Pinup Salon's ber-girlie style, with its pinup-era motif and walls striped in pastel hues, appeals to a wide range of customers, even men, who love perusing the photos, owners Brian and Monnie Hightower said.

"We see everything from conservative to avant-garde," Brian said.

The Hightowers are two rock 'n' roll enthusiasts who, when not clipping, sudsing or styling, perform with their band, Fast Love. Owning Pinup Salon fulfills another of their passions: cosmetology.

Monnie first became interested in cosmetology in junior high school, when she would give herself manicures and eventually began styling her friends' and family's hair as well as her own.

"My father told me I was really good at it, and my family encouraged me to go to cosmetology school," she said.

The Hightowers moved to Los Angeles to further their music career but eventually migrated back to Austin and decided to open their own shop on McNeil Drive near US 183 nearly two years ago.

Their love of rocking out is still apparent. Every Friday from 4–8 p.m., they bring in a disc jockey, break out the disco ball and offer $15 blow-dry styles, $5 nail color changes and complimentary drinks.

"We wanted to bring the downtown vibe up north," Monnie said.

In Northwest Austin, the shop certainly stands out. Its vintage decor and pinup paraphernalia stems from Monnie's love of antiques and the decades between 1920 and 1960. Her grandmother owned a vintage store, and as a child, Monnie enjoyed playing with vintage mannequins, hats and clothes, she said.

Now, the self-proclaimed perfectionist's primary concern is that customers leave pleased with his or her 'do. Monnie credits her artistic staff of nine stylists and one manicurist for keeping the salon at a five-star rating on Google and Yelp, but according to Monnie's clients, she is doing her part as well.

Client Amanda Carson said Monnie takes the time to discuss Carson's vision before taking out the shears.

"I trust her completely," Carson said. "I go in telling her, 'This is what I'm thinking,' and she makes recommendations."

In the long term, the Hightowers would like to either expand or open a second location. But first, Brian is pursuing his own license to join his wife as a stylist.

Services

• Women's cut — $40+
• Men's cut — $20+
• Children age 10 and younger — $15
• Single color — $60+
• Keratin smoothing treatment — $250
• Manicure — $30+

Pinup Salon also provides updos for special events, caters to wedding parties and can add hair extensions, including infusions, which is a type of extension made of keratin, to clients' hair.

Pinup Salon, 7318 McNeil Drive, Ste. 110, 258-4244, www.pinupsalonaustin.com