An unknown author once wrote, “Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hair stylist you like.” An appointment at Vanis Salon and Day Spa could quickly end that struggle for people unsatisfied with their current hairstyle.

Chris Valavanis first opened Vanis in Munster in 1985 with two other people. Today, the salon has expanded to three locations: Schererville, Crown Point and Valparaiso. The salons in Schererville and Valparaiso are also equipped with day spas.

“We built the salon based on apprenticeship and ongoing education. We now have 115 employees in the three locations,” Valavanis said. “We strive to continually give clients the best of everything.”

The best of everything ranges from the actual services and products that Vanis offers to the ambiance and the employees.

“They [the staff] do a good job. You don’t feel alienated when you go there. They cut your hair the way you wanted it, not like at other places where they don’t cut it the way you like it, and you just give them a pious smile and say that you did like your hair,” senior Nick Boney said.

The modern, sleek atmosphere of the salon is reminiscent of a big-city salon. The cleanliness is impeccable, and the overall design is impressive.

“They have a very modern style there. It is very put together and professional, and of course, the stylists and day spa are awesome,” Tomsic said.

From the water wall in the reception area to the mellow colors used throughout its design, Vanis brings an upscale, yet relaxing flavor to many different demographics of the Tri-Town area. Prices differ depending on the level of experience

“Very young children and the old come. People who don’t mind spending $85 a haircut, which is what I charge, or those customers who saving [money] is important to come here. People who want to look fabulous come here,” Valavanis said.

Vanis offers a variety of hair care services including cuts, styling, coloring, highlighting and extensions. The helpful and extremely friendly stylists consult with each client before his or her appointment, offering suggestions and listening to the client’s preferences.

“You can tell the stylists are really passionate about their jobs. It’s a calm environment and I know they’ve been in magazines for their hair styles,” junior Brooke Tomsic said. “Most of the salons around here, I think, aren’t on as high of a professional level, but I know other salons are still nice.”

“The stylists get to know you on a more personal level. They talk to you more and treat you nicer,” Boney said.

Treatment from beginning to end is thorough and meticulous. Clients are treated to amazing, stress-reducing scalp massages while getting their hair shampooed, and the staff treats every client with respect and consideration.

“They give good head massages. Also, [I like] when they tell me about the products they used in my hair. My favorite part is relaxing and getting pampered,” Tomsic said.

“There are a lot of great salons in the area. I have a great staff. That’s why we were chosen [as best salon]. They are very talented and very hard-working,” Valavanis said.

As a client of Laura at Vanis for several years, I have experienced first-hand the transformation that occurs after a hair appointment.

The stylists are very knowledgeable, well versed and bring fresh suggestions to the clientele. Also, the stylists are super friendly and talk to clients on a personal level and get to know them instead of treating the client as just a head of hair.

“We’re just going to continue to grow. We have enough staff now to meet the demand. I want to keep people inspired and learning,” Valavanis said.