Kenneth's Polaris Salon + Spa Studio (The Spa Bar)

The business was founded by Kenneth Anders, an Ohio hairstylist who began his career in central Ohio in 1965. The first salon opened in Washington Court House in 1971, and the company says it welcomed both men and women from the early 1970s. A Columbus salon followed in the late 1970s, and a salon and spa at Mill Run opened in the early to mid 1990s. Ownership passed to the team in 2007, and the company is now 100 percent employee-owned. It calls itself one of the only known salon companies of its kind in the country.

Salons are in Dublin, Grove City, Hilliard, New Albany, Powell, Upper Arlington, Westerville and Reynoldsburg, and the Polaris location in Lewis Center is labeled The Spa Bar. Spa Bar services are offered at the Polaris and Hilliard locations. New clients can book online at any time of day, or take the hair quiz, which matches them with a stylist based on hair goals and lifestyle.

Every stylist and technician completes training at the Kenneth's Academy before working on clients in the salons. Mentorship and scholarship programs began in the late 1990s in partnership with local beauty schools. The Academy Salon offers the same hair services as the other salons at a discount, performed by apprentices in the final stage of training with instructors on standby. The company says it guarantees professional hair services and results there. The Model Program offers a steeper discount, with trainees working in a classroom setting under instructor guidance; these appointments run longer than regular ones.

Facials start at $67 for the Essential Express Facial, which cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates, and reach $199 for the Express Signature HydraFacial, a 45-minute treatment with extractions, hydration, antioxidant and peptide infusion, and LED light therapy. Other options include a 45-minute facial with a gentle lactic acid peel for all skin types, an acne facial that combines high-frequency treatment with LED light, and a men's facial with enzyme exfoliation and cold globes. Prices are starting prices. The business asks for at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule, may shorten or adjust services for late arrivals, and requires a credit card for some services and promotions. Only one discount may be applied per service.

Stylists are trained to style, protect and replenish hair, and new clients are matched with a stylist through the hair quiz.

Salon and spa spaces are designed to feel welcoming and inclusive for diverse guests.