At Epic Hair Salon they offer more than just a haircut – it’s a pampering experience. I stepped out of the heat of the Kapaa day and into the cool air-conditioned comfort of Epic and was greeted with warm smiles from the staff. My bedraggled hair was in desperate need of an upgrade, but I didn’t realize how much I also needed the relaxation time – an hour and a half away from work and family obligations – time just for me.
The girls indeed went out of their way to make me feel special. Darci Furtado, the owner of Epic who has been operating the business for over four years, beckoned me to sit in one of the comfortable salon chairs whilst Taryn offered me a hot tea and a magazine. And so the pampering began.
Darci is a highly skilled hairdresser, having completed her extensive training at the Paul Mitchell School in Costa Mesa, Los Angeles. All of the staff at Epic are trained and certified Aveda stylists, who believe in using products that are good for you as well as the environment. Born and bred on Kauai, Darci understands local people and the place but is also very skilled at catering for visitors – especially for weddings. Kauai is a popular wedding destination and the Epic girls specialize in offering unique and fresh bridal styles to cater for all tastes.
Darci says ‘Our ultimate goal is for you to leave having had an Epic experience’, and the girls certainly make a point to have every guest feel comfortable, welcome and relaxed. Each service includes a stress-relieving ritual to bring balance to your day. Darci has a flair for style and a warmth that is second to none. Hairdressing is undoubtedly an art-form, and a good hairdresser will impart a healing effect on the recipient. I certainly experienced this at Epic.
The signature scalp massage that is included in a style is fabulous and deeply relaxing. As I sat back in the comfortable reclining salon chair and gazed at the quote on the wall that reads ‘Be the Change You Wish to See in the World’, my mind began to relax as the massage soothed my head. Then, as I sleepily sauntered over to the styling chair, the haircut itself became a continuation of a dreamy experience. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Time for me, time to be.
Once completed, the cut and style looked beautiful and professionally done - as though I had just stepped out of a Los Angeles salon. Now finding a fancy event worthy of such a style in the town of Kapaa is another story, and I decided to instead show it off to my family at the dinner table at home.
The Epic menu includes a variety of hairstyles, color treatments, bridal packages, waxing and nail treatments. Prices range from a $12 lip wax to $150+ for special occasion hairstyles. Contact 808 823 8111
