Commit to a tryst with the new Gene Juarez Salon & Spa at University Village

In the last decade, I've been a bit promiscuous when it comes to local hair salons, slipping into -- and inevitably out of -- the protective capes of Seven, Mode, Suede, Red and others.

Sometimes I stray because a colorist raises his prices beyond my reach, or because a stylist can't understand why shag is not my bag. But for the most part, I just like to try new things. And in a town where new salons sprout faster than my silver roots, there's just too much temptation to commit to one salon.

So when I received news this week that a new Gene Juarez Salon and Spa will open Monday, July 21 in University Village, I began polishing my "It's not you, it's me" speech, realizing that a beauty breakup was in the offing.

You see, a few months ago, a new Gene Juarez Spa & Salon opened in Northgate, and, of course, I had to check it out. I won't say that I fell in love, but I did find just the right shade of brunette at the hands of colorist Miyoko. I'm also smitten with the salon's hours -- it's open seven days a week, so booking an appointment is a snap.

But now there'll be a new, 8,500-square-foot Gene Juarez at U Village that's purportedly even more contemporary and sophisticated than the Northgate salon. I feel like I've just met my boyfriend's younger brother -- and he's not only better looking, he's taller, funnier and drives a nicer car!

The new GJ will feature 22 design stations; 20 color stations; the Kérastase Shampoo Spa (where 700 handcrafted glass spheres descend from the ceiling); five spa treatment rooms; three pedicure stations and two private pedicure suites; four manicure stations; and a retail boutique stocked with a new line of Gene Juarez body care products. Rumor has it that the shower in the men's locker room looks like it's tiled in rich brown leather.

The salon is located next to Crate & Barrel, just steps away from the eagerly awaited University Village outpost of Swedish retailer H&M. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

So will I be headed to University Village next week to meet the new Gene Juarez? Yes I will. Because I don't really think of it as cheating -- it's more like spreading the love.

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