Drew Grudowski

Drew is amazing. I love that he gives me honest feedback about my hair and helps me come up with a long term plan for cut and color that will be flattering! He has an amazing eye for style and color. I have been seeing him for years and referring other people to him. I get constant compliments on my hair — even when it is «overdue» to be done. He is a gem; an absolute gem. Oh, and he is fun to talk to and be around (added bonus).

Drew is the epitome of the best. I’ve been going to him now for almost 2 years. I love him. He makes me take chances with my hair that I wouldn’t normally take because I’m too chicken. I come to him with an idea of a cut… then I back out and tell him I can’t do it. Then he reassures me that it will look fabulous and gives me that little push of encouragement I need to take the plunge. And whenever I trust him– he is always right. And that’s just the cut…
With color– I’ve completely given up all control. I no longer even give Drew any direction. There’s no need. I tell him, «Drew, make me pretty» and then I just let him do what he wants. And I always LOVE it. I mean LOOOOOOVE it. It’s the best color I’ve ever had– every single time. That’s pretty impressive especially considering that I’m super duper picky.
He has also helped me keep my hair healthy– especially considering I have some anxiety issues that can make my hair look a little ragged and thin, Drew always knows what to do to help counteract this and make me still feel confident. He’s also recommended awesome shampoos that have completely transformed my hair.
One note: book early, book often. Spots with him fill up fast fast fast– especially evening appointments. I often book at least a month out so don’t wait.

Went to see Drew in the new Studio Elements place in Grandview tonight and if you haven’t gone online to book your appointment yet, you are doing yourself a disservice!
First of all, it’s been more than a year and half since Drew’s been doing my hair (which is a RECORD BREAKING TIME FOR ME) and I have yet to leave his chair without feeling like I have the the most coveted hair in the world. In the last nine or so months I’ve gone from wanting to be super blonde to super dark to wanting bangs and highlights and he’s pulled it off every time.
Second…this new space at Studio Elements is Ah-​maz-​zing! Cross mid-​century modern with cutting edge «hair lab» and there you have it. Super clean lines, a very open feeling and just all around high end looking. You’ll enjoy the space as much as you’ll enjoy your hair after your appointment!

Okay, you know that scene in Sister Act where the nuns take the classic song «I Will Follow Him» and turn it into a song about Jesus? Replace Jesus with Drew and you’ll get a good sense of my enthusiasm.
I’ve followed Drew to two different salons for one reason, the man is gifted when it comes to color. I’ve had my fair share of color disasters, and at a certain point in your life you wake up and realize you shouldn’t leave coloring to the salon students. No! You need to see a professor, a doctor, the master. Drew could write a book on the proper color combination for any hair, and he’s always hip to what’s going to be hot for the season.
Let me be your example. I have accepted the fact that my teenage blond hair has given way to a subtle brown over the last decade. I have done anything and everything to give my ‘do a more youthful look. From bleach blond, to deep reds to a complete all over sandy blond. None of it has looked as natural and appropriate as the treatment Drew has given me. He suggested that we lighten and warm up color for fall. There are some bright blond winks in my hair, but nothing streaky or unnatural.
I don’t want to overshadow Drew’s styling capabilities. He can frame my face the way a skilled photographer frames a photo. Drew works with my hair’s natural quirks (so very wavy) so that I can wear my hair straight or wavy without much fuss on my part.
I don’t care where Drew ends up, I will follow him.

There are two types of hairstylists that I’ve ever encountered: the ones who nervously ask me what I want done, which I never have an answer to, because if I was a hairstylist and knew what a triangle cut or layers meant, I’d do it myself. Then there are the ones who demandingly tell you what they’re going to do, and if you suggest anything on the contrary, get ready for some glares.
Drew Grudowski is a magical third type. He was interested in what I needed, asked and inferred some about my hair, styling and such, and then he had the plan to get me there. Which was good, because I didn’t want to try to fake my way through yet another layers conversation.
Drew is a super friendly rad guy who is fun to talk to while he does your do… but he’s not overbearing like a LOT of hairstylists I’ve had (and, incidentally, like the one in the Salon Lofts space NEXT to him when I was there.
[[[ Quick Non-​Sequitur: These are the conversation we overheard, from adults.
1) «There are 3 levels of laughing in text lingo. lol, which is laugh out loud, then lmao, which is laughing my a-​word off, and rofl, which is rolling on the floor laughing.» «What’s omg?» «Oh my god. But my niece always sends me texts that say „zomg“ and I cant figure out what the „z“ means. Zebra?»
2) «What’s the 4 in iPhone 4g?» «They added another G.» «Wonder what will be the next big phone.» «5 Gs. Maybe 6.»
3) Then they want on to talk about poop for a good 40 minutes. Drew and I had fun mocking them whilst he shampooed ;) ]]]
Anyway, back to Drew. Knows his shit. Made my red hot and red-​ified, worked in some highlights and lowlights, and shaped my head up, all i less time than it’s ever taken anyone else to tackle the bush on top of my head. And he gave a mean head massage when he washed my hair :)
This was my serious «wow» factor of this experience though: So I’ve got some gross eczema on my scalp right now, and it’s flaky and dry and itchy and ew. Sexy, I know. Anyway, he was super not-​grossed-​out and didn’t mock it, but rather recommended a million home remedy options and products, and after he finished foiling my follicles, he grabbed his keys because he was going to drive across Polaris real quick to pick me up some damn shampoo! Who does that?! AWESOME service.
Oh, and his space at Salon Lofts is neat, too. Though I did get lost trying to find it, ’cause I’m an idiot and Google Maps doesn’t understand Polaris. SOOOO if it tells you to turn right on Polaris Parkway and make a giant circle, ignore.
Fancy pants disclosure: Drew did my hair for free, because I am broke, and he is a nice friend of a friend. :)

To me, reputation is everything. After hearing and reading the rave reviews Drew has received at his previous salon, I felt very confident booking a cut and color with him at Salon Lofts.
When I arrived Drew made sure he completely understood what I wanted made some great suggestions. Throughout the appointment, Drew and I had wonderful conversation. He was very attentive, even got me a coffee while my color was processing! The end result was amazing. My hair looks healthy and radiant. My bangs are finally laying the way I have always wanted them to. I’ve been receiving so many compliments from friends and even complete strangers.
I can’t wait for our next appointment! Thank you Drew!

This was my first time going to Drew at Salon Lofts for hair services and I have found my hair stylist for life. He is incredibly talented and poised with his work; a professional in every aspect. This was the first time I decided to color my dark brown hair so naturally, I was very aprehensive. Drew put my mind at ease and gave me subtle low lights that made my hair look radient. He also spruced up my look with layers throughout. It was all very mininmal but the total effect was excellent — Drew successfully made me feel pretty again! Drew is not only a talented stylist but so enjoyable to chat with. He gave me great hair care advice during my visit and taught me how to style it better as well. I highly recommend Drew Grudowski at Salon Lofts and wish you the same great experience I had. Thank you SO much Drew!