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Many salons experienced rebuilding and growth in 2021, but it required all departments--guest services, styling, color, spa and leadership--pulling together. Meet the 20 SALON TODAY 200 honorees in our third day of announcements and read about their Herculean efforts. Here, the team from Fine Bella Salon in Avon Lake, Ohio, enjoy a team-bonding beach day.


The beauty professionals at Gila Rut Salons busy at work in San Diego.
It's Day 3 of our 2022 SALON TODAY 200 announcements and we're thilled to introduce you to another 20 salon honorees and their hard-working teams. Ready to embrace change and the way they do business after the salon closures, they've been quick to rebuild their teams, client bases and sales.
Check back tomorrow as we reveal another 20 salons!
ECCO SALON
Fitchburg, WI
eccosalon.com
Sarah Trent Lange
SQUARE FEET: 1865; 2045; 1645
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 46
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo 2, Vish
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“To address current and future labor concerns, we grew our apprentice program. This expands on our current training and onboarding program and offers an apprentice two years of on-the-job training while being paid.”
ELAN HAIR STUDIO
Sea Girt, NJ
elanhairstudionj.com
Kellie Johnson
SQUARE FEET: 3500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 35
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $94
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Oribe, Davines, Olaplex
COLOR: Redken, Pulp Riot
SKIN CARE: Image Skincare
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest, Green Circle Salons
“Our goal was to make people feel safe. We made everything we could touchless. We cleaned out the salon to provide an open and clean feeling. We offered a private room for more compromised clients or people who were more fearful.”
ELEMENT 5 SALON
Charlotte, NC
Element5salon.com
Traci and William Hampton
SQUARE FEET: 2300; 1500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 30
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Aveda, Oribe
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz,Demandforce
“In 2021 we decided to add another luxury product line to our retail offering. This has really helped increase our retail sales. There was one month where we almost doubled our retail sales due to adding the new products.”
ELEMENT SALON AND DAY SPA
Midland, MI
elementsalons.com
Michael Jones and Stephanie Jones
SQUARE FEET: 2300
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 17
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: OPI
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest, Vish
“We switched to Phorest. The software is extremely easy to use and is truly ahead of the curve. For example, texting and email marketing is extremely simple, online booking is available and gift cards can be purchased online. We also designed an app for the App Store which has been a fan favorite for existing clients to manage their own appointments.”
ELEMENTS OF STYLE HAIR SALON
Eldersburg and Frederick, MD
elementsofstylesalon.com
Paris Cimino, Kim Walker, Dawn Miller, Jake Kissel
SQUARE FEET: 3000; 1690
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 45
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Redken; Pureology, Mizani
COLOR: Redken
SKIN CARE: Bioelements, Farmhouse Fresh
TECH SUPPORT: Envision, Meet Your Stylist, Tippy, Vish ASSOCIATIONS:
“We decided to introduce ‘Meet Your Stylist.’ This is a quick, online quiz that will match guests up with their perfect stylist, taking the guesswork out of visiting a new salon. We’ve generated a virtual consultation platform with our stylists, first asking guests hair questions followed by submitting photos. Within 24 hours they’re contacted by a stylist via FaceTime, Zoom or social media video call.”

From Elements Salon in Fernandina Beach, Florida, the salon team and their furry friend.
ELEMENTS SALON
Fernandina Beach, FL
elementsalonfl.com
Jessica Greene
SQUARE FEET: 1250
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 11
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“I spent thousands of dollars marketing holiday. Our holiday products could be found and purchased online, on the guests’ phones, on iPads at the stations and under our Google page. Holiday was a huge success, and by really digging in and focusing on these sales we helped with staff and guest retention.”
ELLE MARIE HAIR STUDIO
Mill Creek, WA
ellemarie.com
Lorry Green & Hollie Wesoloski
SQUARE FEET: 1600; 1400; 2500; 2500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 92
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $67
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology, Mizani
COLOR: Redken, Pulp Riot, Pravana
SKIN CARE: Hempz
TECH SUPPORT: Envision
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, Green Circle Salons
“We incorporated front desk business training for beauty school students, the objective being that the student earns income while working the front desk. Upon completing cosmetology, transitioning into our Advanced Training program is seamless resulting in 20 new hairstylists.”

