1. Level2 Salon

Clients visit Level2 Salon for more than just a great haircut, they visit for the atmosphere and the personal attention they receive. "We focus on the client experience at the salon," says co-owner Martha Suarez. "It is a great place for people to connect with others, so we work on that aspect of the clients' visit, as well as the service they came in for."

The 4,800-square-foot Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa, which opened in November 2007, is the second Level location in Tampa. Level2 differentiates itself from the original Level by offering spa services in addition to hair services, and eyebrow shaping at the Brow Bar. Unlike the high-energy Level, Level2 features a laid-back atmosphere with a relaxing, neutral color palette that attracts many creative, fashion-forward clients who expect excellent service and the latest hair trends.

In stock: Aveda

2. Coiffeur Ingá Salon

As an educator for TIGI for the last 11 years, Coiffeur Ingá Salon owner Inge Handing knows the importance of keeping up on trends in order to stay competitive in the industry, which is why she personally trains each and every stylist. "I like to have everyone on the same page," Handing says. The 1,250-square-foot Intercoiffure member salon, which recently celebrated its 20^thyear in business, offers clients a variety of hair services, including extensions, straightening, color, cuts, manicures, pedicures, permanent makeup and waxing. The second-floor salon features a black-and-white decor, stations around the windows overlooking the street and a colorful TIGI Bed Head retail boutique.

In stock: TIGI, Profound Beauty, Nioxin

3. New Identities Hair Studio

Thinking outside the box is what keeps New Identities Hair Studio trendy and popular among Tampa residents. "We don't limit ourselves to the four walls of the salon," says co-owner Marc Rockquemore. In addition to providing top-notch service to clients, New Identities is the exclusive salon of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders, has been featured on such national TV shows as FOX'sAmbush Makeoverand TLC'sA Wedding Story, and is actively involved in several charitable organizations, including Locks of Love.

New Identities, which has two locations in Tampa, features an upscale, eclectic, studio-inspired decor with open ceilings and mirrors suspended from chains, and offers only hair services. Says Rockquemore, "I think it's really important to define who you are as a company and focus on your strengths, which for us is hair."

In stock: Redken, Nioxin, PureOlogy

4. Studio Cabello

Studio Cabello co-owner George Arroyo decided to make the salon an Aveda Concept Salon because he believes in the products and appreciates the company's commitment to saving the environment. "We try to give our clients something more than just a haircut," Arroyo says. "We offer them personal attention, educated stylists and the service they deserve." For example, the salon offers a complimentary head, neck and shoulder massage with every service.

The 1,700-square-foot salon, which opened in January 2006, often participates in community and charity events, and has been awarded several honors, including "Green Salon" status from Aveda, due to its commitment to the earth. "We recycle product packages and bottles of water, and have energy-efficient lightbulbs in the salon," Arroyo says. "We try to bring the Aveda philosophy to the public."

In stock: Aveda