a visual cue reminding guests their visit will transcend physical beauty at the PENZONE’s Salons + Spas’ Polaris location. “The heart design pays homage to our flagship salon concept which has a custom heart artwork on its exterior, and for guests, this wall creates an Instagrammable moment,” says Debbie Penzone, co-owner. (PENZONE’s Salon + Spa in Polaris was a 2020 Salons of the Year honoree.)
In New York, Suite Caroline partnered with Icelandic artist Hrfnhildur Arnardottir (a.k.a. Shoplifter) to bring a colorful signature art installation to the salon as a joyful way of welcoming clients back after the shutdown. Above the shampoo station, a trio of sassy stalactites in Sholifter’s signature medium of rainbow-colored synthetic hair delights clients and encourages them to relax and dream.
Good hair starts at the scalp. But most salons aren’t offering services or products that address scalp health. Relish, a new product line from the founders of Signature Formulations, has everything salons need to deliver an effective head spa service and offer guests a robust at-home scalp care line.
Join us in exploring 24 of the nation's most aesthetically pleasing salons. Hear the owners explain what inspired their design choices and see why their guests love visiting these beautiful spaces again and again. See what's new in furniture and equipment, and gather advice in our Inspiration Center. Brought to you by Minerva Beauty and Phorest Salon Software.
New lounge-style design from Minerva delivers spa-grade comfort, modern aesthetics, and fast nationwide shipping.
Each year, Oribe turns its holiday gift sets into works of art and 2025’s “Golden Threads” collaboration with Finnish artist Kustaa Saksi is no exception. Inspired by mythology and master craftsmanship, the limited-edition collection blends luxury with meaning, transforming salon retail into an elevated client experience. See how Flaunt Hair Salon brings the collection to life with immersive displays, team engagement, and record-breaking holiday sales.
Sponsored by Oribe
Owner Reagan Baker creates a whimsical salon that blends old-world charm with modern flair in the heart of Soho. She takes delight in the fact that her clients often discover new aspects of her salon design during subsequent visits.
The new collection features nine electric massage tables, three facial chairs, and a range of spa carts and stools—each designed to deliver superior comfort, functionality, and modern design at an attainable price.
With its luxurious flagship location in Austin, Texas, Mirror Mirror continues its brand exploration into the world of open spaces, high-end finishes, and sumptuous blush tones. This pretty-in-pink space captured the grand prize for our 2024 Salons of the Year.
Inside the spa within the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Darius Davie and Matthew Sears build a two-chair, upscale barbershop that caters to discerning golfers and resort guests.
With a photo lab, design library and storyboarding/collaborations rooms, the JUUT New Artist Salon+Creative Hub addresses the educational needs of all the staff members, no matter where they are in their career journey. Join us as Owner David Wagner takes us on a tour of the expansive space!
Crown Extension Studio Owner Jenna Bowden designs a royalty-inspired luxurious space that caters to extension clients in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The updated space includes 11 stations, a private room for bespoke wigs and hairpieces, three large treatment rooms, two nail stations and two separate areas for makeup and lashes services. Take the tour.
A hairdresser's offspring pay tribute to his legacy with a breathtaking salon renovation that creates a warm environment for clients and staff alike.
A custom van company works with an Austin-based barber to create a fully mobile salon in a Ford Transit.
New interactive tools help salon and spa owners visualize furnishing before purchasing.
Originally a textile mill, the 120 year-old building that houses Six Ten Salon and Boutique brings historic architectural charm to the design, while a mural painted by a local artist brings modern character. Take the tour of this Salon of Distinction from our 2024 SALONS OF THE YEAR.
A bespoke circular front desk, fully reclining wash stations and an Aveda wall that infuses artistry and nature are favorite design elements at the oasis that is Zinke Hair Studio, one of our 2024 SALONS OF THE YEAR.
This year, our annual design competition names a Grand-Prize Winner, a Barbershop of the Year, a School of the Year, a New Talent Salon of the Year and a Specialty Salon of the Year, as well as 19 other gorgeous honorees. Tour each of their spaces, as the owners detail their design choices. Brought to you by Minerva Beauty.
