High Style

By maintaining a low-key, customer-focused approach to beauty, nolas Salon and Day Spa has become a home away from home for clients from all over the area.

By: Mimi Vanderhaven
Date: 08/20/2008 After a few years as the client of Kelly Rapp, nail technician Denise Riley struck up a conversation with her stylist and friend that would change both of their lives—for good.

Six years after its inception, the topic of that conversation has taken the Fairlawn area by storm. The popular nolas Salon and Day Spa has since tripled in size and Denise is so busy managing the business, she no longer has time to do nails. The nolas name is actually a clever play on letters. Read it backward, darling, and you’ll see what Mimi means.

The interior is just as clever and the recently completed spa area—launched just in time for their sixth anniversary—is a fashionable and fabulous new addition.

Forget that over-the-top European look that’s so popular with some salons, and forget the pomp and circumstance, too. Instead, nolas is a crisp, meticulous respite full of modern touches that are simply refreshing. “We wanted our guests to feel as though they were right at home in their own living rooms, but with a little more flair,” Kelly shares. Which is why spunky red chairs surround a contemporary rug and the ceiling is open to expose pipes that have been sprayed chocolate brown. It’s fun and cutting edge without the limited appeal of something overly trendy, which means that customers of all ages can feel comfortable.

The styling chair is where Kelly continues to hold court. “At a lot of salons, the owner doesn’t do hair, but we’ve found that our customers really appreciate the fact that I’m out there with the rest of the girls,” she shares. And while the beauty of the styling area creates a sense of instant warmth and welcome, it’s the talent of the staff that will really grab your attention.

“We promise high style without the attitude,” Denise expresses. “Our greatest asset is our service and we make sure that every customer feels popular. We get to know them all by name.” And they keep the focus on the client—not on each other. That’s why nolas employs a salon concierge who greets all customers when they arrive and helps them get familiar with the salon so they feel comfortable moving about.

The old adage “you get what you pay for” applies at nolas. Haircuts average about $45 and while there are some newer faces on the floor, they aren’t new to the business. “Most of our girls are seasoned professionals and every one of them brings a unique talent to the business,” Denise adds. “We always try to match a customer with the stylist who can best accommodate the look they’re going for. Pick a stylist based on talent, not on price. In the long run, you’ll be happier. You shouldn’t have to measure up to a salon, the salon should measure up to you.”

Nolas specializes in stylish looks that make sense for the average man or woman. Don’t expect hot pink highlights—it’s not what they do. Every year, they send the styling team to New York to learn the latest techniques from Redken. They also conduct monthly educational in-services. The team at nolas is so certain you’re going to love the way you look when they’re through, they guarantee all of their work. “We want every client to be 100-percent satisfied,” Kelly beams.

Nine stylists round out the salon side of nolas and six nail technicians, three estheticians and two massage therapists complete the spa team. Mark, one of nolas’ acclaimed massage therapists, was voted one of Akron’s Top Ten, four years in a row by the Akron Beacon Journal.

Sandra comes to nolas with 15 years of waxing experience and, according to Denise, she the does the best Brazilian in town. She’s also one of the few estheticians in the area to offer eyelash extensions.

Spa services include manicures and pedicures, nail enhancements, waxing, massage therapy, facials, advanced skin care and CosMedix corrective peels—all under $150. “Michelle received extensive additional training to do the CosMedix peels,” Kelly expresses. “They are amazing. It’s virtually impossible to get an appointment with her so you’ll want to be prepared to book yours months in advance.”

And here’s a little secret that Denise and Kelly don’t necessarily want you to know: These wildly popular chemical peels strip away years of damage and have been used in Australia for eons, but the extra super-duty peel isn’t even featured on the spa menu. You have to ask for it.

All of the estheticians offer the Multivitamin Power Facial. Enjoy 80 magnificent minutes of multivitamin exfoliation with a soothing pressure point facial massage, deep pore cleansing, and a cooling vitamin C and seaweed mask to hydrate and firm skin. This service includes an anti-aging hand treatment.

Three gorgeous private rooms offer a light, airy respite from the everyday. Denise personally selected the cool blue blankets and linens, as well as the paint colors and remaining décor. Located just up the stairs from the main salon, the spa offers a beach-like retreat that represents a welcome and much-needed change. Nothing has been underdone—or overdone.

With the construction of the new spa came the addition of a lovely new pedicure area complete with three towering “thrones” on which to receive services. The express pedicure is just $30 and includes a soak, light massage, nail shaping and polish change.

Advanced skin care treatments include the Enzymatic Exfoliation for just $60. “This treatment helps correct uneven pigmentation, blemishes and enlarged pores, while improving skin texture and clarity,” Kelly explains.

The only difficulty you might have is deciding which service to try first. That’s why the spa packages are the perfect way to get to know nolas. The Restor package includes lunch as well as a manicure, pedicure, and either a 60-minute skincare treatment or a massage, plus a shampoo and finish for just $159.

“If you’re happy where you are, that’s great,” Denise assures. “But if you’ve been searching for something more, we’re here. We want to be the salon people in the neighborhood come to.”

Find nolas Salon and Day Spa at 25 Ghent Place, just north of West Market Street. The phone number is 330-869-0602. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The web address is www.nolashairsalon.com.

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