Jacqueline Podewils | December 30 2013 4:15 EST
The StyleX (New York) by Jacqueline PodewilsTrapped in another city, distressed rather abruptly by the condition of your hair topped with the misfortune of an unknowing for where to turn. This is oftentimes what traveling brings. And if you're familiar with the unpleasant guilt of cheating on your hair dresser, you're well aware relinquishing loyalty does not a favored product often produce. Luckily a recent and rather crazed travel schedule brought to my attention a new craze itself: hair salons designed as a small and friendly chain, like the perfect boutique hotel, standing out as a travel destination luring you into their city and into their salon.
Creating this draw is not unlike a typical brand following; identifying the name, the esthetic of the storefront, the logo - developing an ease and a comfort overwhelmingly visual and familiar is an obvious must in associating clientele with the business. Drybar, a premium blow bar known for its no cuts, no color policy proclaims it's here you'll find the best blowout in town - any town. Founded by Alli Webb whose philosophy is simple, focus on one thing and be the best at it, popping up are locations bi-coastal, reassuring to those whose hotel hair dryer just doesn't cut it. But it isn't just the name on the door that encourages repeat business. Names of fun and friendly employees seem to do the trick too.
At Kelly Cardenas, an independent salon under the Paul Mitchell namesake conglomerate, you'll walk in and notice the hair dryers dropped down from the ceiling hovering above each chair; with a light tug they'll release to a user friendly height, bungee cord - like. You may even get double treatment as you sit, as from either side stylists target you with these dryers designed specifically for the Cardenas salons by a company called Freelance Systems.
There is power in the tools, power in the Paul Mitchell product, but what this clientele will remember is the personality sweeping the place top to bottom. At their Chicago location in a growing neighborhood known as Bucktown (think Brooklyn of New York) Diana Monteleone had me at 'Billboard Music Awards' - what more could you ask of your stylist's sound bite resume as she swipes and knots coolness onto your scalp?
Although I suffered post-appointment with the audible comment, 'It took two hours to do that?' courtesy of my date for the formal evening, not to mention a follow up, 'Are you taking that out before we go?' I credited the lack of appreciation for the channeled Gwen Stephani-ness to an unawareness of the knot-braid trend in the air ('braid bars' exist). Needless to say I was completely proud to rock something that was professionally lifted up and away from my face without looking like I was missing from a bridal party.
It wasn't just Ms. Monteleone to credit for the opinion-stirring do however; the whole experience played out in team fashion, one greeting me, one scalp massaging me, a collection of consultants; every employee to my benefit was drinking the Kelly Kool-Aid and respectively doing so.
This Kool-aid being a mentality, a mission statement, a happy mojo, it's represented by a memorable image of Cardenas' dreadlocks formed into a useful graphic. His head of hair appearing on the floor, the heat lamps, the 'I heart Cardenas' t-shirts where the heart is replaced with such, his following continues to grow as his persona itself is contagious.
Joking one on one with Cardenas regarding a newfound love for NFL games (I am an instant enthusiast if parked close to any court or field) he cutely showed off his tangible game tickets advising me simultaneously on relationship advice: sit with your man and watch a football game if you want him to love you.
From YouTube videos galore to his three salons (Chicago, Las Vegas and Carlsbad) it's as if his presence and salon beliefs resonate even in his absence. Kool-aid worth traveling for the indulgence of, it is a hangout spot breaking geographic barriers. Signifying the leap from neighborhood refuge to favorable global havens, this remodeled salon attitude is currently sought after in both desperation and desire. Visit www.kellycardenassalon.com and www.thedrybar.com to find the locations of these spurring salon destinations.
The StyleX for ForexTV.com
0 Comment "Hair Salons Become Global Travel Destinations"
Posting Komentar