Eric Fisher, owner of Eric Fisher Salon in Wichita, Kansas.
ERIC FISHER SALON
Wichita, KS
ericfishersalon.com
Eric & Mary Fisher
SQUARE FEET: 4000; 1500; 1500; 1500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 90
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $60
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Aquage, Kérastase, Eleven
COLOR: Goldwell, L'Oréal Professionnel, Pulp Riot
SKIN CARE: Image Skincare, Skinceuticals
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest, Tippy
“In an effort to ensure our team members weren’t too hard hit by the economic slowdown, we expanded our vacation pay up to three weeks, increased all commissions by 20% and refreshed the commission structure by adding more advantages—particularly for the stylists who have been with us for 20 years or more to reward their loyalty.”

Sheri Hancock, the owner of Fine Bella Salon in Avon Lake, Ohio.
FINE BELLA SALON
Avon Lake, OH
finebella.com
Sheri Hancock
SQUARE FEET: 2218
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 24
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $48
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Davines, private label, Comfort Zone
COLOR: Davines; Scruples, Igora
SKIN CARE: Comfort Zone
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest
“At the end of 2020 I decided to put together a gift box for our top 10 clients and it was a huge hit, so I planned to do the same in 2021. This year I’ll be adding a $50 gift card for them to give a friend or family member. As the owner, I make sure I’m the one giving these gifts to the clients and expressing my sincere thankfulness for their business.”

The team from Five Sensses Spa Salon & Barbershop bond over crafting in Peoria, Illinois.
FIVE SENSES SPA SALON & BARBERSHOP
Peoria, IL
FiveSensesSpaAndSalon.com
Paola Hinton
SQUARE FEET: 5000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 16
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: OPI
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo 2, Salon Clouds
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Every week, we order healthy meals from a local woman-owned company. The meals offer well-balanced items with gluten-free options to promote good food choices and the cost is deducted from their paychecks. Now our team has healthy food options on busy workdays.”

An inside look at Fourteen Jay in New York.
FOURTEEN JAY
New York, NY
fourteenjay.com
Virginia Meyer and David Adams
SQUARE FEET: 1800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 15
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $145
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: None
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Textel
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA
“We’re turning our attention to extending our texture service menu and offering more luxury service categories like hand-tied extensions, wig and hair thinning. We have a trichologist on the team, along with a certified nutrition life coach, which will help us create more expanded service offerings and position ourselves as more of a lifestyle brand.”

Jana and Frank Westerbeke pose with their Gadabout team at an event in Tucson, Arizona.
GADABOUT SALON SPAS
Tucson, AZ
gadabout.com
Jana and Frank Westerbeke
SQUARE FEET: 5400; 7000; 3121; 6000; 3300; 187000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 194
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Kerastase, R+Co, Sebastian
COLOR: Wella, Pulp Riot, Sunlights
SKIN CARE: Skin Authority, Comfort Zone, Revitalash
NAIL CARE: OPI, CND, Qtica
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Fonality, Trello, Tippy,Suretint
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, ISBN, ISPA and PBA
“Our Hair Education team took the opportunity to rewrite our entire curriculum to take our education/apprenticeship from a two-year program to self-paced and completable within 9 months. We also created a secondary education program for experienced service providers to join our team in a fast-track program.”
GARBO A SALON & SPA
Austin, TX
garboasalon.com
Marsha Power
SQUARE FEET: 2400; 1600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 35
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $62
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: OPI, CND
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
"Recruiting involved ads on Indeed and Modern Salon, updates to our website and creation of fliers with digital QR codes that led to our Google Forms application online. Clientele also are seeing shifts--we are pikcing up additional guests from salon closures like our neighbor and and long-time friend Avant Salon, as its owner retired in the last few months."

