Barber - Salon - Curls for Girls 1941 - Side by Side

by Mike Savad

Title

Barber - Salon - Curls for Girls 1941 - Side by Side

Artist

Mike Savad

Medium

Photograph - Colorized Photo

Description

Hand colored photo from 1941
Original title: Women drying their hair in the beauty shop at the Crowley-Milner department store
Photographer: Arthur S Siegel
Location: Woodward Ave & Gratiot Ave

Among the many treasures of Detroit's retail past, the beauty salon at the Crowley Milner Company, better known as Crowley's, stands out as a symbol of elegance and service in a bygone era. Nestled on the mezzanine level of the flagship store at Woodward and Gratiot, the salon wasn't just an added convenience; it was a destination in its own right, embodying Crowley's commitment to making shopping an experience rather than just an errand.

Opened in 1909 by Joseph J. Crowley and William L. Milner, Crowley's quickly grew into one of Detroit's most beloved department store chains. Known for mid-range goods and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, the downtown location became a pillar of the city's commercial life. But what truly set it apart was its suite of services, designed to cater to every aspect of a shopper's day, none more luxurious than its full-service beauty salon.

The salon offered an elevated experience for women seeking more than just a haircut. Shoppers could pause their day to enjoy hair treatments, styling, and pampering in a setting that matched the elegance of the store itself. At a time when department stores were cultural centers, places where one could dine, shop, and socialize, the Crowley's salon helped define the idea of shopping as a leisurely, even indulgent, experience.

Photographs from the mid-century show women seated under hair dryers, chatting or flipping through magazines, their shopping bags resting nearby. The salon wasn't just about beauty, it was about atmosphere, community, and convenience. Customers could purchase a new dress, have their shoes polished, enjoy lunch in the tea room, and step into the salon for a finishing touch, all in one afternoon.

Although the flagship store closed in 1977 and the remaining locations shuttered by 1999, the memory of the salon, and the department store culture it represented, still lingers. Few records of the salon's staff or services have survived, but for many Detroiters, the experience of visiting Crowley's salon remains vivid: the scent of hair products, the hum of dryers, and the feeling of being cared for in a beautifully appointed space.

Crowley's proudly called itself "Detroit's Friendly Store," and the beauty salon was one of its most personal expressions of that promise. In a time before express lanes and online checkouts, it offered something rarer, time, attention, and a touch of luxury right in the heart of the city.

Color notes:
I couldn't find any interior shots of this this store, so I chose neutral colors so the rest stands out. I did however find that exact hair dryer, and they use a lamp to heat it up. And that magazine was found.

Uploaded

May 1st, 2025

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