TOP OF THE HILL 2009
L 2009
17
student have
of price,
alon
ns
n/KANSAN
BEST HAIR SALON
BY ELLEN SHEFTEL
esheftel@kansan.com
When it comes to getting a haircut in a new place, it can be easy for people to be a bit apprehensive — but now that process can be a little easier.
Students voted for the Top of the Hill awards and chose Z Hair Academy, Images Salon and Day Spa and Beauty Brands Salon Spa and Superstore as the top three hair salons in town. Z Hair Academy placed first and Images Salon and Day Spa and Beauty Brands followed in second and third.
Z Hair Academy, 2429 Iowa St., is owned and run by Ron and Judi McKenzie. The academy provides training and education for future cosmetologists.
"We participate with the University in terms of ads and fundraisers so that plus our good atmosphere and service keeps the student clientele returning," Judi said.
Judi said good customer service and cheaper prices kept students coming back. She said the most popular service offered was highlights.
Customers mentioned similar reasons for going to the salon.
"Z's is a great salon for someone on a budget. They have revamped their salon and their services are top quality," said Megan Geimer, Oak Park, Ill., senior.
Second-place winner Images Salon and Day Spa, 511 W. Ninth St., is also popular among students.
"We are known for our extremely qualified staff and our ability to make people feel welcome," said Christina Diedel, co-owner of the salon.
Diedel also said that the staff was able to relate to students and was "just a good fit."
"Our location, wide range of stylist personalities and consistent customer service really helps with retention of students," Diesel said.
The salon's most popular service is hair care.
Megan Bastemeyer, Lawrence freshman, said she had been going to Images for about six years.
"Everyone is so friendly and I never leave without being 100 percent happy with the results," she said.
Beauty Brands Salon Spa and Superstore, 3514 Clinton Parkway, placed third.
Jen Barker, manger at the store, said the customer service and hours were effective in keeping the students coming back.
"Customer service is our No. 1 focus." Barker said.
Caroline Almaguer. Dallas junior, said her experience at Beauty Brands was excellent.
Edited by Amanda Thompson
"I was really freaked out because I was chopping off a lot of hair," she said. "But the girl who cut my hair did a very good job of explaining what would look best with my hair and the actual cut as well."
1st — Z Hair Academy 2429 Iowa St.
2nd — Images Salon & Day Spa 511 W. Ninth St.
3rd — Beauty Brands Salon Spa & Superstore 3514 Clinton Parkway
Photos by Ryan Waggoner/KANSAN