Athens has established itself as both a musical mecca and a college football gathering ground and now, the Classic City can add one more gem to its list of noteworthy offerings.

bob (SALON), which opened just five years ago, was already a local favorite before it was recently named one of America’s Top 100 Salons by Elle Magazine. Despite this honor, though, customers new to the salon shouldn’t expect big-headed stylists and an impersonal desk-staff. Instead, bob (SALON) tries to maintain a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere to keep clients comfortable.

“Our front desk staff…is very warm and welcoming and friendly. That is so important to us,” Tonya Dugas, who co-owns the salon with her husband, said.

bob (SALON)’s cast of artists mixes talent with the passion necessary to maintain the reputation of one of Athens’ top salons.

“When you walk in the salon, it feels like Athens. People who are down-home and friendly and really want you to be comfortable but people who also have…a big-city edge,” Amber Townsend, the salon’s manager, said.

Dugas said it’s this big-city edge that allows bob to effectively serve the eclectic and diverse Athens community.

“[The stylists] gravitate towards trainings that are a little bit more avant-garde, not so super-traditional small town. That’s sort of a uniqueness that we provide and I think that keeps things exciting and competitive,” Dugas said. “It’s a blend of the traditional and the edginess.”

bob (SALON)’s 10 stylists and in-house makeup artist provide clients with extensively trained artists with individually-honed specialties.

“Everybody has their own little niche. There are people who are definitely better with curly hair or a little better with a short style. We definitely try to match people up with the person who is most suited to help them,” Townsend said.

bob (SALON) stylists maintain their skills by experimenting with new techniques and procedures and participating in regional and local trainings.

“It’s a constant push to keep them trained,” Dugas said. “That’s definitely at the top of our list of priorities.”

For bob (SALON), change is constant as the team of stylists adapts to the ever-changing world of hair.

“I always see change,” said Dugas. “We are always trying to grow and make it better.”