Love & Hair by Kelsey Smart

Feb 05, 2024

Kelsey is the best!! I usually don't know what I need or want, but somehow she does. I always leave feeling confident and relaxed. Kelsey has a very calming and friendly personality. She's gentle on my hair and brows and her energy work is very peaceful!

Feb 05, 2023

After my first appointment with Kelsey I don't think I'll ever trust another person with my hair. She really listened to what I wanted and gave me a cut that truly worked for my hair type. The experience felt really personal- it's very apparent how invested Kelsey is in her clients. I've spent YEARS being so nervous about cuts, but now I am just excited for my next appointment! Could not recommend more.

Feb 05, 2023

Kelsey is a Cedar Rapids native who worked many years in a Manhattan salon honing her skills where she was especially known for hair coloring. I got my first haircut from her after seeing the great work she does with my wife and daughter. I was impressed on how much time she spent assessing my hair and asking questions before coming up with a plan for my hair. It's just a matter of time before her schedule fills up so book now while you still can!

Feb 05, 2022

I met Kelsey several years ago in New York when I was looking for a hair stylist for my wedding. She did such an incredible job, and was such a great person to hang out with, that I went to her later to go blonde from my medium-brown hair. For more than six years now, she has been a good friend and an absolute miracle-worker with my hair. She is great with cuts, styling and has an excellent eye for color. (Is also super-meticulous.) Always, my blonde looks incredibly natural, and even when it grows out it looks fine. I was sad when Kelsey left New York to go to Iowa to start her own salon, but I know she will do well there. My loss is your gain.

Feb 05, 2022

I was a devoted Kelsey patron before she left for New York and I am thrilled she is back in Iowa. She listens and is a true artist! She can expertly cut and highlight my thick, coarse, curly, tendency to frizz auburn hair. What is further amazing is that she can cut my daughter’s thin, blonde hair as well as my other daughter’s thick, ash blonde hair to perfection. She knows hair and listens to what you are envisioning for your look. Don’t hesitate to book, she is amazing. Plus, she is one of the very best people on this planet!

Feb 05, 2022

To say I'm excited for Kelsey to be returning to Iowa would be an understatement. I met Kelsey over 10 years ago when I was sent to her to get dolled up for a photoshoot for the Gazette. She gave me some major eyebrow enlightenment that changed my life forever, and then became my regular stylist and fast friend. Though I understood why she needed to go I was so sad to lose her around a year and a half later when she took off to work in NYC. Over the years I've looked forward to the rare time I get that "kelsey cut" because I know I'm going to feel cute as hell for awhile afterwards! This past summer she made a special trip to Iowa for my wedding, colored my hair, and styled it more beautiful and perfect than I could ever dream of. Not too long after she made the announcement that she was moving back home!! HALLELUJAH! Not only do I have my great friends back but I have my absolute favorite hairstylist back, and I know I am going to be looking GOOD. Actually got to sneak in as her first return hair cut. She helped me decide to lose about 5" and I have been loving it so much. The first few days I styled it cute and it was so easy to make look good, then I got lazy but quickly realized if I literally did nothing and let it air dry, it still looks great!!! She's the kind of stylist that you can come to and know she will be honest with you and tell you what will work and what won't. I definitely had my share of ideas over the years that I'm glad she kindly steered me away from! Do yourself a favor and book her while you can, your fabulous new low maintenance hair will thank you!