Located 20 minutes west of Hartford, CT, Unionville got its name because the corners of three surrounding towns united to form it. Another union was formed in the town when a hairstylist and receptionist met, got married and opened David Salon in 2004.
 The salon's waiting area is calm and relaxing |
The salon's original 350-square-foot space proved too small to handle its fast-growing clientele, so in March, owners Madeline and David Olivo moved to a 1,500-square-foot location. Madeline attributes some of the salon's success to its affiliation with Redken. "Being a Redken salon has allowed us to get amazing support and advice from them and given us the ability to offer our staff education that enhances their skills," Madeline says.
 The shampoo stations |
In addition to haircuts and color services, the salon offers makeup application and is planning on launching its own mineral-based makeup line called Ava's Minerals (named after the owners' daughter). Clients of all ages visit the salon, according to Madeline. Many clients come from Unionville itself and the surrounding towns, but many also travel from New Jersey and New York to visit the salon. "The biggest compliment we get from clients is that we are comparable to New York City salons with regard to our talent and space," Madeline says.
 The styling stations |
The classy yet comfortable salon features neutral-colored walls, a mantled fireplace and art on the walls. Instead of traditional hair-drying seats, David Salon features theater-style chairs with dryers attached to the ceiling. "Clients sit under the dryer in a separate room of the salon," Madeline says. "This way, they aren't in the middle of the salon with foils in their hair."
 Couches, a mantled fireplace and products displayed on shelves give the salon a comfortable, homey feel |
The salon's commitment to customer service, attention to details, and involvement in charitable organizations makes David Salon stand apart from others and keeps clients coming back. Says Madeline, "We work very hard every day to make everyone who walks through the door of the salon happy." —NICOLE PALMIERI
In stock: Redken, PureOlogy