Vera Salon

Vera Salon operates by private appointment only, and the salon describes itself as an intimate boutique with a zen and luxury feel. The location sits downtown in the Seaholm district, across from Lady Bird Lake, at 830 West 3rd Street, Unit 1150.

The business began in Seattle, Washington, where owner Vera Mikhaylik worked for about 15 years. The business expanded to Austin in 2020, and about two and a half years later the downtown salon opened. Clients travel to the salon from several states, including Washington, New York, California, Colorado, South Carolina and Texas.

Every booking starts with a consultation, which is required before any service. Initial consultations can be done virtually for out-of-town guests, but an in-person follow-up is needed for color matching and the final decision on the first day. Extension appointments take a full work day, so clients should keep the rest of the day free, and meals and drinks are provided. Bookings require a service agreement and a 50 percent non-refundable retainer. Extension clients receive a mini photo session after application and a written home-care sheet. Appointments include snacks, champagne, headphones, a meditation app, a cooling eye mask, essential oils and hot towels.

Extension services include ICE Invisible Cold Extensions, Keratin extensions and Invisible Tape-In extensions, with re-applications and removal offered as separate services. Color work covers lived-in color, balayage, custom color and platinum blonde, and treatments include a Brazilian Blowout smoothing service. Extension prices are quoted only at consultation and vary by stylist, method, natural hair and the goal look. New client consultations are listed at 100 dollars. Used extension hair is donated to the BeYoutiful organization, which makes wigs and oil-absorbing mats.

The salon starts each relationship with an in-person consultation, then plans color, treatments and extensions around the client's natural hair and goals.

The salon describes its setting as intimate and boutique, with a calm, luxury feel.