Denny Kemp Salon and Spa

This review is specifically for nails. I had decided to give Denny Kemp a try after not falling in love with my experience at Haus Salon (see review).
When calling to schedule the appointment, the front desk staff was very friendly. I had to change the appointment a few times, and they were always accommodating. I think the one thing missing was once they realized I was a new client, no one asked me if I knew about the parking lot that is across Central (which is free), and no one offered information about parking (meters that are only 2 hours). I am used to being able to walk or park in an adjacent lot for my previous nail place (the person is now retired), and it slipped my mind to ask about parking.
Denny Kemp is a very large and busy salon. When I checked in, I asked if my appointment was longer than 2 hours since I had parked at a 2 hour meter. The person said yes, but then did not venture to ask, «Would you like us to watch your meter? We can fill it for you,» etc. So then I stated, «I’ll need to pop out to fill the meter.» Only until I said that did the guy say, «Oh, we can fill the meter for you.» A caveat is that this would be added to your bill at the end, which is good to note since some salons will fill your meter for you for no charge. When checking in, no mention was made of the parking lot.
Once checked in, I was led back to the nail area, which felt a little like the atrium of a large and modern house. Jen is their main nail person (not to be confused with Jen the esthetician). I think at the moment there is another stylist who also does nails who is helping her out with their increased number of clients.
The pedicure was great. I liked the shaping, and boy did Jen get a lot of skin off the bottoms of my feet! (It had been 2 months since my last pedicure.) She had my favorite red (OPI Big Apple).
I also was in to get gel nails. Fortunately, Denny Kemp uses LED curing. I found out that Jen does buy her own collection of Gelish polishes, while the salon stocks CND Shellac. So, if you are picky about your gel polish, I would see Jen (and not the other gal, who uses what the salon has in stock). I was a little confused as to why the salon not stock Gelish, but it wasn’t a huge deal for me. I requested a french manicure, and Jen made sure to pick out an opaque white. The bottle looked a little old, but I said that was fine. Jen noted that if there were any issues that I should come back, so she could fix it. I appreciated that. Her attention to detail to my cuticles (which are always rough), and to the precision of the french manicure were great. It was very close to what I was used to with my former beloved nail person.
My one issue is that the price for a gel manicure is $ 60, not including a $ 5 for soak-​off. That would be 30% more what I was paying at my former nail place (located in the North Loop at a high end salon). I have been getting my nails done for 12 years and am well-​versed in what one should do, so I am happy to put cotton balls and acetone wrapped with foil to soak off my own nails rather than pay an extra $ 5 for someone else to do the same. But I’m sure that decision is made by management and not Jen. In my mind though, if I’m paying 30% more, I expect the outcome to match and hopefully exceed the great work my former nail person did.
I left the nail area happy. When checking out, the person asked, «So is there a 50 cent add on for parking?» I replied, «I think so if the person actually filled the meter.» I just thought it was an odd question to ask — either you filled the meter and state that it would be an add on or you didn’t (and I’d have a lovely ticket on my car). I checked out, and thankfully the meter was filled.
The gels did well for about a week. The white did fade a bit, but I just did not have time to get back to Denny Kemp to have Jen redo them. More disappointing was that my pedicure chipped on the big toe two days later (and my feet were not shoved into shoes after the pedicure or put through any undue stress that would affect the polish). I thought about going back to get the toe fixed, but I decided I’d just get a bottle and fix it myself.
Overall, I would go back to Jen for her pedicures. I’m a little undecided on whether I would get gels again given the higher prices. The front desk did not wow me, but they weren’t bad enough for me to never go there again.

