Adore Hair Studio

Shelly Williams opened the first Adore Hair Studio in Inman Park more than 19 years ago and opened the Decatur studio in 2011. The salon was built around respect, diversity, hard work and talent, with the aim of giving stylists real control over their careers. The salon says it was recently named a Top Salon in Atlanta by The Atlantian Magazine.

A visit begins with an appointment, as all services are booked by appointment only. A full consultation is offered before any service starts. The front desk at both locations is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and voicemails left there are returned the same business day. If a client is unhappy with results, small tweaks and adjustments are made within 7 days of the appointment. Refunds are not offered for products or services. Decatur stylists are independent and set their own rates, and established local stylists with a clientele may be offered a signing bonus.

Booking policies are firm on timing. A credit card must be kept on file for every booking. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice are charged half of the service total, while no-shows and same-day cancellations are charged the full booked service, and arriving 15 minutes late counts as a no-show. Reschedules are not allowed within 24 hours and require full payment. Cancellations and reschedules for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday appointments need notice by close of business Saturday or contact with the stylist.

The two locations differ in feel. Old 4th Ward is open-concept with natural light and offers premium hair extensions, which begin with a consultation. Decatur is smaller and more intimate. The salon describes its Old 4th Ward location as the best salon in Old 4th Ward and its Decatur location as the best hair salon in Decatur.

Stylists and colorists run their own businesses under the Adore name, on commission or booth rental. The salon supplies backbar and styling products, front desk support for checkout and rebooking, online booking, and reminders by email and text.

Old 4th Ward is bright and open-concept with natural light, while Decatur is smaller and more intimate.