A new salon in the Foothills is bringing a New York feel to Tucson, with full hair, skin and nail services in a SoHo-loft-inspired setting.
M Salon opened Nov. 6 at 5575 E. River Road.
Salon owner Michael Danielson, a hairstylist for 25 years, said one reason he wanted to open his own business in Tucson was so he could share his experience and education with other hair professionals.
A master colorist and stylist, Danielson said his interest in the industry began as a young boy, when he used to brush his mother's hair. As a professional, he has attended hair shows and training programs around the world, working with several leading experts in the beauty industry.
"For me, doing hair has always been a natural thing," said Danielson, 45. "At this stage in the game, I thought I needed to share with other stylists and help guide them and teach them. After you've had this much experience and training you eventually evolve into a role where you're more of an educator."
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It was Danielson's willingness to share his knowledge that drew hairstylist Angelina de Callier to join the staff at M Salon.
"He's willing to drop everything to work with us," said de Callier, 35. "He's really experienced when it comes to a lot of different things in the hair business, so I'm very anxious to learn from him."
Danielson and his partner, Randy Greenberg, who oversees salon operations, worked with local interior designer Juliann Berens to transform the existing 2,700-square-foot space into a salon with the look of a New York City loft. It includes warm colors and brickwork on the interior walls.
"It gives it an open feel," said Greenberg, 40. "And everybody's happy here. It's a positive, friendly environment. We don't have attitude in here."
To create an inviting atmosphere, the salon offers free coffee, cookies and other snacks to customers, and a television airs fashion and hair shows for clients waiting for hair treatments to process.
"To me, it doesn't feel like you're walking into a salon. It's homey," said customer Sandy Hand, 49.
Andi Filippelli, an aesthetician at the salon, said its friendliness makes it a comfortable place to work.
"It's all about the customer, and it's all about being happy where you work because you spend most of your time there," Filippelli said. "(Michael and Randy) really make it a fun environment to work in."
M Salon client Mary Magill, 50, said she's been going to Danielson for haircuts and color since Danielson moved to Tucson from Minnesota seven years ago, and she's recommended him to her husband, two sons and several girlfriends. She said he has helped guide her through perms, hair extensions and various color and style changes.
"I've waited for him to open on his own, and I couldn't be happier," said Magill, a nurse at St. Mary's Hospital. "He's a guru with color. And I think it's really cool when you can go to a salon and get all the things done you need."
Danielson said the salon serves men, women and children of all ages. Haircuts start at $40. Other salon services include manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing and makeup.
M Salon also offers customers the option of booking appointments and checking stylist availability online and receiving text message and e-mail appointment reminders.
"We wanted to set it up to be up-to-date and convenient to use," Danielson said. "It brings the industry right to the present."
If you go
What: M Salon
Where: 5575 E. River Road, Suite 171.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and evenings by special appointment
For information: Call 57-STYLE (577-8953) or go online to www.msalonaz.com.
What it'll cost
Here are prices for some common services at M Salon.
Haircuts: From $40
Hair color: From $60
Manicures: From $20
Pedicures: From $35
M Signature Facial (50 minutes): $85
Microdermabrasion (60 minutes): $145
