Starling Salon

Starling Salon is on West Louisiana Avenue in Platte Park, about a mile from the middle of Washington Park. There is no salon parking lot, so guests park on the street.

Co-owners Sonia Nordmeyer, Sonia Blair and Kirsten Francen run the salon. The salon says it wants beauty to feel warm and personal, with each visit built as a collaboration between stylist and guest. It describes its own approach as authentic, modern and mindful, and says it aims to be accessible, inclusive and professional, with a luxury experience that still feels down to earth.

Visits are unhurried. Stylists begin by hearing what each guest wants, then build the plan around that guest's hair, everyday routine and goals. Extension pricing does not appear on the rate cards; guests get a quote during a free consultation. The doors open Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the salon stays shut on Sundays and Mondays. To book, request an appointment online or call (303) 284-9205.

Color work is the salon's particular strength. Only Aveda hair color is used here. Services include balayage, foilayage, teasy lights, root shadows, custom toning and complete color correction. On the cutting side, the salon offers precision short cuts, contemporary shags, undercuts and shapes designed to grow out gracefully. Add-on hair and scalp treatments are available between regular appointments to help repair, hydrate and even out the hair.

Coco Marie hand-tied extensions are the only extension brand the salon installs. One row adds volume, and two to three rows add length and fullness. Bridal and event hair can be done in the salon or on location, and brow shaping by tweezing, brow tinting and lash tinting are offered as well.

The salon treats each visit as a collaboration that starts with listening before any planning begins.

The space is described as welcoming, clean and polished yet approachable.