How Libby Built Salt + Waves
From One Chair to a Growing Brand
Founded by Libby Bednarek, Salt + Waves Salon was built on the belief that luxury hair care should still feel personal, welcoming, and deeply intentional. After beginning her career at Duncan Brothers Barber School in Oklahoma City, Libby spent more than a decade behind the chair mastering her craft while simultaneously learning the operational side of the beauty industry. Her experience later expanded into salon leadership and team management through the Austin Aveda Institute, where she discovered a passion not only for hairstyling, but for mentorship, education, and building strong salon culture.
What started as a vision for a more elevated, client-centered salon experience quickly evolved into something bigger. Libby saw an opportunity to create a space where clients could feel both cared for and confident — a salon that combined high-end blonding and extension services with genuine hospitality and human connection. That vision became Salt + Waves Salon, a brand intentionally designed around laid-back luxury, personalized service, and a team-first mentality that values continuous education and growth.
Since opening its first location in Leander, Texas in 2019, Salt + Waves has experienced steady growth fueled by client loyalty, strong leadership, and a commitment to excellence. The company has since expanded into a second operating location in Hutto, serving hundreds of clients throughout the Austin area while continuing to scale its team of highly trained stylists and educators. This expansion reflects more than growth in footprint — it reinforces the strength of the brand, the consistency of the client experience, and the demand for a salon culture rooted in both artistry and authenticity.
Today, Salt + Waves has become known not only for transformational hair services, but for the experience it creates from the moment clients walk through the door. Through intentional mentorship, advanced education, and a carefully curated team culture, Libby has built more than a salon — she has built a scalable beauty brand centered on trust, confidence, and community. As the company continues to grow, the mission remains the same: helping every client leave feeling like the best version of themselves.
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From lived-in blondes and seamless extensions to customized color and luxury styling, every service is designed to help you feel confident, refreshed, and completely yourself.
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