Geno Levi Salon: A Refreshing Oasis

Our first Great Escape takes us to . This sophisticated hair design studio is located on Washington Road in McMurray, though you might forget that fact when you walk through the door. In many ways, it’s not your average neighborhood salon.

The studio space is open and free-flowing, promoting the fast-paced activity that occurs against the backdrop of white walls, white counters and white display platforms proudly propping white bottles and white tubs of Geno Levi’s own brand of products.  

The black finish of the chairs, as well as the black attire staff members adorn, adds contrast. Subtle shades of color pop from the faces of actual salon employees pictured in large photo panels shot by local photographer Kevin Redford.

According to Marketing Director Jennifer Schlieper, this color palette, like most other things at Geno Levi Salon, is deliberately designed to create a sanctuary that doesn’t burden clients with sensory overload. 

Just as clients are not overwhelmed with colors, they are not overwhelmed with sounds or smells. The phones flash rather than ring and the muted flat-panel televisions display closed-captions. Despite the fact that it serves an average of 150 clients a day, many of whom enjoy colour treatments, the salon is free of any affronting chemical odor.

Now, mom, are you thinking what I’m thinking?

When your house smells like one big dirty diaper, when your ears ring from unavoidably overhearing your teenage son’s garage band practice or when your eyes ache after a morning of Nickelodeon’s finest animation, a place like this is pretty damn inviting.

But wait, there’s more! Don’t forget, I’m talking about a salon. Let me describe the type of service you will experience in this sensory-safe haven.

Due to high client volume, walk-ins can be difficult to accommodate. So, after making an appointment at least a few days in advance, you will sit down for a 20-minute consultation with a member of the Geno Levi design team who, following graduation from cosmetology school, studied at the Geno Levi Academy for an entire year before being awarded a chair and the chance to test into higher design team levels.

At the end of the consultation, your designer will offer you a custom price quote based on the type of services you require, the amount of work involved and his or her design team level. Once you agree to proceed, the $20 consultation fee will be waived.

Perhaps your designer suggested you have your hair cut, coloured and highlighted?

Your hair will be cut with Geno Levi’s Gravitational Cutting technique of using convex and concave cutting methods to compliment the unique shape of your face. Your custom-blended colour and ribbon highlights will set at the same time via innovative steam technology which reduces total design time to approximately one and a half hours.

With your hair design, you will receive a free paraffin dip.  You will indulge in your choice of complimentary beverages, including cappuccino and orange-infused water, as you sit amidst a diverse clientele of women and men, young and old, from various walks of life.

While your hair is styled, your designer will advise you on ways to nourish your hair and maintain your style using products from the Geno Levi Brand product line that launched in December 2010. 

When you buy some of these products, priced $20-$25 each, you will feel good about yourself, and about Geno Levi Salon, because you know that two percent of the gross sales of Geno Levi Brand products are donated to the Beauty Restores Foundation, which works in conjunction with the Light of Life Rescue Mission to help transform the lives of homeless persons and families in local communities.

By the end of your visit, you will have enjoyed a break from parenting, acquired a stylish new ‘do and helped support those in need. As far as escapes go, doesn’t that sound great?

For more information, visit their website.