Beauty Launchpad is spotlighting the winners of its Top 20 Salons contest for 2025! Sponsored by Wella Professionals, this contest spotlights innovative and unique salons that go above and beyond to provide stellar experiences for their clients and opportunities for growth for their hair pros.
Here, Natalie Kaule (@honeybodnar) welcomes us to XO SALON in Pittsburgh, PA, established in January 2017.
Q&A with Salon Owner
XO SALON interiorCourtesy of XO SALON
Natalie Kaule (NK): To be honest, I was never looking to run a salon for myself. It kind of all just fell into my lap. I lived in the area where the salon is located for a while, and the previous owners (the salon had a previous name as well), were my neighbors. They were looking to retire, so they reached out to me. My stepfather (who I owe all the thanks to) told me to take the leap, so I did. He helped me through everything and made a believer out of myself. I never thought I would be where I would be today, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities that have led me here.
BLP: What is the overall aesthetic of your salon? What inspired you when designing the space?
NK: The salon actually had multiple faces and multiple personalities so to speak. At this point, she’s been living her best life truly vibing off my own inner personas for about four years now. The salon is decorated with retro-inspired wallpaper, one of a kind artwork pieces from dear friends of mine, skateboards from my husband, plants and ratan furniture and knick knacks to create a funky, unique feeling. It’s quite a small space, so it’s kind of fun trying to figure out a good balance of not overdoing it, while also being a maximalist lover. What honestly inspired me was just my love for color and music. Music really drives the whole salon.
BLP: What services do you provide your clients? Are any of these services signature and/or exclusive to your salon?
NK: We pride ourselves in our color services for sure — mainly dimensional color and blonding, and some stylists enjoy a good rainbow.
BLP: What products are used/retailed in your salon? Do you have a personal favorite? 
XO SALON product wallCourtesy of XO SALON
NK: We are exclusively a R&Co salon! We’re obsessed with everything, but right now I’d have to say our collective favorite might be either Candy Stripe or Centerpiece. Centerpiece to me just makes the hair so dang silky and hydrated — not to mention how amazing it smells!
BLP: What makes your salon unique and stand out?
NK: I think our salon stands out so much because of the no-bs you get when you’re hanging with us. Everyone is welcome — we laugh; we cry; we don’t talk about other salons; we mind our own business; we are real to the core; we play the best music all the time; we’re relatable; we all have different personalities, styles and backgrounds; we have SNACKS on deck at all times; we care about people and we have fun.
BLP: What takeaway do you hope clients have after a visit at your salon?
NK: When a client leaves the salon, I hope they feel like there was a connection made at their appointment. I hope they leave and say “Wow, I feel f*cking awesome! That was a rad time.” I obviously hope they love their hair, but really it’s more than that. We’re a family here, and we are here to make you feel special, cared for and loved!
XO SALON teamCourtesy of XO SALON
NK: GO FOR IT. Never stop. Stay true to who you are, and don’t think you have to follow any rules to create the salon environment that you want. People will come back to you for keeping it real.
BLP: What changes do you want to see in the industry to help salon owners and hairstylists working in salons grow and thrive?
NK: I'd like to see less competition and more community throughout local salons. Be yourselves! We’re all in this together.
BLP: What’s next for your salon? Do you have any goals for 2025?
NK: Rounding the corner into our eighth year, I think the goal is to keep growing. I don’t have anything in specific. Getting education in is always important for us. Spending more time outside the salon together is also something we don’t get to do often, so that’s definitely up there. Last but not least, I do have a project for our “color/break” room. I’d like to have that done before we turn 10!
Follow the Salon:
Website: www.xosalonpgh.com
Instagram: @xosalon_pgh
