The Downtown Beat by Nina Welch

Located in the 100 block of Del Mar, In the Curl Salon not only offers blowdry and style, but also a luxury barber and shave service. Believe it or not, life coaching is on the menu as well.

This unique shop is owned and run by Ingrin Currie and her two daughters, Maia and Hannah. All three ladies have their cosmetology licenses plus Hannah is a licensed barber, and Ingrin was a make-up artist in film.

When entering this intimate salon, Hollywood glam is the theme. French music plays softly in the background, and mini crystal-drop chandeliers grace the ceiling. Ingrin pointed out the shampoo chairs, which appear to be of the fainting couch era. These shampoo lounges are vintage dental chairs. Customers always comment how comfortable they are; especially knowing one is getting a shampoo rather than a root canal. 

The signature service at In the Curl is a shampoo and blowdry style. Ingrin specializes in curly cuts, which is a special technique for cutting curly, wavy or coily hair. 

Clients love to get pampered for special events such as weddings, Christmas parties, girls-night-out, New Year’s Eve, winter formals, proms, military balls, and corporate events. The service includes anything from up-dos, make-up, or down-dos and even braids. 

Ingrin’s grandfather was a barber and her grandmother a beautician so she and her daughters come by this profession naturally. Ingrin wanted to bring back a modern version of weekly shampoo and set that her grandmother made her living performing in the 60s. 

The décor includes a barber chair from 1965, and a genuine barber pole behind Hannah’s station. The old-fashioned barber service includes straight razor shaves, beard trims, beard shaping, neckline shaves, and, of course, custom haircuts. 

Ingrin earned a Masters Degree in Positive Change and Organizational Development, and worked as a life coach for ten years. She uses this skill to offer Positive Change Life Coaching as one of the services in the salon.

All three ladies are San Clemente locals and graduated from San Clemente High School. Maia is an artist, a singer, and a songwriter. She and her sister, Hannah, have performed at a variety of events. 

“Our main goal is to make our clients feel pampered. It gives me joy to know I made someone feel special,” says Ingrin.

Website: www.inthecurlsalon.com. Hours: Wednesday-Saturday: 10am-5pm, otherwise by appointment. Military and senior discounts are available.