Confidently Step into ’09 at Sweet 9 Salon
by Krista Simmons

2008 was a rough year for all of us. Economic meltdowns, heated political debates and credit crunches had the masses reeling. Personally, last year proved to be nothing short of mentally and physically exhausting.

Determined to break the negative cycle of ’08, I was ready to reprogram for the New Year. So I did what any other forward thinking girl would do—made an appointment for a haircut and a manicure at Sweet 9 on Melrose.

Sweet 9 is a young, hip salon that’s packed with style minus the pretension. Dawn Reid, stylist and owner, literally “retro”-fitted the whole place with antiques and personal touches that she scoured the city for. Each hairstylist’s station had a unique vanity and old school Belvedere chairs. The adjoining tea room and lounge area is painted a sultry red, and offers WiFi to salon-goers who are mid-workday and need to connect.

Dawn handpicks the teas that are served at Sweet 9, traveling to Chinatown in San Francisco to get some of the loose-leaf varieties that she blends herself. In addition to giving one of the cutest hair cuts I’ve had in my time, the woman makes a mean chai.

Monica, my nail guru, popped in to work over my nails as I sat on a custom designed manicure-throne. It was my first mani since high-school prom, so I opted to splash out with some dark purple vamp-ish metallic polish. Monica suggested, “rocking a big chunky costume ring,” to go with my black Marilyn Monroe dress that I planned to wear on NYE. Clutch call.

As I waited for my hair color to set, Dawn, Monica and I indulged in some serious girl talk. I’m not one for gossip, but I felt so comfortable and at home while sipping tea and chatting with these amazing, creative women.

When reflecting on her career and her inspiration for creating Sweet 9 Dawn says that, “I’ve done everything from high end to the small salons. Sweet 9 was my chance to create something that was truly unique.”

Her salon, and her work, is a reflection of her experience of working as a hairstylist around the world, from big city to small town. And unlike every other hairstylist I know, the woman understands the phrase, “I don’t want any of the length taken off.” (Can you tell I’ve been butchered a few times?)

Post-wash out and blow-dry, I must say I was delighted with my new ‘do. My highlights, of which she chose two tones to render a natural look, glimmered along with my new found smile. My friends were impressed as well, and we all toasted the New Year, and a fresh start, with a big night out downtown. I had a fabulous time dancing my way into the New Year, celebrating the beginning of something beautiful. Aah…sweet’09!

If you want to start out 2009 with a new-do, massage or mani-pedi from Sweet 9, visit www.sweet9.com. Added bonus: you’re right next to all the shops to look for an affordable new ‘fit to match your new ‘do.

hair, nails, salon, style