U Weekly. Serving The Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio

A natural beauty

By Sara Bradley

For most girls, beauty and its routines are major components of our lives. Weekly manicures, pedicures, and other beauty treatments may be in order to achieve that "natural beauty" look. To some, this may seem extravagant, but many see it as a small way of preserving our bodies after all the turmoil college students put them through. Being at Ohio State has many advantages, and the numerous amounts of salons available at students' fingertips are among them. A little-known salon that not only makes clients feel pampered, but also makes them feel good about the environment, Phia Salon is located in the Short North District. Formerly known as Haircolor Xperts, they have recently made a transformation that simultaneously creates a more luxurious environment for the customer while giving back to nature.

The name "Phia" means "divine proportion," and is used to explain "physical proportions of many life forms and nature to achieve balance, harmony and beauty in its own creations of art, architecture, colors, design, composition, space, and even music, but most beautifully in humans." Elizabeth Rhodes, owner of Phia salon, explains that the salon made the change in name as well as brands in order to create an environment that encouraged artistic freedom in both the hairstylists and clients, while embodying nature and the earth's natural resources. When searching for a brand that embodied their new image, it wasn't difficult for the salon to settle on Aveda, a natural-based beauty line. The Aveda products are not only good for the environment, they make users smell and feel amazing.

The artists and owner of the salon worked in tandem to create a relaxing environment that accurately portrayed the upscale feel and level of services that their customers had been receiving. The transition has proved to be successful: Along with the regular customers, the salon has gained many new clients from the community who are attracted to both the Aveda brand and the sense of balance they achieve through using natural products. The usage of these plant-based beauty products has overwhelming repercussions: Less chemical waste is deposited into the water supply, the clients and stylists are exposed to less harmful chemicals, and a more luxurious experience is created for all!

Undoubtedly, once you experience Phia Salon, you will not be disappointed. The products, the environment, and the people all have a mood-lifting effect. Although purchasing the products to use from the comfort of your own home can be more expensive than a generic salon, there are a few money-saving tips that allow college students and other people living on a budget to experience the luxurious salon. When scheduling an appointment, ask to see a trainee. These are often stylists who are new to the salon and trying to build a client base. Their services are available at half price! Also, although the products may seem expensive and useless to buy when you could presumably purchase the same thing at the drug store, they are well-worth your money. The Aveda line is highly concentrated; you can use less of everything to get the same, if not better-than-desired, results. Also, the stylists are trained with the products and are there to help you. It is highly beneficial and recommended to buy the products, not only to help the environment, but also to prolong the effects of the services you receive.

The Short North District is known for its artsy, hippie vibe. Phia Salon fits perfectly with the blend of shops and restaurants that line the streets. The stylists are all very open and friendly, and the salon itself is a small, little-known treasure. Even if you are slightly skeptical, it is definitely worth a try; once you experience the salon and their products, it will be difficult to return to the Suave in your shower!

Originally Published: July 23, 2008

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