When it came to getting a blowout or a fresh haircut, USC students would have to go off campus in search of a salon. But this year, USC Village introduced the surrounding community to a brand-new hair studio aiming to change that. 

Located next to the City Tacos restaurant, The Salon provides a plethora of services, ranging from haircuts to hair extensions, within walking distance of campus.

Some students, such as Saamya Patel, expressed appreciation at the fact that there is now a salon in the Village. Patel, a sophomore majoring in cinema and media studies, said its location is convenient for students with last-minute needs. 

“If [students] are going to a fancy event or going for a party and they would like to get their hair done, it’s just such a convenient location,” Patel said.

Ashley Renee, owner of The Salon, said the idea started when she received a direct message from the USC Village Instagram account in April 2025. She said the message came as a complete shock, an unexpected text message that would change her routine for the next few months.

“I got a DM, actually, from the USC Village and my Instagram,” said Renee. “When this DM came in, I was like, … ‘Is this a scam?’” 

After meeting with the USC Village team, Renee said she felt like she couldn’t pass up an opportunity to be in a place where student life flourished.

“There’s 2,500 kids that live above [the Village] at USC,” Renee said..  “I grew up in Agora Hills, and my dad went to USC … USC grabbed my heart,” Renee said.

eJenn Huang, a freshman majoring in the business of cinematic arts, said she is worried about those who have a specific hair type not getting a hair stylist that can work with it. She said she was worried The Salon isn’t ready to work with hair from different textures and conditions.

“If someone were to hesitate, it’s more so like different hair types,” Huang said. “Do you trust that certain stylist with your hair type?”

Renee said the salon’s stylists will ensure that every hair type will be properly handled. Many of the stylists are bilingual so that they can be as accommodating as possible for their clientele. 

“I’m gonna make sure we have enough skill in here to take care of every type of hair texture, every type of personality out there,” Renee said. 

Renee said that one of her favorite things to do is to get stylists who have just graduated from beauty school, so she can help them grow. 

“I’m considering this place the University of Southern California of hair,” Renee said. “The fun part about the students is you guys come and go, we’re gonna be here.”

The salon has other locations, such as a sister salon in Venice called The Salon Venice. Renee said she is trying to bring the same energy she brings to her shop in Venice to the one at USC Village. 

“I don’t want to be like Supercuts,” Renee said. “I want something that really reflects me, and that is really personal. I try to talk to everyone. If I don’t get to talk to a client, that makes me upset. I’m like, ‘Wait, I didn’t meet you.’”

Currently, the USC Village location has eight stylists ready to provide hair extensions, detailed cuts, hair coloring and many more services for the USC community.

Huang said she hopes the new salon considers integrating student discounts to make services more affordable. 

The salon offers different package deals, including a blowout package consisting of three blowout services per month for $185, according to its website. Bookings are made fully through its website, which directs users to a booking portal where customers can select a stylist and service they prefer — price and availability included.

Renee said the salon is offering early promotions for its first 100 customers, including discounted services and priority booking. 

She said she hopes to earn the trust of her clients and that she strives for the salon to be a place for students to go to, in any mood of the day, where they can find comfort like a therapist, someone to listen to their thoughts while working on their hair.

“I call us hairapists, we’re like therapists with hair. You can just let it all out, ” Renee said. 

Disclaimer: Saamya Patel formerly served as a photographer at the Daily Trojan in Fall 2025. Patel is no longer affiliated with this paper.