New Salon On North Main Street Pops With Color

BEL AIR, MD — A new boutique salon in downtown Bel Air specializes in natural products and color. So it was fitting that a mural depicting flowers bursting with brightness adorns one of its exterior walls.

When Willow and Waves Salon joined North Main Street, Gretchen Amrein — the Harford County native who owns the studio — wanted to add something special to the area.

She collaborated with muralist Marshall Adams, who brought her vision for "Secret Garden" to life on the south wall of the building near the parking area. Adams' work is featured around town. He also painted the "Champions of Courage” eagle mural at the Bel Air Armory and the Historic Downtown Bel Air mural on the side of the sheriff's office.

Amrein approached the Town of Bel Air Cultural Arts Commission for feedback on the "Secret Garden" design and to request sponsorship toward the cost of the project. The commission, which supports public art in town, agreed to help sponsor the work.

“The mural creates a wonderful backdrop for photos,” arts commission chair Kristien Foss said, "and will be a great addition to the Town’s Public Art Walk."

Willow and Waves Salon at 122 North Main Street held a ribbon cutting Sept. 9.

The hair studio uses organic, vegan and natural products and first opened in May by appointment only. It offers a variety of services, with Balayage among its specialties.

"Balayage" means "sweeping" in French, a reference to the technique of hand-painting color on hair in a sweeping or brushing motion.

Willow and Waves Salon is at 122 North Main Street in Bel Air.