I was fortunate enough to have been pampered by a new talent straight out of NYC named Kevin. Kevin lifted my base color, added in several gorgeous shades of highlights and lowlights, and hand painted bright blond accents to frame my face perfectly. As if that was not enough… he shaped up my layers and blended my bangs with some fringe masterfully. He is an excellent addition to Denny Kemp. My color and cut are now 6 weeks old… and still look excellent. I get compliments daily, and honestly cannot recommend this bright star named Kevin any higher. Book an appointment with him now, before you have to get on a wait list, as my new best kept beauty secret is now yours, as I believe it is time for him to shine. Welcome to Minneapolis Kevin. Thank you for making me feel beautiful.

Very much like it there. I’ve gone for years to the Northeast location. My favorite part of it though is that my hairdresser did such a great job. Which was always very difficult for me to find.
They lose a point because as a consistent client, I would have thought it to be professional for them to contact me and others when my hairdresser moved away. When I asked for a new recommendation, they suggested someone that turns out does not have a good reputation — this was disappointing.
Recommendation to them — the front desk never offers to make the next appointment. They’d probably get more frequent appointments if they did.
I always thought that my haircuts were worth the price. They were efficient and very well done. Everyone is professional. My brother has very crazy curly hair, the best haircuts I’ve ever seen him get are from there. If you like warm/​spa-​like vibe, you may want to go elsewhere.

Love the atmosphere and hospitality. Daniel did an awesome job with my highlights and hair cut. It looks great! I would recommend this salon to anyone in Minneapolis.

I have been seeing Justin Waltenberg for the past several years and I absolutely love his work. He always gives me the most amazing haircuts, even when my hair is short. I do not have to say much to him and he just does his amazing work. He has a cool flare and style to him as well. Have never been disappointed with his work. He is an amazing stylist. I would highly recommend him if you are looking for change and style. Keep up the good work, Justin! :)

I started coming to Denny Kemp for facials prior to my wedding. Jen M is amazing and I can’t believe how great my skin looked for the big day. I continue to go to Jen M for facials and can’t recommend her enough. My wedding party, mothers and myself came here for wedding hair and make up too. We had so much fun and the staff was fantastic. Jen M did my make up, Jen T did my nails and Jodi did my hair. Their care and attention to detail could not have been better. Our photographer also shared that it was a cool place to photograph too.

I’m new to the area and after trying a couple places around town that I wasn’t fully satisfied with, I came across a groupon to try Denny Kemp for a cut, highlights, and deep conditioning treatment. It was GREAT! I saw Nicole, who’s really one of the best stylists I’ve ever seen — stylish, has lots of experience, and really listened to my hair concerns. The cut was great and has grown out nicely (I’m trying to grow out layers as well as grow my hair longer). I wanted to change the styling of my bangs and Nicole did a great job cutting them perfectly. I’ve had my bangs messed up so many things that this alone sold me! The deep conditioning treatment was amazing, and I truly think it made my hair healthier. The highlights are also great, they’re holding up well months later, are subtle and soft but very pretty and well blended.
The salon itself is large, absolutely gorgeous, and very trendy. Lots of stylish people.
The only reason I didn’t give it a full 5 stars is 1. I think the salon is a little pretentious and 2. they charge for bang trims, when most stylists will do it for free in between visits.
I’ll continue seeing Nicole and trusting her with all my hair needs!

I have never been this obsessed with my salon experience — all thanks to Lauren! If you’re looking for CONSISTENT QUALITY in cut, color, treatments, tints, consultation, etc. book with Lauren!
Lauren is truly a hidden gem. She takes time to consult EACH visit and actually asks for candid feedback and means it! I am very particular with color/​tone and she continues to adjust the mixes as needed so it’s perfect every time. Lauren listens in a way that makes me feel understood and comfortable. Her suggestions are always spot on and therefore, I trust her completely — which usually takes a lot longer for me.
My hair is «unruly» at best; there’s a ton of it, oily and dry in different places, with uneven texture and frizz/​breakage. Quality products are a MUST (Denny Kemp carries phenomenal product lines for hair/​skin/​etc), but learning which ones are best and how to use them is an awful and expensive trial and error process. Lauren has NEVER pushed any product or service on me. Instead, she explains what she is doing throughout the experience and why so if I’m interested, I can replicate at home. I ask a ton of questions, especially when it comes to product, and Lauren almost always answers off the top of her head. She has used just as many products as I have and is extremely knowledgeable about so many product lines and techniques.
BIG PLUS: Lauren has never rushed me or taken a «short cut» by leaving my hair wet or partially diffused vs. blow out… my hair takes forever to dry straight, but she does it beautifully every time! That service is worth the $ by itself.
I finally have soft, shiny, weightless hair that I’m actually proud of!!! Thanks Lauren :)

