Kenneth’s Hair Salons & Day Spas
For nearly five decades, the Kenneth’s team has helped Columbus residents look and feel their best. And they’re just getting started.
When thinking about innovative leaders shaping Columbus, names in education, medicine and technology often come to mind. But what about a hair salon? It might not be the first contender you’d consider for innovation and longevity, yet Kenneth’s Hair Salons and Day Spas has been a market leader in beauty and wellness for nearly 50 years.
Founded in 1977, Kenneth’s has grown into a household name in Central Ohio, offering award-winning hair, skin and spa services. What started as one man’s vision has flourished into 10 thriving locations—and more excitement is on the horizon.
A Vision Ahead of Its Time
Kenneth Anders, the founder of Kenneth’s, saw an opportunity to break away from the outdated “weekly wash-and-set” salon model. He was inspired by the precision cutting techniques made famous by icons like Vidal Sassoon and believed clients would embrace more personalized, modern hair care. But not everyone was convinced.
“I was initially discouraged from going in this direction,” Anders recalls. “One of my mentors told me this was a fad, that no one would ever want to do their own hair. I’m glad I didn’t listen.”
That leap of faith set Kenneth’s on a path of continuous growth and reinvention. Over the years, the salon has introduced industry-leading services, setting trends rather than following them. And it didn’t stop at hairstyling—Kenneth’s has been a pioneer in spa services, product innovation and even medical beauty treatments in Columbus.
Education as the Foundation for Success
Growing a salon business at this scale takes more than a great idea—it requires a team that shares the vision. From the beginning, Anders recognized education would be the cornerstone of Kenneth’s success.
“At the start of my career, I was embarrassed by my own work because there was no advanced training available,” Anders admits. “I quickly realized education was the key to success, and I wanted to create opportunities for others to grow.”
This commitment to education led to the creation of Kenneth’s Academy, located in the same building as the original Kenneth’s Hair Salon on Reed Road. The academy provides proprietary training programs for every role within the company, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience for clients.
The academy concept evolved from Kenneth & Company, a nationally recognized team of educators who traveled to industry events, learning the latest trends and techniques. Their mission was to bring that knowledge back to Columbus, making sure Kenneth’s stylists stayed ahead of the curve.
Innovating in Beauty and Wellness
Kenneth’s has always been at the forefront of beauty innovation. The salon introduced indoor tanning to Columbus in the early 1980s, launched a line of high-quality hair and skincare products in the 1990s, and debuted one of the city’s first day spas in 1996.
Not stopping there, Kenneth’s partnered with a team of local doctors to establish one of Columbus’ first med spas, offering advanced aesthetic treatments beyond traditional salon services. This move reinforced the company’s belief that beauty isn’t just about occasional pampering—it’s about long-term self-care and confidence.
And the innovation continues. This spring, Kenneth’s will unveil its newest concepts at its Polaris location, followed by a major expansion in fall 2025 at Truepointe in Hilliard. These additions will bring cutting-edge beauty and wellness services to even more Columbus clients.
A Salon Owned by Its People
One of the most unique aspects of Kenneth’s isn’t just what they do—it’s how they do it. In 2007, Anders made a groundbreaking decision: he sold the company to his employees through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
This means that every client who walks through Kenneth’s doors isn’t just supporting a salon—they’re supporting local business owners. Unlike most salons, where profits go to a single owner or corporation, Kenneth’s success is shared among its employees, ensuring financial security and career longevity in an industry where that’s rare.
The Future of Kenneth’s
Kenneth’s Hair Salons and Day Spas isn’t just about beauty—it’s about community, innovation and empowering its people. For nearly five decades, the Kenneth’s team has helped Columbus residents look and feel their best.And the most exciting part is they’re just getting started.
Whether you’ve been a longtime client or are considering your first visit, Kenneth’s stands by its belief that “Everyone Deserves to Feel Beautiful.”
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