Golden Aura Salon introduces Japanese Head Spa & elevated hair services to the region

Taliyah Huffman, owner of Gold & Glow Lab in Roscoe, is expanding her beauty empire with Golden Aura Salon, a high-end hair studio designed to bring luxury hair care and relaxation to the area. Located on Route 173 in Machesney Park, the salon introduces the Japanese Head Spa, a treatment gaining popularity for its rejuvenating scalp therapy and stress-relieving benefits.

Rooted in traditional Japanese healing practices, the Japanese Head Spa is a holistic approach to scalp and hair health. Originating from Japan, the treatment blends deep scalp cleansing, massage, and acupressure techniques to promote circulation, reduce stress, and improve hair quality. It’s influenced by Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, making it a deeply therapeutic experience that goes beyond a simple hair treatment.

For Huffman, Golden Aura is more than just another salon—it’s a response to what clients have been asking for.

“I wanted to take my third salon to new heights with a unique service,” Huffman said. “I have had clients requesting it for almost a year, and I am thrilled to finally execute it. The client experience will be unmatched with our thorough two-month training program and our custom-made Japanese Head Spa bed.”

Unlike traditional massages that focus on the body or face, the Japanese Head Spa is designed for scalp health, deep relaxation, and hair rejuvenation. Clients looking for an experience that blends wellness with hair care will find something truly different at Golden Aura.

“The Japanese Head Spa is unique because when you go somewhere for massage, it’s usually a full-body massage or like a face massage with your facial,” said Kallie Nelson, Golden Aura’s head stylist. “The only time you truly get a head massage is when you ask for one at the salon during a deep conditioning treatment or at the shampoo bowl getting your hair washed. I feel like this will appeal to clients because this is specifically tailored to getting your head and face massaged while just being able to relax instead of having to have a full hair service done.”

Golden Aura marks Huffman’s third salon, following the success of Gold & Glow Lab in Roscoe and a second location at CherryVale Mall in Rockford. This new salon, previously a Cost Cutters, is being completely transformed to align with the concept of a high-end, tranquil beauty space. With each expansion, she has refined her vision, learning what works and how to enhance both the client and professional experience.

“For one, buildout projects cost a lot more than anticipated,” Huffman admitted. “With each salon, I have a better understanding of how to provide a better client experience and a better professional experience for my estheticians and cosmetologists.”

That commitment to high standards and education is reflected in the team she’s building at Golden Aura.

“As a salon owner, I look for commitment, drive, and a passion for ongoing education in the industry,” Huffman said. “Kallie provides all of these qualities and then some. She is an educator and is able to provide training and CE hours to our professionals, which sets us apart.”

Huffman’s dedication to education extends beyond her salon. As a Tricoci University alum, she was recently invited back as the keynote speaker for the school’s 2024 graduation in Rockford. Addressing over 200 attendees, she spoke about motivation versus drive, finding and perfecting a niche, and the importance of good character in the beauty industry.

For Nelson, joining Golden Aura wasn’t just about a career move—it was about being part of something bigger.

“When Taliyah first started talking about opening up a third salon and having it be a hair salon, I knew I wanted to be a part of it, and that was even before she had told me about the head spa aspect of her business,” Nelson shared. “I knew from her energy and how she is as a person that she is someone I wanted to surround myself around. Besides that, I can see her vision, and I believe in her vision, and I feel like I can bring some things to the table.”

Beyond its luxury services, Golden Aura is designed to be a supportive, uplifting environment for both clients and stylists. Creating a space where people feel comfortable, valued, and empowered is at the heart of its mission.

“We believe in empowering others—women supporting women, personal growth,” Nelson said. “We want to celebrate our staff members’ accomplishments and milestones. We want to celebrate our clients. We want to keep all negative, caddy, bully-type energy and behavior away so no one feels like they were singled out or mistreated.”

With a team of 10 stylists and additional estheticians, the salon will offer a wide range of services, making it a one-stop destination for beauty and self-care.

“Because we will have 10 different stylists, that means 10 times the services offered,” Nelson said. “Not to mention the estheticians joining us. Overall, I’m excited for the clients to come and experience our Golden Aura.”

Golden Aura Salon will soon be booking appointments, with a grand opening event planned in the near future.

Follow Golden Aura on Facebook and Instagram for updates and future events.