A Guide to Indianapolis Beauty Neighborhoods
Every Indy neighborhood has its own beauty personality. Here's what to expect from Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, Mass Ave, Carmel, and more.
One of the best things about Indianapolis's beauty scene is how much it varies by neighborhood. Each area has its own vibe, specialties, and price points. Here's a tour of the city's top beauty neighborhoods to help you figure out where to look.
Broad Ripple
The vibe: Creative, laid-back, walkable.
Broad Ripple is Indianapolis's original arts and culture neighborhood, and its beauty businesses reflect that. You'll find stylists who are up on the latest trends, colorists who aren't afraid of vivid hues, and a general atmosphere that's more "your cool friend's living room" than "sterile salon."
Best for: Hair color, creative cuts, nail art, independent studios.
Fountain Square
The vibe: Artistic, community-oriented, affordable.
Fountain Square has undergone a major revitalization, and beauty businesses have been part of that growth. The neighborhood attracts professionals who prioritize craft and community. Many shops are owner-operated with small, loyal client bases.
Best for: Barbershops, bold transformations, tattoo and body art, budget-friendly services.
Mass Ave
The vibe: Upscale urban, professional, convenient.
The Mass Ave corridor connects downtown to the northeast side, and it's lined with polished salons and beauty studios. This is where downtown professionals go for reliable, high-quality service without the suburban commute.
Best for: Blowouts, professional styling, skincare, lash and brow services.
Carmel
The vibe: Suburban luxury, family-friendly, spacious.
Carmel has exploded with upscale beauty businesses. Expect large, well-appointed salons with full service menus — hair, nails, facials, massage, all under one roof. Parking is easy, and many salons offer online booking.
Best for: Bridal services, day spas, full-service salons, family appointments.
Fishers
The vibe: Growing, modern, convenient.
Fishers has rapidly developed its beauty scene to match its population growth. You'll find a mix of national franchises and strong independents, especially along the 116th Street corridor.
Best for: New salon concepts, convenient locations, family services.
Irvington
The vibe: Historic, close-knit, neighborhood charm.
Irvington's beauty businesses tend to be deeply embedded in the community. Stylists here know their clients by name, and the atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious.
Best for: Personalized service, community feel, reasonable prices.
How to Explore
The best way to find beauty businesses in your area:
- Browse our neighborhood directory — see every neighborhood with active listings.
- Filter by category — combine a category with a neighborhood (like hair salons in Broad Ripple) to narrow results.
- Check ratings and photos — every listing includes ratings, service menus, and contact info.
The Takeaway
There's no single "best" neighborhood for beauty in Indianapolis — it depends on what you're looking for. A first-time vivid color job? Head to Broad Ripple or Fountain Square. A relaxing spa day? Carmel. A reliable barber? Fountain Square or the south side.
The beauty of Indy's beauty scene is its variety. Start exploring by neighborhood or category and find your perfect match.