Southport Magazine

The staff of E Salon and Spa, from left to right: Joe Emery, Jenny Klein, Lynette Tatum, Shari Hylton, Yvonne Furrows, Kelli Rhyne, and Michelle Flores. Photo by Kris Beasley

Between work meetings, school functions, keeping up with cleaning and yard work, it’s hard to find time to chill out, relax, and rejuvenate our souls. Yet “me time” is necessary to remain healthy and ready to handle anything we encounter within our lives. In the case of E Salon & Spa, the staff is there to help folks recharge through massage and other spa essentials, as well as making sure we look our best by taking care of all our hair and nail needs.

We sat down with owner Shari Hylton about her salon and spa, as well as her staff. To learn more about E Salon and Spa, located at 4961 Long Beach Rd. SE, call (910) 457-0009 or visit www.e-salonandspa.com.

Southport Magazine (SM): Why do you like being a hairstylist?
Shari Hylton (SH): I love doing hair! When a client comes in and wants something new, I get so excited. It is the best feeling to see them smile when they leave. My goal as an owner/hairstylist is to listen and teach you how to do your hair. There are too many times I hear no one listens to them. What is the old saying—”If you don’t look good, I don’t look good!”

SM: Can you share a story in which it was rewarding to help a client find a new hairstyle?
SH: I have two clients who are sisters, Joanne Lorenzo and Dioni Johnson. Catherine, their sister, came down here from Pennsylvania. The girls took one look at her and said, “We need to call Shari.” She came in with long, stringy, grey hair.

She didn’t want color, just a haircut and style. We talked and decided to go short. I did a chin-length stacked bob. She loved it, and her sisters loved it, too.

SM: You took over the salon in August 2009. What brought you here from New Jersey, and why do you enjoy running your own salon?
SH: I moved her because my parents live here, and I love Southport. I enjoy running my own salon because I have a very talented and awesome staff. I would like to say thank you to all of our clients! We just celebrated five years. If it wasn’t for our clients and staff, I wouldn’t be here.

Ergonomic chairs and shampoo sinks relieve stress on the neck. Photo by Kris Beasley

SM: What sets your staff apart from other salons in the area?
SH: We are a clean and friendly salon. When you come in the door, you will be treated like we have known you forever. I know people are nervous walking into some place new.

My staff is trained in the latest trends. The hair color we use is the top of the line; it has no ammonia. It covers grey 100 percent, and the shine is amazing.

Our shampoo sinks are ergonomic so that your neck is not pinching and hurting the whole time you hair is being shampooed. The chairs are like a small couch on which you lay down so your body and neck are level.

Here at E Salon and Spa we offer head-to-toe beauty. Great gift ideas are gift certificates for anniversary, birthday, Mother’s Day and Christmas. You can customize them for your needs. Pamper that special someone with a massage, facial, mani, pedi or a haircut and color.

Favorite food: Pizza from Pizzetta’s in Brunswick Forest, Leland

Favorite movie: “Overboard” with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell

Favorite music: ’80s rock and dance

Favorite thing about Southport: The shops, restaurants and how friendly everyone is.