Esmé Salon

Esmé Salon is in the Distillery Lofts on Westlake Avenue North. Guests use a call box and then enter through a red door on the right side of the building. The salon describes itself as a top rated Westlake hair salon, and its Vagaro listing shows a 5.0 rating from 28 reviews. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 7 PM. Parking is metered at about $1 per hour according to the listing, and Vagaro lists WiFi, a snack bar, and beer and wine.

Extensions are the core of the work. Tape-in extensions sit between a client's own hair and need no tools or chemicals to apply; textured tape-in installation starts at $650, and other tape-in brands are priced after a consultation. K-Tip extensions use keratin-tipped strands of human hair that last three to six months with maintenance, and volumizing is priced from $800 while lengthening runs from $2,000 to $4,200. Weft extensions are moved up every six to eight weeks and can last up to a year with proper care. Extension pricing is a custom quote based on natural hair and the look the client wants. The estimate covers the first application but not maintenance.

Extension work begins with an online consultation, and a deposit of at least 50% secures the install. Installs do not happen on the same day as the consultation, because hair is ordered for each client. Clients cannot bring their own hair; the salon sources and tests its own. Textured tape-in hair takes seven to 10 days to arrive after it is ordered. For installs of six hours or more, meals and beverages are provided, and an iPad is available for streaming. Clients leave with an aftercare kit and a maintenance pamphlet.

Silk presses use 12Twelve products, which the site describes as all natural. The stand-alone silk press at $185 includes a mud masque detox, clarifying shampoo, conditioner with steam, a scalp massage, and a silk press or blowout finish. Silk press with trim is $285 and takes about two hours or more depending on hair density; the trim of up to half an inch is for returning guests or those whose last haircut was within six to eight weeks. Silk press with haircut is $295, adds a microscope scalp analysis and a cut of two inches or more, and takes three hours or more. Finishes are pin curls for volume, beach waves, or a sleek straight style. PuraLuxe smoothing options run from $450 to $500 and are designed to reduce frizz, enhance shine, improve texture and keep natural movement; the salon says results last three to six months without harsh chemicals.

Payment methods include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, debit cards, cash and buy now, pay later, and payment plans are offered through Cherry, with 0% APR options subject to eligibility. New clients complete an intake form before booking, and new client requests are reviewed as openings become available. Returning clients book their next visit online. Arriving more than 15 minutes late may lead to rescheduling or a cancellation fee. Cancellations made 48 hours or less before an appointment are charged 50% of the scheduled services, and cancellations within 24 hours and no-shows are charged 100%. A second no-show prevents future booking. Extra guests are not permitted during appointments. Great Lengths appointments need one week's notice to change, cancel or reschedule.

Aims to leave clients feeling safe, relaxed and nurtured, with extension plans built around each client's hair and goals.

Described as an intimate space that clients find warm and inviting.