Sassoon Salon opens here based on Seattle's style-savvy reputation

One of the biggest names in hair arrives in Seattle just in time for Valentine's Day, and to show its affection for its new city, the Sassoon Salon will give away a duo pack of Davines Love smoothing shampoo and conditioner (a $41.50 value) with every hair service on Feb. 14.

The new 2,000-square-foot salon -- the first Sassoon has opened in a decade -- is located next to the Red Lion Inn on Fifth Avenue, just steps away from Julep and Betsy Johnson. The sleek salon will hold a "soft opening," on Saturday, offering drop-in only appointments (8:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m.), and follow up with an official grand opening on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Sassoon has been a leader in hair design for more than 50 years, and is recognized for its precise, modern, technically precise cuts, luminous color and focus on education. The company chose Seattle for its newest endeavor because of its growing reputation as a style-savvy, fashion-forward city.

Though it wasn't a factor in the new salon being located here, West Coast creative director Elizabeth Hartley says our capricious weather provides the perfect opportunity to showcase Sassoon's versatile cuts.

"In the four days I've been here, we've had sun, then hail, then snow, then sun again," she says. "The women who live here need hairstyles that work with their lifestyle, their facial structure, their body shape -- and the weather."

The cost of the salon's services reflects Sassoon's stellar reputation. Haircuts run $80 to $125; an all-over color change ranges from $105 to $120; highlights cost between $185 and $240; and blow-drys are $65 to $70. The price is determined by the skill level of the stylist or colorist.

Seattle color director Carmen Wenthold acknowledges that Sassoon's prices may be higher than at other downtown salons, but adds that every color service includes a complimentary moisturizing, protective treatment (a $37 value), and the salon offers free bang trims and neck clean-ups to regular customers.

More importantly, says Hartley, because Sassoon's cuts are designed to be approachable and appropriate to a client's lifestyle, they can be worn much longer. She says that the salon's philosophy "is to nurture hair, rather than to whip it into shape."

The salon's attitude should be a good fit for Seattle, and its appearance is right at home on posh Fifth Avenue. Designed by German architects Frick and Frick, the sophisticated salon blends warm brown wood, cool white porcelain and stainless-steel accents to achieve an ambiance that is both welcoming and modern.

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