LAKEVIEW — Milios Hair Studio plans to officially reopen for business on Monday, a year after a tanning bed fire forced the hair salon to close.
The salon, 959 W. Belmont Ave., is on the second floor of a building west of the Belmont "L" station. Since a tanning bed at Ultimate Exposure Tanning caught fire in September 2012, Milios stylists have been taking appointments and borrowing space in other salons.
Opening specials include free haircuts with a full color service, and 25 percent off a haircut and retail product. Book an appointment by calling 773-549-1461.
The new Milios will be much like the old Milios, but a little more intimate, said owner Dalia Awdisho. The salon has downsized from 28 chairs to 16, a move that Awdisho had planned before the fire. Seven of Milios' former stylists will return, along with two new ones.
Awdisho will also be dedicating part of the lobby to one of the building's former tenants: the Quiet Knight, a music club that brought in artists like Prince, Bob Marley and the Smashing Pumpkins.
Milios will still be offering cuts, color and waxing, but with more massaging techniques during shampooing, Awdisho said.
Milios' reopening is another step in the building's revival after the fire. Chicago Bagel Authority, 955 W. Belmont Ave., reopened in July, and California-based pizza chain Blaze Pizza plans to open in clothing boutique Never Mind's former space at 935 W. Belmont Ave.
Never Mind moved to 3240 N. Clark St.
Awdisho took over Milios soon after graduating from DePaul University. The fire was tragic and stressed her out over the course of the year, she said, but the excitement of reopening has wiped away past difficulties.
"I'm really excited. Exhausted, but so excited," Awdisho said. "I've completely forgotten what's happened."
Also expect some cross promotions with Milios' downstairs neighbor Chicago Bagel Authority — Awdisho and Chicago Bagel Authority owner Greg Gibbs met and fell in love as they rebuilt their businesses together.
In fact, Gibbs built the wooden table that now welcomes customers into Milios.
"Things happen for a reason," Awdisho said.
