Hair Salon Is a Cut Above

By Spencer Trees “Knowing that hair is a big part of today's day, it makes me happy to see people happy.” 

Those were the words of Paola Lago, the owner of OriMay Salon, which opened for business this past November in the Lake Forest Arcade. Lago brings more than two decades of experience working at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa and other salons in the Chicago area. 

"Hair gives you that confidence,” says Paola Lago. “It makes you feel better. You feel prettier."

She attributes many of her skills to her years at Elizabeth Arden. 

“I learned customer service and how to treat the guests,” she said. “I learned leadership, and I became the educator of the company. I learned from masters around the world about how to create, carry yourself around the client, and how to make sure that the client is happy. It's not about us; it's about them.”

Following her time at Elizabeth Arden, Lago worked at many other salons. Before starting her own business, she was located in Lake Forest for several years. Lago originally opened her salon in Highland Park but has since relocated to Lake Forest due to popular demand. 

“They were asking me, ‘Paola, when are you coming back to Lake Forest?’ I'd say, ‘I'm trying.’ They say that it’s easier, it’s more convenient for my shop to be in Lake Forest.”

To Lago, the connection and care are at the forefront of what she does.

“I think just being you, being honest, being real, being genuine is important,” she said. “I don't believe in being fake. And when I'm talking to my clients, I'm actually listening. 

“My clients will say, ‘Oh, my God, you actually remember that?’ And then I say, ‘Of course, I was actually listening to you.’ I think that has helped me a lot.” Long-time client Ro Thompson agreed with Lago’s assessment.

“She is a great listener!” Thompson said. “I love being a client of Paola. I always leave happy, and she knows how to cut and style my hair according to my preferences. She is very up on all the new hair trends.”

OriMay Salon sets itself apart with its use of natural coloring products. 

“Hair gives you that confidence,” Lago said. “It makes you feel better. You feel prettier, you feel more secure about yourself. And when women go through cancer or hormonal changes, or they're pregnant and they start losing hair, the more chemicals you use, it can affect the hair badly, skin, nails, so it's one of the reasons why I wanted to carry an organic line.” 

Last year, her salon received a favorite salon award.

“My clients know that I care for them,” Lago explained, “and I am genuine. I love what I do.”