With an entrepreneurial spirit and strong sense of individuality, the city of Cincinnati is full of residents eager to celebrate the place they lovingly refer to as “Cincy.” These three salons perfectly show the distinct flavors this booming metropolis has to offer. —Jolene Turner
Avalon Salon and Aesthetic Day Spa
For the ultimate experience in hair and esthetics, Cincinnatians depend on Avalon Salon and Aesthetic Day Spa located in the prestigious neighborhood of Hyde Park. In the 5,000-square-foot space, the staff of 28 covers the entire gamut of beauty experiences—from full services in hair, nails and waxing to the relaxing offerings of the physician-supervised medical spa. “We want our guests to feel ultrapampered and will always go above and beyond what is expected,” says owner Lisa Marie Williamson, who opened the salon in 2005. While the establishment certainly has a service for everyone—notable signature offerings include Avalon’s full body facial and Kérastase In Salon Rituals—Williamson and her staff want to be known first and foremost for their exceptional customer service. “Our clients deserve the A-list treatment at all times,” she says.
In stock: Aveda, Great Lengths, Kérastase, SkinCeuticals
Jim Brofft Salon Central
Cincinnati’s style-conscious professionals looking for high-end services with sleek urban appeal head to Jim Brofft Salon Central, established in 2009 by beauty veteran Jim Brofft. Located on the ground floor of the American Building, an Art Deco gem in Cincinnati’s Gateway Quarter neighborhood, the 1,200-square-foot salon showcases five stylists skilled in cuts, color, keratin smoothing treatments, hair extensions and brow shaping. With over 25 years of experience working and being educated in the United States and internationally, Brofft passes his teachings on to his staff, as well as the philosophy that clients’ needs always come first. “With each client, we have the opportunity to help them outwardly reflect who they are on the inside,” Brofft says. “We strive to make each client’s hair vision a reality while making sure they still feel like themselves.”
In stock: GKhair, Paul Mitchell, Organic Color Systems
High Five Salon
Tucked away in the artsy neighborhood of O’Bryonville, High Five Salon is a boutique business with a focus on delivering services with true compassion. “Doing everything in love is something that takes time and personal attention,” says High Five co-owner Steven Manuel, who opened the 1,200-square-foot salon in 2010 with Sam Hills, who is the lead stylist. In a space exuding a charming hand-crafted vintage appeal with rotating works of art adorning the walls, Manuel and Hills and their team of stylists treat all clients like close family and friends while providing expert styling, cuts and color. Manuel notes that listening to guests not only creates a trusting bond, but results in happily coiffed customers that leave the salon looking and feeling good. “We know first hand that beauty can be a tough world, so from the moment a person makes an appointment to when they leave, they will feel beautiful and loved,” he says.
In stock: American Crew, Kevin.Murphy, Moroccanoil, Wella Professionals