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The landmark, photo-based interior design competition has opened its application process. We'd love you to hit us with your best shots!
With its playful style and design surprises around the corner, Andreas Hogue Salon in Vernon Hills, Illinois, captures the 2020 Salon of the Year Grand-Prize title and the cover of the May/June issue of SALON TODAY.


With its playful atmosphere and design surprises around every corner, Andreas Hogue Salon in Vernon Hills, Illinois, captured the Grand-Prize with the 2020 Salons of the Year, including the cover of the May/June 2020 issue.
“Our judges loved the 18-foot retail wall with the librarian’s ladder that also served as a color-filled art element, the asymmetrical floating color bar and the fun-filled swing that entices clients to take selfies of their new styles,” says Stacey Soble, director of brand content strategy for SALON TODAY. “The designers maintained an open concept in the wedge-shaped space by cleverly clustering the restrooms, lather longue, laundry, breakroom and offices to one area and topped it with a loft, allowing the client to see the full width and depth of the space from most vantage points.”
Other salons that nabbed top spots were the historic charmer The Beauty Artisan + Co in Murietta, California, who took 1st Runner-Up, the retro glam Blos Roses from Doral, Florida, who claimed 2nd Runner-Up, and the pristine and lively Whitehouse Salon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who captured 3rd Runner-Up.
Grand-Prize Winner:
Andreas Hogue Salon
Vernon Hills, IL
Owners: Ashely and Andreas Hogue
1st Runner-Up
The Beauty Artisan + Co.
Murrieta, CA
Owners: Noa and Lauren Lake Petrich
2nd Runner-Up:
Blos Roses
Doral, FL
Owner: Karolyn Henao
3rd Runner-Up
Whitehouse Salon
Pittsburgh, PA
Owner: Tanya Brooks
The 2020 Salons of Distinction:
Define Hair
Ellicott City, Maryland
Owners: Jason and Rachel Gribbin
Jaxson Maximus
Miami, FL
Owners: Madison & Christian Boehm
Jon Alan Salon
Nashville, TN
Owners: Jon and Alan Snetman
Karen Joseph Salon
Red Bank, New Jersey
Owners: Karen Zerbo & Mark Cucarese
Lindsay Griifin + Co.
Somerville, MA
Owner: Lindsay Figueiredo
LUV Salon
Mesa, AZ
Owner: Dana Barbetta
Mango Salon
Richmond, VA
Owners: Bobbi &Patrick
Nikki|Lay Atelier
Frisco, TX
Owners: Nikki Nguyen & Lay Akhotmy
PENZONE Salon + Spa Polaris
Lewis Center, OH
Owners: Charles & Debra Penzone
PF International Salon, Spa Suites and Barber
Sherman Oaks, CA
Owner: Paul “PF” Fisher
Salon Jaylee at Colony Plaza
The Villages, FL
Owners: Janet West & Joyce Parker
Solo Salon-Elizabeth
Chicago, IL
Owner: Kristine Singer
Starring by Ted Gibson
Los Angeles, CA
Owners: Ted Gibson & Jason Backe
Style Loft Hair Studio
Honolulu, HI
Owners: Trudy & Kuan Yuan
Van Michael Salon
Atlanta, GA
Owners: Van & Michael Council
Vision of Tomorrow
Larchmont, NY
Owners: Pina, Michelle & Michael Cirillo

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.