HON O LU LU , HI E OV MB Honolulu OUR TOWN N 20 12 ER 968 14 Immersed in rich Hawaiian culture, the city of Honolulu is an urban melting pot of residents and the true heart of Hawaii. Balancing history with modern offerings, area businesses like these three contemporary salons demonstrate the generous island spirit of the locals. —Jolene Turner Salon Blanc Image is everything at Salon Blanc, an upscale beauty destination in Honolulu’s Ala Moana neighborhood that serves the city’s elite professionals. Co-owner Alan Vuong says his business model is intended to reinterpret the entire salon experience. “Blanc goes beyond traditional salon expectations by taking in all aspects of the clients’ daily lives and gives them an experience from the very moment they walk through the door,” Vuong says. Creating a feeling of glamour and elegance for clients is key, all while ensuring they leave the salon with a sleek style courtesy of one of the 10 stylists on staff skilled in cutting, color, Yuko straightening, Japanese perms, hair extensions, updos and more. “We’re constantly evolving in the workspace to give our stylists a creative place to grow that remains exciting, much like an artist’s studio,” Vuong says. In Stock: Kérastase, L’Oréal Professionnel, Yuko Ho'ala Salon and Spa Ho'ala Salon and Spa was born out of a true embrace of Hawaiian culture, exhibited by the use of the Hawaiian word Ho'ala , meaning awakening, and its commitment to being an Aveda Lifestyle salon. “Hawaiians worship the earth, and traditional Hawaiian values were based on love, care, respect and sustainability, an earth-friendly mission that Ho'ala and Aveda share in common,” says Lititia Thomas, who owns Ho'ala with her husband, Michael Thomas. In the 5,000-square-foot space that melds eco-conscious design with rich color, clients are treated to expert services by the staff of 60, who partake in ongoing education at all levels. “We constantly educate ourselves to perfect our craft and stay current with the trends,” Thomas says. “This is paramount to providing top-notch results to our guests.” In Stock: Aveda Salon Capello In the Kaka’ako neighborhood of Honolulu, Salon Capello puts residents’ beauty needs rst, taking the sincere approach that quality reigns over speed. Bowie Ho, who co-owns Salon Capello with Jody Chan, created a tranquil environment for guests that includes furniture in sumptuous colors, moody lighting, and fresh owers and plants located throughout the 1,000-square-foot space. In this calming atmosphere, 10 stylists, including master stylists and color specialists all possessing over 20 years of experience in the industry, work on the mission of creating beautiful hair. Offering a full range of services including cuts, color and permanent straightening, the staff ensures the proper style by focusing on each client’s speci c needs, which can range signi cantly. “Hawaii is a mixture of ethnicities,” Ho says. “With this in mind, our team can handle any challenge, from ne hair to curly to coarse, thick hair.” In Stock: Goldwell, L’Oréal Professionnel, L’anza, Schwarzkopf 50 American Salon November 2012