As you’re driving by the Denny Kemp Salon in Northeast Minneapolis, it’s hard to miss the message painted on the walls inside (and visible through the windows): “Beautify America–Get a haircut.”
Simple and direct. That’s how the rest of the the eclectically curated salon and spa. Getting your colored? As you wait for it to process, you can gaze upon a reassembled giant movie poster and kick up your legs on the dog-shaped footrests. The lobby not only has a gigantic goat and an imported life-size horse lamp that also serves as the salon’s mascot.
Surreal? Yes. Fabulous? Yes.
It’s enough to forget why you’re there. (Look to the wall– “Get a haircut.”) Kemp, who has been in the business since 1979, cuts hair along with his team of stylists. You can also enjoy a mani, pedi, facial and massage. The salon uses a variety of products, including a new line by Shu Uemura. I’m looking forward to trying a restorative treatment and having the chance to ponder an artistic rendering of Joey Ramone. “It’s a good hair picture,” Kemp said.
Though he’s lived in Minnesota for over three decades, Kemp grew up in Iowa. He gave his first makeover to a neighbor when he was 11 and she was 16. He transformed her un-cut locks into a mod blunt look with bangs. Kemp will offer you his expertise today for $140 per cut.
“I don’t like hair when it’s so practical that it’s not attractive. It has to be sexy! That’s what it’s for!” said Kemp. “It’s the worm on the hook–it needs to attract attention.”
Scott Anderson, a stylist at the salon ($55 for a cut with him) noted “He uses the idea of sculpture.” It turns out, Kemp does have a background in art. That brings us back to the salon–where art and hair merge in one inspiring space.

Denny Kemp Salon, 605 Central Av. NE, Mpls, 612-676-0300.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 5th, 2008 at 8:00 am and is filed under Beauty tips, Daily StylePointers, Main. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.