AZURE HAIR STUDIO

1519 W. Grove St., Boise, 333-0303

www.azurehairstudio.com

Azure Hair Studio is just a baby, having set up shop less than a year ago in Downtown Boise. That’s right, it opened in July of 2011. So to snag the No. 1 spot is nothing short of impressive.

So what has given Azure the edge? Sure, extensive marketing and networking played a role, but it’s more of a supporting role, with the important reasons being ambience, service and experience.

The studio has a contemporary vibe — very white, simple and clean, with windows lining the front. And more important, the stylists are experienced — many of them with 10-plus years under their belts. And if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, the free parking surely will. No more scurrying out in your hair foils or shower-capped, color-treated head to feed the meter. Wahoo!

With its fast-paced reputation only gaining momentum, even Pauly D would trust them with his precious, infamous blow-out. “Yeah buddy!”

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Two Rivers Salon and Spa, 661 S. Rivershore Lane, Suite 100, Eagle, 938-9060, http://tworiversspa.com

• Graeber & Co., 350 N. 9th St., Suite 103, Boise, 343-4915, www.graeberandcompany.com

• Panache Salon and Spa, 1115 N. Cole Road, Boise, 377-3300, www.panachespaboise.com (second location opening in Eagle this summer)

• DV8, 1025 W. Main St., Boise, 342-1003, www.dv8salonboise.com