Salon Alvarez by Markfrank is coming up on its one-year anniversary this June at Solon Square Shopping Center, but they are definitely not newcomers to the salon business. 

John and Tony Alvarez are co-owners of the full-service salon, which is connected to the family-owned MarkFrank beauty salon started by their father, Frank Alvarez, nearly 60 years ago in University Heights.  Their services include haircuts, styling, color, and permanents to women, men and children.  The technicians also offer manicure, pedicure and waxing services to their customers. 

While some may believe that the hair care and personal grooming industry is recession-proof — everyone needs a haircut at some point — the brothers were still a bit anxious about the opening last summer.             

“People thought we were a little crazy, but the timing turned out to our advantage because the shopping center was very motivated to fill the empty space,” said John Alvarez, who mainly works the appointment desk and greets customers, while Tony does hair and manages the 10 other stylists.

“We also had a good reputation from our former Markfrank salon across the street, so we were confident that our clientele would follow us to our new place,” he adds.  

That being said, John Alvarez said they have to constantly build on their existing client base by offering unique, up-to-date products and services, catering to customers in a welcoming environment, and connecting with the neighborhood. 

“Giving back to the community is not only important to our business, but to me personally as well,” he said.  John is a Solon resident with two children in the Solon school system. “That’s why we started the “Comet Cut.”

With each Solon student haircut, Salon Alvarez contributes a portion of the cost to different areas of the Solon City Schools including the Academic Boosters, Athletic Boosters, Music Parents and drama clubs.

“The Comet Cut is a great way to get kids and their parents into the salon while contributing to the community at the same time,” says Alvarez. 

No matter what the economic climate, people need professionals to have their hair make a good impression, and Salon Alvarez by Markfrank hopes to do the job in Solon for years to come.