Purple Circle

Rock band or hair salon? This was the big, life-shaping decision before owner Lynn Hyndman. Before she knew whether her venture was to be a band or a beauty salon, she and her then-business partner and sister knew that they wanted to name it Purple Circle. Of course, we know now that Purple Circle is a hip hair joint on Vermont Avenue, expected to produce well-groomed bangs and multicolored heads of dreads six days a week. After nine years wallowing in a heavy punk-rock vibe, the salon evolved when stylist Andrew Marlin became co-owner and carried out his loft-like New York vision for the space. (Yes, there's exposed brick.) Just about everything has changed—it's no longer two stories and the only remaining purple is on the wall out front paying homage to Purple Circle's roots. As for the other kind of roots, these folks can take care of those, too. Color jobs or a set of newly braided-in hair extensions can mean up to three to seven hours of Purple Circle fun, but the giant bowl of candy and the salon dog, Bullet, help to pass the time. —Lien Ta

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