This salon went out of their way to accommodate a hospital patient with limited time at a last minute request for appointment. Thanks to Cody, Steven, and the other stylist, who fit us into their busy day. Hair was originally a mess, but they made her gorgeous. The facility is huge and artsy. We loved it. Thanks Danny Kemp Salon !

Fantastic. French bikini with Jen — she was quick, professional, thorough and sooo nice. I could not have felt more comfortable. Possibly my best experience getting waxed yet! I will be back!

Jen is a waxing Queen! I see her for bikini waxing, and by far this is the cleanest and most thorough wax I’ve ever had. Plus she is super friendly and truly cares about her clients. Don’t waste time going any place else!

Finally! A friendly, unpretentious funky cool salon/​spa. Took a chance on Ethan after telling the receptionist what I was looking for. He was super friendly, consulted, listened, confirmed my needs and executed perfectly. Joy! Can’t wait to return.

This was the one & only groupon I’ve utilized. Was a few mins late because my iphone map took me in the wrong direction… a few blocks too east. Was greeted cooly as I checked in — was informed promptly by the massage therapist that she would be deducting five mins from my session because of my tardiness. Not a good first impression; however, her massage was tremendous.
Location is central & easy to get to. Love me some NE.

A friend recommended Denny Kemp Salon to me this winter. I am now a huge fan of this place.
Steven meticulously perfected a challenging hair style that I showed him on google images. He’s off-​the-​charts-​serious about his work.

I was in need of a last minute blow out and amazingly enough they were able to get me in. Steven took excellent care of my locks. I got a shampoo and then he thoroughly dried my hair. He took his time, blowing out each layer and giving me all the volume I wanted. It was amazing! My hair looked great all night and even the next day. The best part is the ‘do was even less expensive than those «blow dry bars» that are popping up all over town. Next time you’re in need– head to Denny Kemp and ask for Steven! You will not be disappointed.

Woohoo! Definitely as good as it gets.
After being out of the country for 15 months, I needed some primping, so I came here for some hair removal on my lady parts. Jen is amazing.
Getting a Brazilian is no easy business, and let’s get real, it’s awkward and uncomfortable for anyone no matter how many times you’ve had it done. She’s quick, efficient, and makes you feel right at home. I went with a friend who enjoyed some complimentary tea and coffee in the waiting room while waiting for her turn. We were both in and out within 40 minutes.
Didn’t get anything else done in the salon, but I can say it looked nice and clean with some really sweet decorations scattered throughout the place. I’ll have to stop by for other services, but I highly recommend coming here and asking for Jen if you’re looking for hair removal on your hoo-​ha. We also received complimentary hugs from her when upon departure! Who wouldn’t want free hugs?

I went to see Jody today and I can’t say enough great things. I have gone through so many hair colorists that to finally find someone that is knowledgeable and skilled is just so fabulous. Truly she came up with something gorgeous — I LOVE my hair. She’s quick and no fuss, which is exactly what I want. That shouldn’t come off as me saying that she’s not friendly or warm — she is, but she doesn’t sit around and BS. She’s a busy lady and it appears that she is dedicated to making sure her clients are happy when they leave her chair.
I also had my hair cut — and I LOVE it right now. (I am going to call back and get his name, because I forget off the top of my head) But he was charming, and listed to what I wanted and styled my hair fabulously. I am curious to see what my hair looks like tomorrow when I have to style it myself and the humidity sets in (I have wavy locks), and that will really determine how awesome he is.
One of my most favorite things about the salon is the hair washing stations. You don’t have this awkward uncomfortable seat — you lay down… I know that sounds a little strange, but it is way more comfortable and I think it must be easier for the stylists because it’s much easier to clean at the base of your neck. I have no terrible water run down my back here ever which is just so awesome! :)
A note about products: If you can afford Kerastace — go for it. It is truly the best shampoo/​conditioner that i have ever used and I will never ever go back, despite the higher price tag. Everyone I have encountered at the salon knows about the products and can suggest something for your hair type.

