Our Town: Columbia, MO

The Strand Salon & Spa

The Strand Salon & Spa, which opened in 1997, makes sure giving back to the community is paramount. Together with Children’s Hospital University of Missouri Health Care, the salon hosts an annual Glamour-azzi night, where patients visit the salon with their families for hair, nails and makeup pampering. “We send them home with a goody bag and a special memory,” says Christy Huggans, who co-owns the salon with Mitchell Farris. The salon staff—which includes a salon coordinator, 10 stylists, two massage therapists and two estheticians—started the charity four years ago when a local radio station presented the idea. Huggans says it’s the staff’s family atmosphere that keeps clients coming back for services, whether it’s wedding hairstyling or some R & R.

In Stock: Aveda, Biolage, Brazilian Blowout, DevaCurl, Redken, Rusk


The Beach Salon

The Beach Salon reflects Columbia’s creative energy and is located in the Arts District in a renovated warehouse that embodies a modern, urban loft look. The salon, which opened in 2008, is decorated with wood and metal and features refurbished 1960s hydraulic chairs. The 2,800-square-foot space is filled with a mix of original artwork and features six styling stations, a barber station, two manicure stations, two pedicure stations and a massage room. “We want every client to feel that they look their very best and feel renewed in spirit each time they visit our salon,” says Melodi Beach, who co-owns the salon with husband Gene Buck. “We want them to feel at home and relaxed.” And relax they do—the salon recently added a serenity room for clients to unwind while they wait for services or their color to process.

In stock: Chi, DevaCurl, John Paul Mitchell Systems, MENSDEPT., Organic Color Systems, Pureology, Redken


Salon Nefisa

The eye symbol in Salon Nefisa’s logo, which adorns the salon’s façade, has a powerful meaning that resonates with the staff. The ancient Egyptian eye of Horus is considered a sign of protection that bestows wisdom and health. “Here at Salon Nefisa, we feel everyone has a precious elegance that needs to be cared for and protected,” says owner Sara Ahmed El-Toumi. Opened in 2004, the 3,000-square-foot salon—with an upscale vibe and an Egyptian touch to its design—employs eight stylists, an esthetician and three support staff members. In addition to a full menu of hair services, the salon offers wax and brow tinting, nail treatments and makeup application. Salon Nefisa’s most popular services are its spa pedicures and treatment blow-dries, which include a wash and any style with a customized Redken Chemistry hair treatment.

In Stock: Dermalogica, DevaCurl, Pureology, Zoya