“My clients have been an incredible blessing throughout my career,” says Steve Hightower, owner of famed hair salon Steve Hightower Salon & Spa. Hightower would tell you that his clients are part of the reason he’s become known the world over during the past 25 years of providing Atlantans with impeccable service and, of course, flawless hair. Here are some of the touchstones of an incredible 25 years of Steve Hightower Salon. 646 Lindbergh Way NE, stevehightower.com
Photo by Judy Host
Photo by Judy Host
Photo by David Whaley
“My clients absolutely loved the atmosphere,” says Hightower of The Furniture Exchange, the popular antique shop that he partnered with when opening Steve Hightower Salon & Spa. Hightower transformed a backroom of the shop into a salon space just big enough for him and his assistant. Hightower found such success that, just a year later, he would expand into an additional 800 square feet and bring on six new employees.
Photo by Kim Evans
Hightower founded Mountain Angels, marking the beginning of the salon’s long-standing commitment to philanthropy. To date, Hightower has raised over $1 million for charities that serve children in need. “It’s extremely important that I give back,” Hightower shares. “People have opened doors for me my whole life, so being able to open doors for youth in need of support is incredibly fulfilling.” The space of his support includes Mountain Angels, ChildKind, CCYA, Fragile Kids and Lost-n-Found Youth. Hightower is also involved in educating and training the next generation of hairdressers and stylists, putting his love and care into fostering amazing individuals in the field.
Photo by Judy Host, Jerry Seagal
I met her, blew her hair out, and we ended up shoe shopping at Neiman Marcus afterward,” says Hightower of Lydia Sarfati, founder of renowned luxury skincare brand Repêchage. Sarfati and Hightower have remained close friends ever since that initial shopping trip, leading to Steve Hightower Salon & Spa becoming the first hair salon to carry Repêchage products.
“I was sitting on my grandparents’ porch in Alabama when I got a phone call from the secretary of state,” Hightower says. “I honestly thought it was a prank and hung up! It wasn’t until he called me back that I realized it was real, and I was being requested as the chosen hairdresser for the G8 Summit.” Hightower of course accepted the invitation and styled influential women such as Barbara and Laura Bush, among other first ladies.
Photo by Duane Mendes/unsplash
“New York Fashion Week was doubtlessly one of the most exhausting but rewarding moments of my career,” recalls Hightower. Celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson personally asked Hightower to participate in the whirlwind week of early mornings and late evenings spent styling models’ hair. “It was an honor to even be asked,” Hightower shares.
Photo by Abby Franklin
With the closure of The Furniture Exchange, Hightower expanded to occupy the entire 5,000-square-foot space, becoming what Atlanta knows and loves as Steve Hightower Salon & Spa today, complete with two private styling rooms for VIPs and chemo client services, a separate color room, and separate styling and cutting areas.
Photo by Judy Host
COVID-19 forced Hightower to close the salon for six weeks, leading him to pivot his business. Hightower mixed custom colors for clients to pick up and apply at home. Upon reopening, Hightower created an outdoor shaded haircutting space and placed chairs 12 feet apart inside. “It was a scary time for the hairstyling business, but we adapted,” recalls Hightower. “My incredible clients are what got us through it.”
Photo by David Whaley
Photo by David Whaley
Steve Hightower Salon & Spa was named one of the top 200 salons in America by Salon Today. Hightower shares, “I was incredibly honored to be included. This award is given to top salons for quality services and experiences. It recognizes the best business practices in the beauty industry.” Looking forward, we can expect plenty more great hair and incredible philanthropy in Hightower’s future.
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