Clarendon hair salon gets updated look after 14 years

A longstanding hair salon in Clarendon has reopened after a major interior makeover.

After 14 years in business, Urban Halo Salon at 2900 Clarendon Blvd has swapped its former blue interior for white marble and gold and black tones. The changes aim to create a "timeless" aesthetic while adding fixtures to improve customer experience, co-owner Nash Noufal told ARLnow.

"This is the biggest remodel we've done so far," Noufal said. "This time we just wanted to completely reset, to reset for everybody, reset for us, reset for the clients."

A centerpiece of the revamped salon is a new illuminated chandelier over the reception lobby, meant to evoke "movement and softness along with a shock factor."

"You feel like you're coming into a hotel or a high-end industry, right? This is what we wanted that feeling to feel like when you walk in," Noufal said. "You feel like you're coming into something special."

Behind reception is a new table with mirrors, outlets and USB ports, designed to let up to six patrons work on a device or relax while their hair processes a new treatment or color.

The "color lab," which was formerly central in the salon, has now moved back further into the space, to a room of its own that includes hundreds of cubbies for color tubes and a large sink for washing.

One goal of the renovations, Noufal said, is to evoke certain emotions. The shampoo station, for example, was redesigned with relaxation in mind. Darker tones with black stone paneling and a new towel warmer emphasize comfort and calm.

"We wanted to create a sense of chic boutique luxury. We were aiming for timeless," Noufal said.

The salon reopened last Thursday, Sept. 19. Renovations began in August, with staff working on the project three hours each morning to continue serving clients.

Looking ahead, Noufal said more updates are coming Urban Halo in the next six months, but for now, he's focused on "elevating the customer experience."