The best salons & beauty spots in Cortland

If you want no-fuss cuts, crisp color, or a throwback perm done by folks who actually listen, Salon Salon 309 Enterprises, LLC keeps it classic with foil highlighting and friendly pros. Appointments are recommended, though walk-ins are welcome if available, which is handy when your bangs stage a rebellion.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, October 20, 2026

Ithaca Wax & Beauty Therapy is a go-to for expert Brazilian and full body waxing, custom spray tans, and facials in a private, judgment-free studio. Licensed since 2016, they use premium soft and hard wax, never double dip, and twice won Finger Lakes Favorites for Best Hair Removal and Best Tanning in 2024 and 2025.

Ithaca Piercing & Tattoo keeps it simple with easy online piercing bookings, clear aftercare guides, and artist portfolios so you can vibe-check the work before you commit. They also outline piercings for minors, which makes planning with parents way less awkward for Lansing folks.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, October 13, 2026

Changes Cutting Studio is that rare salon where a 45-minute haircut actually means conversation, thoughtful shaping, and zero cookie-cutter vibes. Expect Aveda-focused care, a loft with floor-to-ceiling windows and rotating local art, plus stylists who listen so your hair looks like you... only better.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, October 18, 2026

Community Corners Barber Shop delivers classic or modern cuts, tidy beard trims, and kid cuts with a neighborly vibe from Al and Mike. Fair prices and that old-school community feel make it an easy go-to when your hair starts freelancing and you want to look sharp without the production.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, October 8, 2026

Whether your skin needs a stress-melting facial, serious corrective care, or lash and brow finesse, Elysian Beauty delivers customized treatments with licensed esthetician Julia Picciano’s honest, no-pressure approach. A quiet, luxe spot in Homer where you can relax, recharge, and walk out actually seeing a difference.

From the Homer newsletter, October 5, 2026

When you want your hair to feel as good as it looks, Luna Love Holistic Hair Studio leans into plant-based products and a serene, holistic touch. They focus on natural, healthy hair, and the whole experience is designed to actually help your nervous system take a deep breath.

From the Ithaca newsletter, October 5, 2026

If you like your trims with a little privacy, Shear Style has private booths, pleasant music, and seasoned stylists, some with 30-plus years of experience. Expect solid, skill-first cuts and color at reasonable prices, the kind of reliable Ithaca spot locals lean on when they want it done right.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, October 11, 2026

From precise cuts to personalized color, The Mane Event is a unisex spot for men, women and kids that locals rely on for hair that behaves. The seasoned stylists actually listen, use trusted lines like Lanza, AG, Framesi, Surface and Fairytales, and can tackle nails and facial waxing while you plan the week.

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 28, 2026

If you want hair that behaves in the morning and still turns heads at dinner, Resistance Salon is a complete studio for hair in Ithaca that keeps it simple and stylish. It's an easy go-to when your look needs a reset, tune-up, or just better vibes.

From the Lansing newsletter, October 3, 2026

Chain retailer with beauty products including makeup & skincare (plus some kiosks & Brow Bars).

Retro barber shop & store stocking modern apparel, gifts & accessories for men & women.

Roots Hair Salon leans into that be-authentic energy, the kind where raw beauty comes first and pretty hair is just a bonus. If you want a friendly chair, some laughter, and a low-stress refresh that still feels like you, this Cortland spot delivers.

From the Cortland newsletter, October 20, 2026

Looking for a no-fuss refresh? Gio's Barber Shop is a modern spot in Cortland built for today's gentleman of leisure, with straightforward barber services and easy online booking that actually respects your time. If your mop needs manners, this is the chair to sit in.

From the Homer newsletter, October 10, 2026

If you want the kind of salon that feels friendly the second you walk in, Hair Studio 90 in Cortland leans into that small town vibe, works as a team on your hair goals, and offers hair extensions, plus a gallery so you can peek the results before you commit.

From the Homer newsletter, October 7, 2026

OCM Boces helps neighbors actually get stuff done, from full-time certification and part-time classes to ESL and earning your free high school diploma, plus a new hands-on Veterinary Science program launched August 27, 2026. If you want practical training with people who know the local scene, this crew delivers.

From the Homer newsletter, October 24, 2026

Whether you're after a quick tidy or full glow up, Sky Nails delivers careful manicures and pedicures, gel, dip, or acrylic enhancements, plus custom nail art that actually holds up in a clean, calm space. Add waxing or an exfoliating scrub with massage, then leave polished, relaxed, and slightly unstoppable.

