Hartt’s Salon Energy Brings Beauty To Main Street

Starting as a single mom with a 7-year-old son, Kelly Hartt first opened her salon 12 years ago in Crystal Lake. After a decade of increasing success, she moved Hartt’s Salon Energy to Main Street in Downtown Algonquin in February.

Hartt, a Mendota, Ill., native, has been in the Algonquin area for 20 years. She's lived in Woodstock since 2001.

The location was one of the major draws for Hartt when deciding where to move.

“I really liked this building and intersection,” Hartt said. “It’s more unique, and it has the old-town effect.”

With the unique venue, Hartt has had the benefit of increased visibility.

“I’ve had people call from off the street and say, ‘I saw from your window that you do hair extensions,’” she said. “I’ve never had that before.”

Hartt said her vision for the salon is a place where clients can receive a great whole salon experience.

“It’s not just about a great haircut, but about giving people a great experience.”

Hartt’s salon is a chair rental salon, which means that each stylist is her own independent contractor. At the same time, it’s Hartt’s goal to create a team environment. So far, there is one other stylist working at the salon, but Hartt said she intends to expand.

Hartt’s Salon Energy offers some special services in addition to traditional haircuts. Hair extensions and airbrush tanning are also available. Additionally, at Salon Energy, stylists cut hair using skills based on a cutting system. They take notes for every client’s haircut, so one visit’s results can be replicated easily.

Hartt has been styling hair for more than 20 years. Education is very important to her, so she makes sure to stay up-to-date on trends.

“There are really only five haircuts,” she said. “Every haircut is a variation on one of the five.”

In addition to staying up-to-date herself, Hartt has been an educator for more than 10 years. She’s taught in small classrooms, as well as onstage during major hair shows with 1,000 participants.

So far, business has been good for Hartt.

“It’s been great,” she said. “Lots of walk-ins, lots of traffic. It’s a really great location.”

Hartt’s Salon Energy is at 122 S. Main St., 815-261-4121.