Niki Ruscio

Niki Ruscio is a private color and cut studio run by Niki, a master stylist and color specialist with more than 20 years of professional hair experience. Niki began the career at Blondies in Cherry Creek, a busy color-focused salon, and color became the main focus within the first few years.

Work is done one-on-one in a suite with no front desk and no assistant, so the stylist handles each appointment from start to finish. Appointments run on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with extra days added seasonally. Color appointments run two to three hours and always include a cut and style. Parking is free. Clients can book by text or by calling 720-275-4220, and they can text to ask which service fits their hair or to share photos before booking. Bookings are usually confirmed between clients, often the same day or the next appointment day.

The studio's philosophy is that color should suit the client's skin tone, work with the natural hair and grow out in a way the client can keep up with. Each visit starts with a conversation about hair, skin tone, natural texture and how much upkeep the client wants. Brunette color is mixed in cool espresso, chocolate, warm chestnut and soft bronde shades. Blondes are shaped around three choices: how bright, how warm and how much maintenance. Hair condition comes before brightness, and if a goal would strain the ends, the work is divided across two visits. Toner shades are picked for skin tone rather than passing trends.

Larger or multi-visit work, such as color correction and tape-in extensions, begins with a consultation and is planned in stages with a stated timeline. Color correction includes an in-person consultation with strand testing, a written plan that lists the sessions and cost per session, and bond support between visits. Larger color transformations commonly fall between $250 and $500 per session, according to the studio. New clients can book a haircut, root touch-up, gray coverage, standard highlights or balayage without a consultation. New blonde clients with uncolored or already blonde hair can book directly, while clients with dark hair, box color or a big jump in brightness are asked to text first. Going from dark hair to blonde is usually not achievable in one appointment without damage, so a two-appointment plan is often used.

Clients come from Centennial, Greenwood Village and the Denver Tech Center, with others from Denver and Lone Tree. Payment is by card or cash at the appointment. Any deposit for a large transformation is explained when the appointment is scheduled. Clients are asked to give as much notice as possible if they need to reschedule. Very long or dense hair may need extra product or time, and the stylist will say so before starting.

Each appointment begins with a conversation about the client's hair, skin tone, natural texture and upkeep, and multi-visit work is planned in stages with a stated timeline.

A private suite with one-on-one service and no front desk.