Nicknamed the City of Medicine, Durham, NC gives locals and visitors a healthy dose of pampering at these three salons. ✂ —Nicole Altavilla
A Go-Go
Opened in February 2013, A Go-Go is a full-service hair salon located in the Walltown neighborhood in Old West Durham, near Duke University’s campus. According to Kara Pezzimenti, who co-owns the salon with Angela Goldman, one of the biggest issues she faced when opening the salon was working with just 850 square feet of space. “We wanted to create an airy, open feel,” she says. “Proper lighting was a priority for our workspace. We combined industrial and natural elements to create a clean vibe.” Custom-made raw wood shelving and terrariums brighten the retail and reception areas. Pezzimenti attributes the salon’s success to its educated, hard-working team. “We’re a collaborative group that shares clients, knowledge, techniques and creative processes openly on the styling floor,” she says. “We will never stop learning, growing and having fun doing hair.”
In stock: Keratin Complex, Keune, Kevin.Murphy
Rock Paper Scissors Salon and Gallery
With an eclectic, vintage feel, Rock Paper Scissors Salon and Gallery boasts brick walls, original hardwood floors, exposed air ducts and high ceilings. “You’ll find antique hand mirrors and bottles, knickknacks, suspended antique doors to create a wall, a vintage blow-dryer, and a leopard-print ’60s mini-bar as the front desk,” says owner and stylist Jenean Eberhardt. “A separate shampoo area with reclining bowls and lots of space between chairs makes the salon feel relaxing.” The 1,100-square-foot salon, which opened in December 2009, has a menu that exclusively offers cuts, color, styling and facial threading. In addition to promoting her new barbershop nearby, Eberhardt’s plan for the future is to continue providing education for the staff and encouraging them to get involved in the community. “We’re genuine and welcoming, and our team gets along really well,” she says.
In stock: Davines
Posh The Salon
Located in Durham’s West Village, Posh The Salon is housed in a historic tobacco warehouse built in 1898. The 3,100-square-foot space features 20-foot wooden ceilings; hardwood floors; a reception area with an oversized couch, a pub table and a large-screen TV; and three trapdoors that lead to concrete underground rooms. “Many people speculate on what the rooms were used for, but we’ll never know,” says Cathi Lucas, who opened Posh The Salon in November 2009. The salon’s staff, which performs hair services, waxing, facials and makeup application, is required to partake in education and team-building events, and hosts and participates in charitable events each year. “We believe that being active in our community shows that we’re committed to not only making our community beautiful but our city a more beautiful place to live,” says Lucas.
In stock: Dermalogica, Mirabella, Pureology, Redken