The Upscale BoUTiqUes

Small, independent, boutique-style salons continue to open in every corner of the city. Here are some of the best.

Tres Jolie solace Tucked into Thiensville, this six-stylist salon emphasizes comfort. “I wanted customers to feel like they could be at home instead of a big waiting room,” owner Mary Keating says. Her staff follows her lead, putting clients first, like color coach Mallory Kelley. “She goes over and beyond,” Keating says. Cuts $25-65; color

$49 and up. (166 Green Bay Rd., Thiensville, 262-238-0333.)

The Parlor Home of the Milwaukee Bucks’ Energee! dance team, stylists at The Parlor have been doing their hair for 10 years. Specializing in curly styles because of owner Ann Weber’s personal ex- perience with this difficult-to-cut hair type, this eight-stylist salon is laid- back but professional. The Germantown space was partially inspired by an episode of “Trading Spaces” and includes wood floors, leather chairs and iron tables. Cuts $21-44, men’s $16-31; color $37 and up.

(W161 N11629 Church St., Germantown, 262-253-6800.)

exclusiva hair Design & sPa Thirty-year industry

vet Emmy Rothbauer moved her Downtown space to the Third Ward in February. Completely different than the original Hales Corner spot (open Wednesdays and Fridays), the seven-stylist Third Ward shop has become Exclusiva’s bread and butter. In demand is its enhance- ment menu that includes the ever-popular gloss treatment, $20 with another service. Cuts $32-52, men’s $20-33; color $50 and

up. (525 E. Chicago St.; 10950 Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners, 414-319-7777.)

GLOW

Craig Berns

Grober of Salon Nova. Now- adays, they’re adopting the styles of two eras, the ’50s and the ’80s. “It’s going back to more sleek, using product, a little longer hair,” says Mary Keating of Tres Jolie Solace. The conservative “Mad Men” look of shorter on the sides, longer on top, combed and perfectly put together is ironic on hipsters and classic for businessmen. “It’s the age-old super-hyper- conservative men’s haircut,” says Brian Houston. It’s in, and it’s pretty fantastic.

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glow salon & sPa/hair & Things From Hair &

Things in Waukesha, one of the original blow-dry salons in the metro area, to the urban chic Glow Salon & Spa Downtown, owner Maia Hanson knows the industry. Now, niece Jessica Holm is following her aunt’s lead, running Glow’s daily operations. If you’re looking for a solid client-stylist relationship, these are the places to go. Hair & Things: cuts $25-60, men’s $20; color $55 and up. (1718 Manhattan Dr., Waukesha, 262-544-4459.) Glow: cuts $40-80, men’s $30-60;

color $65 and up. (765 N. Jackson St., 414-727-4569)

craig Berns salon sPa This Delafield salon with

around a dozen stylists showcases gorgeous cherry woodwork in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Although moving toward every stylist doing cut and color, it still has a few specialists. Owner Craig Berns cuts, and Morine Bangle colors. She’s also an Aveda Purefessional, an honor in the industry. “We do a lot of color,” co-owner Mary Beth Berns says. “That’s one of our fortes.” Cuts $37-60, men’s $25-39;

color $50 and up. (645 Wells St., Delafield, 262-646-7406.)

sTeven eDwarDs color grouP Even over the

phone, Steven Edward Gengler can talk anyone through a styling process. He and his dozen stylists set training standards high and require that everyone becomes a board-certified colorist within three years of being on the job. Gengler aside, Shantay Hebert and Tiffany Wilinski are stylists to try. Pick their brains; they’ll teach you a hairstyl- ing trick or two. Cuts $32-63, men’s $30-40; color $40 and up. (3850

S. Moorland Rd., New Berlin, 262-782-4200.)

HALO

64 | Milwaukee Magazine | July 2010 » milwaukeemagazine.com

signaTure salon & sPa This Waukesha salon is well- known for its spa treatments, and those influences even filter into hair services. During appointments, clients receive hand and scalp mas- sages. With 18 exceptionally trained stylists, even a haircut can be a pampered experience. Cuts $33-50, men’s $26-40; color $45 and up.

(1424 Big Bend Rd., Waukesha, 262-547-6600.)