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This Ohio Hairstylist Brings NYC Vibe to Her Midwestern Salon (Exclusive)
2024-12-13
For the past year, Mia Santiago has been on a remarkable path of self-discovery and professional growth. Her story is a testament to determination and the pursuit of one's dreams.

Transforming Hair Health with Mia Santiago's Scalp Spa

Launching a New Chapter in Columbus

Mia Santiago, a 44-year-old celebrity hairstylist with a rich background, launched her own scalp spa in Columbus, Ohio. Having started her career in New York City working for Sally Hershberger, she saw an opportunity to bring the latest hair innovations to her hometown. "Columbus is a great city, but it often gets things a bit later. I wanted to bring that New York vibe here and offer something unique," she explains.The salon, named Headspace by Mia, is a haven for those seeking to restore their hair's shine and get rid of build-up. Santiago emphasizes the importance of scalp care, stating, "Our scalp is skin, and taking good care of it leads to better hair health. Just like we regularly take care of our skin, we should also pay attention to our scalp."

Services that Pamper the Scalp

The treatments at Headspace by Mia are akin to getting a facial for the head. Santiago's clients often come in looking to address build-up on their scalp, which can cause blockages and lead to issues like dandruff. "We remove all that buildup and reveal a clean, healthy scalp. We use different tools to exfoliate and then offer deep conditioning treatments," she says.Her assistant, Jake Turner, has also played a crucial role. He enrolled in special classes to perfect the scalp services. Santiago herself started her career by working as an assistant for Sally Hershberger in New York in 2008.

From New York to Columbus

Santiago's journey has been filled with ups and downs. After graduating from hair school and moving to New York, she faced challenges at her first job. "I worked at a salon where the people weren't very nice, but I didn't give up. I sent a resume to Sally Hershberger and was eventually hired," she recalls.Over the years, she built a successful career in New York, working with renowned clients. But as life changed with marriage and the birth of her son Silas, now 8, she made the difficult decision to move back to Columbus.

Balancing Bicoastal Life

Santiago now commutes to New York once a month for work and also travels to Los Angeles. Her bicoastal clientele includes celebrities like Ed Sheeran, Mariska Hargitay, Hugh Jackman, and Dove Cameron.She emphasizes the importance of making every client feel beautiful and confident, regardless of their status. "Whether you're a celebrity or someone saving up for a haircut, I want you to leave with that same feeling," she says.In Columbus, Headspace by Mia continues to thrive, offering a unique experience in scalp care and hair health. Mia Santiago's story is a reminder that with passion and perseverance, one can achieve great things.
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