Pony at The Twisted Scissor Hair Artistry, Charlotte

The lipstick-red walls, black-and-white checkered floors, and framed pictures of vintage fashion models lend a classic vibe to The Twisted Scissor Hair Artistry. The stylists who work there, however, are anything but old-fashioned. The team constantly expands their skills, routinely seeking out the latest products and techniques. One such technique is the Helix cutting system: a method that's more akin to sculpting than styling. With the help of specially shaped shears, the stylists can create volume and natural, permeant curls without the aid of chemicals or shamanistic incantations, as well as design custom styles suited to each client's head. The result is a long-lasting, low-maintenance look that is more manageable than styles yielded by traditional methods.

The roster of services doesn't completely break from tradition, though. In addition to using the innovative Helix method, the team performs time-honored salon services, including basic trims, highlights, perms, blowouts, and conditioning treatments.