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SEARCHFrom living walls to moody blues, our Salons of the Year judges identify the emerging salon design trends of 2021.
As our judges reviewed all this year’s Salons of the Year applications, some distinctive trends emerged. Read all about them, then find more evidence of these trends in our individual Salons of the Year stories.
Space Definitions
When salons are located in big open areas, owners are turning to unique materials to artistically and beautifully define different areas of the space.
In the modern, contemporary Six Salon in Detroit, Architect Christian Unverzagt proposed dividing the entrance of the salon from the salon floor with snow-colored, fire-retardant, nylon camouflage netting. “Because we’re in a cold climate, clients enter through an airlock vestibule and they can see the salon through a glass window, but they don’t yet hear the salon,” Unverzagt says. “Then they enter the hallway through the second door, where they can hear the salon, but only catch glimpses of what is happening on the salon floor through the camouflage netting, until they exit the hallway at the reception desk and become one with the environment.”
At Eric Fisher Studio in Wichita, Kansas, slatted, quarter sawn oak architectural installments define different spaces through the naturally lit space. One of these custom-crafted pieces towers above the black Italian marble podium-style front desk, while two others wrap above the styling areas located on both sides of the space. These design elements accentuate the high ceilings, while defining an otherwise open floor plan.
The Moods of Blue
While the overarching trends this year was for all-white salons with black chairs, when salons featured a pop of color, it often was a shade of blue—but the moods these shades created varied by location.
At Salon Doré in University Park, Texas, the luxurious navy and white tiled floors are laid out in a chevron pattern that draws the eye, while complimenting the navy-accented chairs and artwork.
A playful, musical nude portrait adds a spot of soothing powder blue above the wash stations at the Maria Heckscher Salon in Watersound, Florida.
Magical Murals
When salons had open wall space, they frequently hired artist to help them visually express their salon culture, or even infuse a bit of humor into the service.
In Knoxville, Tennessee, 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.
Tyler Caswell was a friend who helped Owners Todd and Jen Ford outfit their salon and barbershop Hello Hair Co. in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Throughout the modern space, the Fords feature vintage salon and barber artwork, which helps ground the salon through nods from the past. They gave Caswell a blank wall and free rein, and he painted this intricate mural to pull clients into the culture of the space. Now, clients frequently ask the Fords for the name of the artist.
Living Walls and Ceilings
Living plants add color and texture to any beauty space, but they also serve as a nod to a salon’s environmental commitments.
At the bohemian Atrium Salon and Studio in Frisco, Texas, suspended succulents give clients an interesting visual as they recline for a shampoo.
The living moss wall at The Elsewhere Salon in Boston, Massachusetts, is trimmed with warm-toned wood and features the salon’s logo in white neon. This large, living green installment serves as a backdrop for selfies or a location where artists can photograph their finished work.
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.
