Salon Buzz: Strands

This month everyone’s talking about the Strands Hair Studio in Silver Spring, Maryland, (301) 942-1780. Celebrity stylist and owner Shirley Gordon is in such demand (especially since she has added hair-replacement services to her extensive menu) that she’s now open seven days a week. We caught up with the busy style maven to see what makes her hot spot all the rage.

What are your specialties? I’ve been blessed with the talent to do a variety of things well—weaves, color, cuts, natural-hair care, you name it. My customized wigs and hair replacements are also very popular. Customers want them for thinning hairlines, alopecia or just a temporary new look.

How did you achieve the look here? After shampooing and conditioning, the model sat under the dryer until her hair was 90-percent dry, and then I finished it with a blow-dryer. As for the cut, I tapered the hair on the back and sides, gradually creating fullness toward the top. I added honey-toned highlights between the layers. I call this “underneath color.” These accents reflect light nicely. I used a flat iron here and there to finish the look.

Prices: Cuts, $140; highlights, $195 and up; basic weave, about $850; customized wigs, $1,500 and up.

Know a fantastic salon in your neighborhood? Tell us about it at salonbuzz@essence.com.