By Meher Ahmad
<[email protected]>

DAVID & MARY: SALON AND SPA

Price Range: starting from $75 for an updo

Atmosphere: The reason this salon costs substantially more than most is the atmosphere it has created. Situated in the middle of Clay Terrace, customers can believe they are being pampered in a salon in New York City, not in a suburb in Indiana. The furniture is modern and contemporary, with massage chairs at the washing station.

Perks: In addition to hairstyling, the salon also has a wide array of treatments from Rose Wraps to Stone Massages. It also has makeup artists who will give you a makeover to look great for Homecoming pictures.

Cons: This salon costs a lot more money than most are willing to spend. Save dishing out this much cash until prom.

Address: 14390 Clay Terrace Blvd. Ste. 160, Carmel, IN 46032

Grade: A-

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STELLOZ: SALON AND SPA

Price range: starting from $70 for an updo

Atmosphere: This salon is similar to others, in that it has the standard chair, mirror and waiting room. That is to say, there is nothing out of the ordinary in its design, but it’s nice if you like the traditional.

Perks: the staff at StellOz is relatively younger than say, your mom’s salon’s staff, which means they understand more ‘up to date’ styles. The staff is also very friendly and accommodating to your preferences.

Cons: For how much it costs, this salon does not offer the full array of treatments $70 should cover. There is nothing really unique or special about the salon’s setup, so if you’re looking for a modern and contemporary setting, this won’t be your place. In short, it’s just not worth the price.

Address: 4825 E. 96th St. Ste. 600, Indianapolis, IN 46240

Grade: B

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AVEDA FREDERIC’S INSTITUTE

Price range: $28 fixed price

Atmosphere: Aveda Frederic’s Institute isn’t like most salons, since it is actually a styling school. The space is very open, with more stations than the eye can count. The modern styling has a futuristic feel, and there is plenty to do while waiting for a stylist.

Perks: The price here is much lower than anywhere else in the Indianapolis area. Since students are the stylists, they are all ears to any personal preferences you may have. If you’re not satisfied with your hairdo, they are more than willing to start over and do it again.

Cons: Because the stylists are students, customers take a risk in having their hair done by someone who isn’t a professional. The students are supervised by professional instructors, but the level of styling cannot be guaranteed.

Address: 6020 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46250

Grade: B+

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CIAO BELLA SALON

Price range: starting from $45 to $60 depending on the stylist

Atmosphere: Ciao Bella has a charming set up, with a tropical, beach-like feel. The salon is very spacious and the cash register looks like a tiki hut, with terra cotta walls to match. The staff is also very friendly and caters to customers every need, even serving them orange juice and tea while they are waiting.

Perks: The salon has many stylists that work somewhat independently, and many of them have unique styles. Customers can describe their style and choose a stylist that best suits them. The price range is also substantially less than many salons.

Cons: Finding the right stylist takes more than just one visit, so finding which stylist you want to go to could potentially be a challenge.

Address: 4901 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46250

Grade: B+