The Inspire team takes pride in our service, our industry & our planet.
ellicott city, maryland
About INSPIRE SALON
At Inspire Salon, we take immense pride in our craft, our industry, and the client experience. With clean, high-performance products and thoughtful modern hair salon practices, our focus remains on delivering up to date, refined hair services through advanced technique and individualized care.
Our mission is rooted in advanced education, a seamless consultation process, and a client-first philosophy that has earned us recognition among the Best Hair Salons in Ellicott City MD.
ABOUT OUR SALON
The Inspire Salon team is dedicated to continually expanding our knowledge of the latest techniques, trends, and innovations. This commitment ensures you receive premium, detail-oriented service at every appointment. Conveniently located in the Turf Valley Shopping Center in Ellicott City, MD, our space is designed to elevate your salon experience from the moment you walk in. We use eco-conscious products and maintain mindful recycling practices, taking a balanced approach that supports great hair without adding unnecessary rules or expectations.
Our excellence has been recognized regionally, with Inspire Salon being awarded Baltimore’s Best Salon in 2024 & 2025 and consistently highlighted among the Best Hair Salons in Ellicott City MD. We were also voted Howard County’s Best Salon—an honor that reflects our dedication to exceptional service, artistry, and an elevated salon experience.
An Award-Winning, Modern Hair Salon Experience
Our team is united by a passion for modern, personalized hairstyling and a consultation process that ensures every client is paired with the stylist best suited to their hair type, goals, and budget.
Meet the Inspire Salon Team
stylists
SALON OWNER
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SENIOR STYLIST
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MASTER/SENIOR STYLIST
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Kathleen has been a dedicated force in the beauty industry for over 25 years. She began her career at a young age, assisting and working at the front desk, and after completing cosmetology school, spent 17 years behind the chair honing her craft. With extensive training in color theory and application, she became a sought-after colorist in the area, known for her expertise and creativity.
In 2013, Kathleen founded Inspire with a mission to elevate the salon experience, foster stronger relationships between clients, stylists, and salon owners, and maintain an eco-friendly approach. Always pushing boundaries and innovating, she continues to influence and reshape the beauty industry.
Today, as the salon’s leader, she works with a select group of long-term clients while focusing on mentoring her team, supporting their growth, and expanding the Inspire vision.
Salon Owner, Master Stylist
Kathleen
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Blonding, Babylights, Highlights, Color Corrections
specialties:
Not currently accepting new clients
available:
Lia is a passionate Master Colorist known for creating effortlessly beautiful, customized hair that enhances each client’s unique style.
She specializes in blended, lived-in color, vibrant reds, and stunning blondes that range from soft and sun-kissed to bold and high-impact. Whether you’re looking for a natural glow or a dramatic transformation, Lia thrives on bringing your vision to life.
With a strong eye for detail and advanced expertise in color corrections, she confidently pushes the boundaries of color while maintaining the integrity and health of the hair. Beyond color, Lia excels at cutting and styling techniques that create movement and feel modern.
Master Stylist, Color Specialist
Lia
Meet
Tuesday-Friday & 1 Saturday a Month
available:
Color corrections, highlights and balayage, blonding, no bleach highlights, vibrant reds, grey blending, curtain bangs, medium and long length cutting styles
specialties:
As one of Inspire’s cutting specialists, Christine is your go-to for haircuts of all kinds. Whether you’re looking for a precise clipper cut, a chic pixie, a classic bob, or long, flowing layers, you’re in great hands. She loves creating low-maintenance styles that work with your lifestyle, encouraging clients to embrace their natural texture.
Christine offers basic coloring services, including grey blending and single-process, all-over color. Easy-going in her approach, she creates a relaxed experience behind the chair. She works confidently with all textures and shapes, including waves and loose curls, ensuring every client leaves feeling comfortable and confident.
Master Stylist, Cutting Specialist
Christine
Meet
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Every other Saturday
available:
Well-rounded in all lengths and textures, short clipper cuts, pixies, bobs, medium and long styles, razor cutting, grey blending, and single process color.
specialties:
MASTER STYLIST
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SENIOR stylist
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master stylist
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As a Master Stylist with over 15 years of experience, Jenni is known for creating vibrant redheads, radiant sun-kissed brunettes, and effortless, low-maintenance blondes. She has a special passion for working with thick and curly hair, thriving on transformation cuts that help her clients embrace and celebrate their natural texture. A Master Curl Specialist with more than five advanced curly certifications, Jenni brings expert knowledge and precision to every appointment.
