STYLING SAVVY

Lake Forest’s new Orimay Salon welcomes Lake Forest clientele

There is a Spanish proverb that says: “Every Tuesday has its Sunday,” speaking of the silver linings in life. If anyone is familiar with those, it’s Paola Lago, owner of Orimay Salon in Lake Forest’s Arcade building.

Named in honor of Lago’s daughters, Oriana and Maya, one of whom tragically passed away at three years old, the expansive, bright salon is a tribute to Lago’s perseverance, talent, and ability to pivot toward positivity.

Just now, that includes joining the rest of the businesses in the Arcade building in letting Lake Forest know, “We are still here, and we are ready to serve!” says Lago, despite the construction that has torn up East Deerpath Rd. “Thankfully, we are just steps away from Market Square and guests can reach us through the Arcade’s side entrance on Bank Lane,” she says.

Lago opened Orimay in November 2024, after decades of experience as a leading stylist with Elizabeth Arden, plus stints at studios on the North Shore. Her hairdressing talent at Elizabeth Arden moved her up the ranks to become the salon’s leading hair-styling educator training younger stylists in cutting and styling techniques. Wanting to work in a smaller, less corporate salon led her to leave Arden to work at a salon in Lake Forest where she developed many local clients, and then to a studio in Highland Park. “But so many of my Lake Forest clients missed me, and wanted me to come back, I started looking to open my own salon here,” Lago sums.

Finding a vacant space in the Arcade, made that possible. With two full-time colorists on staff, Lago says about half of her clientele comes in for color treatments, and the rest for hairstyling, cuts and blow-outs. Recently awarded the 2024 Gold Coast Neighborhood Favorite Salon title, “We’re also experts in hair extensions, blonding, balayage color services, and more,” says Lago.

“We are an organic salon,” Lago continues, “and our clients really appreciate that we are using the Italian O | Way organic coloring agents which have no ammonia in them and are much kinder and gentler products with great color results.”

As such, Orimay has built a growing subset of clients who have come through cancer treatments or are dealing with hair loss, who especially appreciate Lago’s skilled and gentle care.

With cuts and styling, keeping up with trends has always been important to Lago’s business. “And right now, that means a lot of long, soft waves, the butterfly cut, curtain bangs, shaggy haircuts and long layered bobs,” she says. Up-dos are a Lago favorite, and with those, “soft and romantic buns are popular now, and the French twist is back!” she says.

Now that it’s Spring, Orimay is gearing up for prom and wedding season. Lago worked with an architect to design the salon’s central section—a large marble station with oversized gilt mirrors and comfortable chairs. “This makes it really easy for us to accommodate groups of friends who come in together for color, styling and even make-up,” says Lago. “We had so much fun with a recent group who came in together, enjoyed champagne and charcuterie they brought over from the Lake Forest Food & Wine Specialties shop across the hall, and made it a real party!”

For more information or reservations at Orimay Salon in the Arcade building at 272 East Deerpath Road in Lake Forest, please call (847) 235-2584.