Minneapolis’ Salon38 serves senior residents and the whole neighborhood

The Waters of Minnehaha, a senior living community, sits at the corner of 23rd Ave. and 38th St. On the ground floor of The Waters is the professional, friendly, and neighborhood-oriented Salon38, owned by Nancy Root.

Both Nancy and her manager, Karissa Lash, live a few blocks from Salon38. Karissa lives in the house where she grew up, which just happens to be across the street from Nancy’s house. When Nancy moved into her home in 1988, it was clear to both her and her husband that the neighborhood was in transition, but which way the transition would go was not apparent. Then the Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association was formed, and Nancy says she has seen a revitalization that has kept her here through the years.

Nancy has worked most of her career in the Standish Neighborhood. She spent many years at the East 42nd Street Salon, which was once located at 42nd St. and Cedar Ave. When the owner moved the salon out of the neighborhood, Nancy estimates that she lost about 30% of her clients. Some of them are now returning to her since Salon38 opened at 3733 23rd Ave. S. two years ago.

In 2008, Nancy was forced to take a leave of absence when her husband was diagnosed with cancer. After he died, she took care of his business in St. Paul, only occasionally working with her former clients. When Nancy started looking for a space for her own salon, a neighbor pointed out that The Waters had included space for a salon in its new building and was looking for a business to fill it. Salon38 moved in shortly after the space was ready for occupancy.

Many of Salon38’s clients are residents of the building, and Nancy and Karissa are always sensitive to their unique needs. The sinks in the salon are hydraulic, which allows them to accommodate most wheelchair models. This, along with the ramp to the building, makes Salon38 a handicap-friendly business. The 38th St. door to the salon is locked because it also provides access to the residents’ apartments, and, while The Waters offered to unlock it during business hours, Nancy did not want to compromise the security of the building. When you arrive, just knock on the door or ring the bell, although the camera inside the salon means someone is almost always ready and waiting to open the door for you.

Nancy warns that the phone system can be a little strange, but if you call 238-2710, they will always get back to you to schedule an appointment. Both women are experienced professionals (Nancy has been working in the field for 30 years, Karissa for 15), and they make a point of being trendsetters, in a full-service salon (hair styling, coloring, permanents, and straightening as well as manicures, pedicures, and waxing) that carries professional hair and beauty products.

Nancy looks forward to Salon38’s future in the neighborhood. The growing number of children means that young families are moving in and keeping the neighborhood alive. She encourages anyone who is shy to give the salon a try and to bring their children in for a great haircut and some free candy. Salon38 is open Wednesday through Saturday (9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m., walk-ins welcome) and Sunday through Tuesday by appointment only. Website: www.nksalon38.com, phone: 238-2710.

Salon38 is at 3733 23rd Ave. S.