She is highly skilled in cutting all lengths and textures, always tailoring each style to enhance movement, shape, and manageability. Above all, Jenni prioritizes the health and integrity of the hair, ensuring every color and cut not only looks beautiful but feels strong, healthy, and easy to maintain.
Master Stylist, Color and Cutting Specialist, Master Curl Specialist
Jenni
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Well-rounded in all lengths and textures, Curly cutting, curly highlights/balayage and color, modern styles, and razor cutting, color corrections, no bleach highlights, blonding, highlights and balayage, grey blending, vibrant reds
specialties:
Tuesday-Friday
available:
Elizabeth specializes in creating beautiful, natural-looking highlights and always finishes each service with a voluminous blowout that keeps hair bouncy for days. Passionate about color, she is well-rounded and offers a full range of services, including grey blending, rich brunettes, and highlights.
Skilled in cutting medium-length styles, bobs, and long hair, she creates shapes that flatter and enhance movement.
She loves building long-term relationships with her clients, providing personalized education to help maintain healthy, vibrant hair at home.
Senior Stylist
elizabeth
Meet
Wednesday and Thursday
available:
Grey blending, single process color, blonding, highlights, medium and long cutting styles, blow dry and styling
specialties:
Kara is a talented and well-rounded stylist with a true passion for blonding. From seamless grey blending to bright, beautiful platinum blondes, she customizes every look while prioritizing the health and integrity of your hair. She believes gorgeous color should never come at the expense of healthy strands.
She also loves working with vivid and vibrant shades, bringing an artistic eye to fun, bold colors that let your personality shine. Beyond color, Kara is skilled in all haircuts, creating styles that complement your features and lifestyle. Most of all, she loves nurturing her clients—building lasting relationships and making sure everyone who sits in her chair feels cared for.
Master Colorist, Senior Cutting, Blonding, and Vivid Specialist
kara
Meet
Wednesday-Friday
available:
Blonding, babylights, highlights, vivid and vibrant color, color corrections, grey blending, single process color, medium and long cutting styles
specialties:
SENIOR stylist
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SENIOR STYLIST
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MASTER STYLIST
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Jordan loves creating dimensional, lived-in color that feels effortless and personalized. Whether you’re dreaming of bright blondes, rich brunettes, or vibrant reds, she will take great care of you while helping you achieve your hair goals with confidence.
As a senior-level curl specialist with three certifications, Jordan has a true passion for working with textured hair. She excels at curly highlights and customized color placements that enhance depth, definition, and movement. Her mission is to help clients love their natural curls and texture, empowering them with the knowledge and styles to maintain healthy, beautiful hair. Well-rounded in working with all hair textures, Jordan is equally skilled in sleek straightening services and silk presses, ensuring versatility no matter the look you’re going for.
Master Colorist, Senior Cutting, Senior Curl Specialist
Jordan
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Curly hair cutting and curly highlights, balayage, and color, highlights and balayage, color corrections, blonding, rich brunettes, medium and long length cutting styles, silk press and styling
specialties:
Wednesday-Friday
available:
Growing up in the salon where her mom worked as a stylist, Tessie developed a deep love for the beauty industry at an early age. Being surrounded by creativity and connection shaped her passion and led her to a career where she truly feels at home.
With over 10 years of experience, Tessie is a well-rounded and versatile stylist. She works confidently with all hair types and textures, offering everything from precise clipper cuts and chic pixies to classic bobs and long, layered styles.
Tessie also provides a full range of color services, including highlights, dimensional color, and bold vivids. Whether you’re looking for a subtle refresh or a complete transformation, she brings experience, creativity, and care to every appointment.
Senior Stylist, Cutting Specialist
Tessie
Meet
Tuesday-Saturday
available:
Well-rounded in all lengths of cutting, long, medium, and short cutting styles, clipper cuts, pixie cuts, highlights, grey blending, single process color, vivid and vibrant color
specialties:
Brian joined our team in 2024 after spending over a decade immersed in New York City’s fast-paced beauty scene. With experience spanning fashion, commercial work, runway, and celebrity styling, he brings a refined eye and elevated skillset to every client who sits in his chair.
A true cutting specialist, Brian is exceptionally talented at working with all hair textures, shapes, and lengths. From timeless long layers and precision bobs to bold, edgy razor cuts, his work is intentional, modern, and expertly tailored to each individual. His blowouts are a client favorite—smooth, voluminous, and long-lasting. He’s also skilled in sleek silk presses, delivering polished results with beautiful movement and shine. Beyond his technical talent, Brian’s relaxed demeanor and sharp sense of humor make every appointment both comfortable and enjoyable.