SHE:
Coley cut my hair a few weeks ago and it’s growing out perfectly. Damn it, now I am anxious about moving away and not finding someone who can cut hair this well.
&
HIM:
Coley made my boyfriend look like a supermodel.
And my boyfriend didn’t even know what cut he wanted. He has been getting compliments and eyebrow flashes from men & women of legal age everywhere in the Twin Cities.
Damn, Coley, thanks.

I’m a hair freak and am super picky about my hair cuts. I came here because my friend had just gone, and my hair was long overdue for a cut. She said she liked what she had done, and recommended it. I trusted her because she is also very picky when it comes to who cuts her hair. although maybe not as picky as me!
I would like to say, I never knew how to get in (I drive by this place every single day) haha, so I went to the side door and they all looked at me weird.
I saw tyler, and when I came in I was the only one in the shop. He offered to take my coat and asked if I wanted anything to drink, water, tea, coffee etc. I actually had brought my own water bottle. Oh well. He was very friendly from the start and we actually found out that we both knew someone based off of our conversation. I felt like the consult went really well and I was really confident that I was gonna get an awesome cut. He even said «he was awesome at this hair cut». I walked out and I was pretty happy. I do admit he took a little more than I thought he would, but in general I was satisfied. Maybe it was just the high from him being very good looking, and his general confidence.
After I got home and did my hair myself, I wasn’t too thrilled. I wasn’t über upset or anything but it just wasn’t what I wanted… even though half the time I dont even know what I want. But when I’m spending that much on a hair cut I want the person to transform me, I guess. Let me just say the cut was VERY safe. I did ask him what I should do if I wanted to grow it out, and he said let the layers grow out. Well it’s been 7 months and they are very grown out. Sorry tyler and denny kemp… you aren’t my dream salon.
But my friend still likes you, and I still think you’re hot. ;)

I was in desperate need of a new look… spring is all about out with the old, right? My tired/​sad hair decided to go with a new salon! I randomly picked Denny Kemp, because it is close to where I live (it’s in Northeast). Although more expensive than my usual haircut (which isn’t saying much… I’m very cheap), I decided to try it!
Walking into this place, I immediately felt its fabulosity rubbing off on me. It is an absolutely beautiful space covered in modern artwork and eclectic furniture. I was greeted very warmly by the receptionist and shown to the waiting area. I was offered tea/​coffee/​water and waited for my stylist.
The actual salon area is like a maze of angular mirrors… in a good way! Very modern and gorgeous.
Joe was absolutely amazing! I told him vaguely that I wanted more layers, maybe a few inches off but not too many but it should look different, and maybe a little lighter but not too much lighter but light enough to notice. (I’m a mess, I know.) He got right to work on my foils/​cut. Long story short, the end result was better than I could have imagined! He captured exactly what I wanted, and I didn’t even know what I wanted in the first place! He was able to disguise my grown-​out bangs into layers, and added summery golden tones into my hair. Best salon experience of my life.
Other things I love:
— Laying down on inclined benches when they wash your hair
— Glamorous but non-​pretentious attitudes of everyone working there
— Joe actually taught me how to style my hair more effectively, and did not push a million products at me.
Overall, well worth the experience. This is an amazing salon, and ALL of you should go there. (Look at me, one visit, and I’m their number 1 fan!)