From the Homer newsletter, October 24, 2026

Angelo's Barber Shop is the kind of Cortland standby where you get a clean cut, a real fade, and the latest neighborhood news. Angelo’s been at it for 50 years, and together he and Benita handle cuts, color, fades, and perms, so your whole crew is set.

From the Cortland newsletter, October 23, 2026

Kallos Body Bar takes a mind, body, style approach with facials, HydraFacial, RF microneedling, Botox and fillers, plus salon cuts, color and extensions using Eminence Organics.

From the Homer newsletter, October 4, 2026

If you care about sharp lines and a barber who actually listens, Crown City Barber Shop brings Cortland precision cuts and tailored grooming with a modern, cozy feel. Master barbers like Gioacchino Melice can match a photo, fine tune details, even carve designs that actually look intentional.

From the Cortland newsletter, October 14, 2026

Skip the mascara spiral and let Serenity's Beautique handle the glam. From classic to mega volume lash extensions, precise brow lamination and shaping, plus waxing from underarms to full Brazilian, they’re pros at clean, comfy, long-lasting results... perfect for looking put together even on Wegmans runs.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, October 24, 2026

If your mascara is ghosting you by lunchtime, Kissed by Korrin builds custom lash looks that actually last, from whisper-natural to full-on glam. Perfect for Finger Lakes weekdays when you want to look awake for school drop-off, patio nights, and everything in between.

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 27, 2026

Julie A Stone Salon brings big city chops to the Commons with custom color, haircuts, and blowouts that actually hold, plus keratin smoothing and wig styling. Seasoned stylists tailor everything to you, so from strategic highlights to a root refresh, expect everyday hair that feels a little more main-character.

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 7, 2026

Chain with a diverse selection of cosmetics & other beauty products, plus on-site salon services.

in a good way. Known for vivid color, smart corrective work, and a welcoming, creative crowd, they were voted Best of Ithaca in 2023 and 2024.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, September 19, 2026

Whether your morning routine needs fewer steps or your brows need a ceasefire with the tweezers, Beauty Lab is the lash and brow-focused co-op in town for precise shaping, effortless lash lifts, and body waxing. Highly educated artists blend cutting-edge beauty science with refined style so you leave feeling polished.

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 19, 2026

If your curls or locs need a reset, Hanunah’s Hair Salon in Ithaca turns out clean braids, seamless weaves, and meticulous loc maintenance, plus they stock quality braiding hair so you don’t have to hunt around. Book a slot, walk out feeling put together for the week.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 30, 2026

Skip the morning scramble this week. Ithaca Permanent Makeup does microblading and nano brows, powder or ombre brows, permanent eyeliner with lash enhancement, lip blushing, plus saline tattoo removal, so you can reclaim a little weekday calm and still look awake.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 25, 2026

Cosmetics chain offering brand-name beauty products & supplies, including salon equipment.

If you’ve been missing 410 Salon and Skin Care, Beauty Box Ithaca is the next chapter across from Ithaca Bakery, bringing the same attentive salon and skin care vibe locals loved. Quick, friendly, and fuss free, it’s an easy pick when you need a refresh, because mirror pep talks only go so far.

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 9, 2026

Whether you want a comfortable Brazilian, a premium lash lift or brow lamination, or pro bridal makeup, Juju Beauty is a local go-to. Run by a NYS licensed esthetician with a decade of experience, it's meticulous, spotless, and all about giving you confident, low-fuss mornings.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, September 13, 2026

Need a trim, color refresh, or a full glow-up, Satori Salon keeps Ithaca looking sharp with expert cuts, blonding, and spa touches like facials, natural nails, and waxing. They’ve been doing it for over 20 years, invest in stylists like Zoe, support Women Swimmin’, and keep the space lively with rotating local art.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 22, 2026

Hare and Bristle is a cozy, one-on-one studio where creative color, gray blending, and custom cuts actually feel personal, not rushed. Tucked downtown since 2017, it’s the low-key hair reset your week needs, equal parts relaxing and inspired.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 18, 2026

Time for a shape-up this week that feels like a mini-vacation. The Ivy Beauty Lounge leans into continuing education, teamwork, and seriously relaxing vibes, so you get a sharp cut or color that actually suits your life... and if you’re feeling extra, their permanent jewelry adds a little sparkle.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 11, 2026

If your morning mirror routine needs a mercy rule, SHI Cosmetics & Co specializes in powder brows and microblading that look natural and stay put.

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 22, 2026

Transcend Salon blends skill, artistry, and continuing education with organic, eco-conscious products to deliver color, highlights, balayage, perms, keratin smoothing, and cuts that feel authentically you.

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 14, 2026