Master Stylist, Cutting Specialist
brian
Meet
Tuesday-Saturday
available:
Blow dry and styling, cutting all lengths, long, medium, and short cutting styles, razor cutting, modern styles, curtain bangs, bobs, shag cut styles, wash and go styling, creating movement in thick textures, fine hair
specialties:
junior stylist
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junior stylist
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junior stylist
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Melissa is a Junior Stylist and Curl Specialist, holding one advanced curl certification. She has a true passion for working with curly hair, expertly cutting and shaping both short and long styles across all textures. She takes the time to educate and empower her clients, helping them understand how to care for and style their curls with confidence.
In addition, Melissa loves creating bold, creative hairstyles and vibrant colors, delivering fun, edgy, and personalized looks. Well-rounded in her skills, Melissa also excels with basic color services, including grey coverage and highlights, and short and long cutting styles. Known for her warm and caring personality, she ensures every client feels safe, heard, and completely comfortable in her chair, making each visit as enjoyable as the results.
Junior Stylist, Junior Curl Specialist
Melissa
Meet
Curly cutting, curly highlights, balayage, and color, blonding, vivid and vibrant colors, modern styles, all length cutting styles, textured hair
specialties:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
available:
As a junior stylist, Mathida brings natural talent, creativity, and a true passion for hair artistry to every appointment. She has a strong eye for balayage and highlights, creating beautifully blended, dimensional color. She is skilled in all types of cuts, including bobs, medium and long lengths, as well as precision clipper cuts.
Mathida is dedicated to strengthening her skills through ongoing education and hands-on experience, continually refining her craft behind the chair. She is committed to providing an exceptional client experience, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere from start to finish. Her soothing scalp massages during shampoos are a client favorite—leaving you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and completely cared for.
Junior Stylist
Mathida
Meet
Tuesday-Saturday
available:
Highlights and balayage, low maintenance color, grey blending, blonding, clipper cuts, medium and long cutting styles
specialties:
Chandler is a Junior Stylist and Curl Specialist with two advanced curl certifications. Passionate about curls and healthy hair, she guides her clients through personalized hair journeys, helping them restore and maintain strong hair while enhancing their natural texture. She has a natural talent for shortcuts and works confidently with all lengths and hair textures.
Chandler also offers a full range of color services, including highlights, and is equally skilled with straight hair, silk presses, and twist styling. Known for her calming presence and genuine care, she ensures every client feels comfortable, understood, and supported in achieving their hair goals.
Junior Stylist, Junior Curl Specialist
Chandler
Meet
Thursday and Saturday
available:
Curly cutting, curly highlights, balayage and color, textured hair, short cuts, pixies, silk press and styling
specialties:
Junior Stylists complete a 12-month mentorship under Master Stylists, working side-by-side to develop technical confidence and precision. They may collaborate with Master Stylists during appointments to ensure the highest standard of care.
junior level
SENIOR LEVEL
Senior Stylists have successfully completed all required training and continue to refine their specialties. Their commitment to growth and consistent performance ensures exceptional results for every guest.
Master Stylists are industry leaders who have completed advanced training with nationally recognized educators. With deep specialization and extensive experience, they are in high demand and continually expand their expertise through ongoing education.
MASTER LEVEL
Before exploring our level system, it’s helpful to know that each stylist advances through a structured, education-focused pathway designed to build mastery, confidence, and consistency. This process ensures that every client, regardless of stylist level, receives thoughtful, high-quality care tailored to their needs.
our level system
1. What sets Inspire Salon apart from other salons in the area?
Our modern hair salon combines advanced education, award-winning artistry, and a personalized consultation process to deliver results that feel uniquely you. With clean products and mindful sustainability woven naturally into our work, we maintain a balanced approach that keeps the focus on great hair. This dedication to the client experience has helped us stand out as one of the Best Hair Salons in Ellicott City MD.
2. How does your consultation process work?
We offer a streamlined virtual consultation, via text or email, that provides a personalized price quote and matches you with the ideal stylist before your appointment. This ensures you’re paired with someone who specializes in your hair type and desired results.
3. Do your stylists specialize in certain services?
Yes. Each stylist develops expertise in areas such as color, blonding, cutting, styling, and more. Our level system helps clients choose a stylist whose strengths match their needs, while ensuring every appointment is backed by collaboration and ongoing mentorship.
frequently asked questions
