Best Hair Salon: Carolina Styles

CAROLINA STYLES has been crowned the Best Hair Salon for Best of Carolina 2025! Conveniently located on the third floor of Russell House University Union, the salon offers various cuts and styles with a long history of serving the university community. If you are looking for a new ’do, Carolina Styles has you covered!

Carolina Styles has become a beloved hair salon known for its exceptional service and welcoming atmosphere. Owner Wanda Davis takes pride in creating personalized haircuts and styles that complement each client’s individuality. Davis has been operating Carolina Styles for over 30 years and continues to build stronger relationships with each client daily.

Client Pearl Thomas says she has been a customer for those three decades, and she and Davis became friends over the many years she’s been getting her hair done.

“My regular customers have continued to come back over the years; even students that have been here for four years and graduated will still come back for services, including quite a few staff members,” Davis said. “Building a relationship with each client, through my work and communication, is what brings customers back.”

With a talented stylist like Davis, the salon has become a beloved spot on USC’s campus. For students who may not have transportation to off-campus salons and barber shops, Davis provides an easy way to maintain their personal style, including haircuts, updos, beard trims, braids and locks.

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when salon visits were not possible, she was dedicated to prioritizing customers.

“Things were very hard when everything was shut down, but people still needed to be seen, so I made house visits,” Davis said. “This is not about the ‘dollar’; doing what I’m doing and making people happy is what is satisfying about the job. I’m doing it because I love doing it.”