Eklectic Designz keeps health in the loop of health care
By Arelia Jones
For the St. Louis American
Step into a sea of bright colors, art-covered walls and music. Large picture windows and hardwood floors give this salon a fresh, modern feel. Huge mirrors let you check out your new cut and color. You’re at Eklectic Designz Hair Studio, where the goal is to make you “Uniquely You!”
Eklectic Designz, located at 5622 Delmar Blvd. (Suites 105 and 107), opened its doors in April and celebrated its grand opening October 8. The spacious, full-service salon offers cuts, coloring and waxing. There are nine stylists, one barber and one nail technician, ranging in experience from one to 27 years.
Stylist and owner Bonita Richardson has been doing hair for 15 years, and she worked at several other shops before deciding to open her own.
“I wanted to create the atmosphere that I wasn’t able to get at other salons,” she says, meaning an atmosphere conducive to stylists.
“It’s trickled down to the clients,” she says. “If we’re happy, they’re happy.”
She said the location – a few blocks east of the Loop, near the Forest Park MetroLink station and Washington University’s Gold Shuttle route – fell into her lap. She was looking for a smaller space, but the landlord encouraged her to look at the present location, which is between De Baliviere Avenue and Clara Avenue. “The Lord kept saying dream big,” says Richardson, and after praying over it, she ended up liking the space and moving in.
Richardson says customers come for the hottest new styles, like spikes and textured cuts, but she boasts two special services that promote healthy heads of hair.
The ceramic fusion treatment is a hair-straightening process which infuses moisture into the hair. The salon also offers the innovative hydrotherapy treatment, using a line of products from Design Essentials. The treatment heals dry and brittle hair, dry scalp, shedding and other hair problems. It increases the hair’s body and replaces moisture.
“Move your head just a little, and you’ll feel your hair flowing,” says assistant manager Yvette Haynes.
Eklectic Designz is open from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and all are welcome. These stylists have no problem serving children, and bridal parties can also be scheduled.
Each stylist sets her own prices, but they are generally similar throughout the salon. A shampoo and style will cost $45. The ceramic fusion treatment is $55. The hydrotherapy treatment starts at $20 and is priced according to the length and thickness of the hair; applying the treatment to thin, shoulder-length hair will cost $20-25. Manicures and pedicures are $24 and $35, respectively.
The hair studio accepts cash, check, credit and debit.
Among the amenities, wine and cheese or other refreshments are available on Saturdays and occasionally throughout the week. A book club featuring works by black authors is in the works. But Richardson said what really sets Eklectic Designz apart is its customer service and expert hair care.
“Our basis is healthy hair,” she says.
Keeping with that theme, assistant manager Haynes has some advice for the cold weather season: for those with longer hair who want to ward off breakage, wearing a silk scarf will protect your hair from your wool coats.
Walk-ins are welcome at Eklectic, but you can make your appointment by calling (314) 367-9548.