UPDATE 5/7/18: A number of Cincinnati area salons will now hor Identity gift cards for 50% of their face value. Scroll down to see participating hair salons.
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Back in the big-haired 1980s, long before there was a Mitchell's Salon and Day Spa in Cincinnati, Tri-State women would go to Linda Cooper's Identity for their monthly perm and color.
Men who looked like they were members of the band Journey would make appointments for their perm and mustache trim as well.
The salon, which in its heydey used to be located next to Toys "R" Us in Kenwood, was known for its bright lighting, brass and glass.
It actually began life in 1979 on Beechmont Avenue, moving in the 80's to its most recent location, and making its big expansion into Kenwood around the same time.
But that heyday, like those big hair days, is long gone, and the Beechmont location looked like something left over from the 1990's.
The Kenwood location moved, then closed a little over a year ago. And now the Beechmont salon and spa is closed too.
Closes with no notice
Customers tell us the Anderson Township salon locked its doors Saturday, without any notice, and leaving several customers with unused $100 gift cards. Some customers had prepaid hundreds of dollars for laser hair removal.
They are unable to get any answers, as the salon is shut, and the phone just goes to voice mail.
Some employees posted on Facebook that they learned with little warning that they were out of jobs. Some had worked for the salon for 20 years or more.
Owner Linda Cooper Polasky has not responded to our emails or calls to her Cincinnati or Naples, Florida homes.
She has sent an email of apology to customers (see below), but has not said anything about gift cards. Some clients are holding worthless $300 gift cards and prepaid laser treatment cards.
However, Christopher Marcus at the Madison, formerly Phyllis at the Madison, has offered to honor 50% of any Identity gift cards.
Alba Beauty Salon in Oakley will honor gift cards at 50%.
Attitudes Salon in Mt Carmel will honor gift cards up to $50 for 50% of their value.
Personal Touch in Lawrenceburg, Indiana will honor gift cards at 50&.
As always, don't waste your money.
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EMAIL STATEMENT FROM IDENTITY OWNER:
Dear loyal clients and friends,
Identity Hair Salons has been serving greater Cincinnati
for over 50 years. It is with the saddest hearts that as
of May 1, 2018 Identity Hair Salons will close it's doors
permanently. Yet it is with greatest hope that your
memories will be fond.
We are sorry for any inconvienience this may cause
many of you.
Sincerely and Regretfully,
Linda Polasky
Pres. Identity Hair Salons
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