Sharah Madrone from Gervais Salon & Day is feeling grateful in Eugene, Oregon.
GERVAIS SALON & DAY SPA
Eugene, OR
gervaiseugene.com
Sharah Madrone
SQUARE FEET: 4200; 3600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 51
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $50
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
NAIL CARE: CND
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Textel
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA
“Last fall, we offered 20% spa services for all healthcare workers. We did a weekly drawing for a free massage on Facebook where people could nominate someone. We have seen an increase in bookings, but mostly we’ve received a significant response from the community and guests offering gratitude and love.”

Owners Keri Davis-Duffy and Karla Lopez-Martinez check the scheudle at Gila Rut Salons in San Diego, California.
GILA RUT SALONS
San Diego, CA
gilarut.com
Keri Davis‐Duffy, Karla Lopez‐Martinez
SQUARE FEET: 2100 1900
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 55
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $75
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Aura
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, PBA
With beauty schools in a holding pattern, we turned to virtual job fairs to hire more experienced, licensed stylists. We changed our onboarding cycle, which used to be every six weeks. Now, there is no cycle. We’re interviewing and hiring whenever we can, evolving our systems to meet our needs."
GINGER BAY SALON & SPA
St. Louis, MO
gingerbay.com
Laura A Ortmann
SQUARE FEET: 10000; 3000
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 77
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda; Redken
SKIN CARE: Aveda; Cosmedix; Murad
NAIL CARE: CND, OPI
TECH SUPPORT: Meevo 2, Textel, Emma
ASSOCIATIONS: ICA, PBA
“In 2021, we’ve had more contests, lunches and team gifts than in the past 10 years. Best Halloween Costume and Ugliest Christmas Sweater turned into 3-day events, complete with lunch for the team and prizes for the winners. Team Appreciation Week was filled with gifts, fun contests and more food.”

The team from Ginger Vine Salon in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
GINGER VINE SALON
Lake Charles, LA
gingervinessalon.com
Allison Everage
SQUARE FEET: 1400
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 6
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Aura
“We use texting campaigns to fill last-minute openings, which happen often. With COVID cases on the rise, we can get up to 4 clients a day canceling. Sending out these text blasts is an effective way to fill up these spots. We also reward our existing clients with $25 toward a service or product when they refer a friend.”

A client checks her appointment confirmation outside Glow Beauty Boutique in Braintree, Massachusetts.
GLOW BEAUTY BOUTIQUE
Braintree, MA
glowbeautyb.com
Shelley North
SQUARE FEET: 1800
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 16
SKIN CARE: Cln&drty, Control Correctives, Fur
TECH SUPPORT: Phorest, Canva
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, Green Circle Salons
“It has become an obsession to take a 19-year-old business and bit by bit change it into a faster-adapting salon that is now filtering all decisions through the KISS (keep it simple stupid) method. If it isn’t easy to explain, do, use or order, it’s not for us.”

Tony and Pam Gordon, owners of Gordon Salon in Chicago, Illinois.
GORDON SALON
Chicago, IL
gordonsalon.com
Pam and Tony Gordon
SQUARE FEET: 1950; 2050; 1450; 2200; 2500
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 65
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $74
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: Zenoti
ASSOCIATIONS: CC, ICA
“We adopted the concept of ‘Moonshot’ thinking. We read the book Measure What Matters by John Doerr, a story about how Intel, Google and other big companies use a concept called Objectives and Key Results, which are trajectory-changing goals that are big and bold. Shoot for the moon, and if you fall, you’ll land on the clouds.”

The team from Graeber & Company are masked and ready to see clients in Boise, Idaho.
GRAEBER & COMPANY
Boise, ID
graeberandcompany.com
Shelby Bills & Odell England
SQUARE FEET: 4600
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 29
AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45
BEST‐SELLING RETAIL: Aveda
COLOR: Aveda
SKIN CARE: Aveda
TECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Salon Scale
ASSOCIATIONS: PBA, Green Circle Salons
“We find our guests have more flexibility in their lives and saw an opportunity to promote last-minute appointments. Instead of discounting an appointment, we offer a service with an add-on at a discount. We’re eating the cost of the treatment, but the ‘discount’ doesn’t hurt the stylist and the guest experiences a new treatment they’ll want again.”

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.