By Trent Modglin

Anthony Valentino Salon for Hair has been a staple in Park Ridge for 23 years — 31 in all. And after sitting outside Harp & Fiddle recently with JoAnn and Vinnie Fosco, the personable husband-and-wife team at the helm, it’s fairly obvious they might just know everyone in town.

Their sleek, contemporary space on Main Street in Uptown is home to a friendly and talented collection of hairstylists, colorists, makeup artists and eyebrow artists who utilize the most current techniques, technology and products to bring out the best in their clients.

Q: What were the first few weeks like following the end of the COVID quarantine?

A: The first few weeks following our reopening on May 29 were very long, busy and rewarding. It was amazing to see everyone again in person, as a team, and reuniting with our clients again. So we kept our doors open seven days a week and 12 hours a day to keep up the with demand.

Q: What have been the biggest challenges for the salon in this COVID world? 

A: The biggest challenge for the salon in the new COVID world has been fixing some of those color corrections and homemade haircuts. (:

We’ve seen generations of families come through our doors over the years. … We treat people who walk through the door like guests in our own house. That’s how it’s always been.

Q: What have you learned after 30 years in the business?

A: What we’ve learned can be summed up as: Happy team + happy clients = happy company. In that order. We’ve seen generations of families come through our doors over the years, and it’s proof of the loyalty we have for our customers and they have for us. We treat people who walk through the door like guests in our own house. That’s how it’s always been.

Q: Do you have any fun promotions going on that people should know about?

A: A fun promotion we have going on right now that has been steady is our “Enjoy $40 off with a friend” referral program. It’s a 20-20 program where the existing client gets $20 off any service for referring Anthony Valentino, and the new customer enjoys $20 off during their first visit.

Q: Give us a few beauty trends you think will be popular in the fall and beyond. 

A: One fall trend haircut we are currently obsessed with is the French bob, which is super cute. Also, an updated version of the shag cut (shorter in the front and a bit longer in the back), which is perfect for those looking for a dramatic, chic change.

Q: Describe your affinity Park Ridge, and vice versa. What do you like most about the area?

A: Park Ridge has been a remarkable city to have a small business in these 23 years and counting. We have been so grateful to Park Ridge for making our salon an institution in Uptown. And we are really happy with what Main Street has become with all our awesome new business neighbors. It’s real nice on this side of the tracks.

Q: Finish this sentence: A visit to Anthony Valentino can…

A: Change you, and your confidence. We see it with just the way people see themselves and carry themselves with their new look.

Anthony Valentino is located at 26 Main Street in Park Ridge. Call 847-318-5577 or visit AVSalonForHair.com to schedule an appointment.