Salons in Sandy Springs

It's commonly heard that those who can, do; those who can't, teach. But not Denise Lyons. She's spent 27 years as a hands-on stylist and a licensed cosmetology instructor. At her spot in Shays Hair Salon, she performs her specialty hair weaves, silk presses, chemical relaxers, color treatments, and routine cuts and styles. Her services have garnered attention from well-known clientele, too: she counts gospel artist Pastor Shirley Caesar and WDAS radio host Mimi Brown as clients.

The collage of mirrors just inside the front entrance to StarTaki Hair Lounge gives visitors one last chance to examine their old selves before being transformed. Just past this wall of mirrors—some squared, others shaped like suns—lies the realm of expert stylist Nataki Minix. Treating the human head as her canvas, she helms a team of three stylists who specialize in reshaping hair through weaving, pressing, and shortcuts. They also soothe and moisturize tresses with Moroccan Oil and Design Essentials hair-care products, among others.Through its decor, the Hair Lounge lives up to its name: design elements such as a bright red built-in bench, sleek wooden cabinets, and glowing teleport pads lend the space a distinctly modern feel.

Hair Restoration Specialists of Atlanta's hair-reclamation experts attempt to revitalize the scalps of men and women with a range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments. The medical team consults with each client to work out a tailored plan, which could incorporate noninvasive grafts that bond directly to skin to create lush head-top topiary. Doctors may also choose to combine high-frequency lasers with medicated scalp massages to plant the seeds for healthy and hydrated hair. For surgical options, they can transfer willing follicles from donor areas as well as revive already existing transplants.

The skilled stylists at Extensions Hair Studio enhance locks in a variety of ways, from sewing in extensions to applying infusions to designing customized clip-ons. Beyond extensions, the salon also transform clients with cuts and styles, relaxers, and color matching services.

It's okay if you walk into Simply Elegant Salon with little idea of what you want in a hairstyle?the stylists can find a look to complement nearly any hair type or face shape. These experts work closely with clients, taking time to learn about lifestyles and past hairdos, including ones that were good, bad, or misunderstood. Then, the stylist and client decide on a new look. Hair makeovers might incorporate simple cuts, smoothing keratin treatments, or vibrant highlights. Or perhaps the staff will install hair extensions for some extra length. Regardless of the chosen look, the stylists use up-to-date techniques gleaned during ongoing training.

To explore her more artistic side through styling, Memphis native Nai'Vasha Johnson moved to Atlanta. With the new environment came a creative surge of provocative, sophisticated, and colorful looks that are at home in magazine editorials and on the heads of fashionable clients. Nai'Vasha, a Paul Mitchell the School graduate, was named a finalist in the Newcomer of the Year category at the 2013 North American Hairstyling Awards. When not transforming tresses out of her cozy studio, she gussies up models for high-end publications such as Obvious, Idoll, and Sophisticates Hair.