HER STORY…
Parlor was founded in 1994 by third generation hairdresser and style doyenne, Gwenn LeMoine in the then “edgy,” now trendy East Village. Parlor was conceived to be much more than just a hair salon. Parlor was to be a nexus for culture and conversation. Uptown meets Downtown, Eastside meets Westside, Democrat meets Republican. Well, let’s not go that far. But you get the picture.
Wanting to branch out from the uptown “salon scene” Gwenn desired to create something intimate and personal. Having lived in Alphabet City since 1989 Gwenn was a pioneer in establishing the East Village salon scene. Parlor began in a 100-sq-ft space on 9th Street and Avenue A in 1994 and quickly began busting at the seams requiring expansion by 1999.
In 2009, following the economic downturn, Gwenn was offered to take over a failing Aveda Concept Salon on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. Unable to turn down the challenge, she opened Parlor’s second location. The Brooklyn salon grew at a similar pace as the first, having grown in tandem with Brooklyn’s downtown area, and in 2018 necessitated an expansion. In winter of 2019, Parlor in Brooklyn relocated to its newly renovated salon in order to help expand its artistic capacity, and is now even more central to the boutique area of “Brooklyn’s Main Street.”
THE PLACE…
Parlor offers an elevated craft in decidedly unpretentious yet beautiful settings. The East Village salon now occupies a double storefront on Avenue B near Tompkins Square Park. Set away from the Avenue it is private and relaxing with views of our garden. Our additional Brooklyn location is on Atlantic Avenue near the Barclay Center, another renaissance neighborhood. Offering its own zen garden, it is a great location for meeting friends and relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Gwenn’s goal of creating a destination for those in search of visionary hairdressing and elevated customer service has now been fulfilled in two boroughs of New York City.
THE PHILOSOPY…
Today, while embracing the past, Parlor is looking to the future by attracting a diverse clientele by offering expertise in all textures of hair. The Parlor Beauty Squad is a well-edited group of professionals selected for their ability to deliver compassionate service along with an appreciation for the art of hairdressing and commitment to innovative techniques and trends. “Our utmost desire at Parlor is to build lasting relationships with our guests,” says Gwenn. With every visit to the salon you will receive an extensive consultation, a stress relieving shampoo and scalp treatment, as well as individual “at-home care” advice. Makeup touch-ups are performed complimentary, as are Hand Treatments with your color services. Aveda’s Comforting Tea is served in our reception area to help you relax and enjoy your Aveda concept experience. Parlor’s intimate and friendly atmosphere makes everyone feel at ease. We deliver unique memorable experiences!