Wheeling’s Newest Glam Spot: Studio 27 Hair Salon
Wheeling is buzzing with the opening of Studio 27 Hair Salon! Located at 41 15th St. in the historic Alice Apartments building, owner Maggie Turak celebrated her grand opening with the Chamber of Commerce last week. Maggie transformed the space into a stunning oasis inspired by the legendary Studio 54—a famous 1970s nightclub known for its glam and bold style. Cue the music: think “Le Freak” by Chic or “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor—the era’s unforgettable disco hits that still make you want to dance! Maggie brought this vintage-glam aesthetic to life by teaming up with Lynn Buch Interiors and local artist Rachel Goodman to give Studio 27 a dazzling, modern look that’s as much an experience as it is a salon. And for those unfamiliar with the location, Studio 27 is nestled next door to Clientele Art Studio, so now you can easily picture where 15th Street is!
The name Studio 27 itself is part of the magic. Maggie was 27 years old when she bought the building, and she loves how the number 27 is a nod to the iconic Studio 54—after all, 27 is half of 54! Talk about a groovy connection!
But this spot’s transformation is about more than just aesthetics—it’s a true reinvention. The building, once home to the McCoy Apartments, was previously owned by Bill Lias, one of the most infamous racketeers in the United States. Lias, who had ties to organized crime and was widely considered the second-biggest racketeer behind Al Capone, lived in the building during the early 20th century. Known for his shady dealings and high-profile criminal activities, Lias was a key figure in Wheeling’s underworld.
Today, the space is a far cry from the smoke-filled back rooms of the past. Now it’s a vibrant, righteous salon where glamour reigns, run by the incredibly successful Maggie Turak. Talk about a complete 180! From racketeer to entrepreneur, from shady deals to stunning feels—this building has truly gone from bad to bold.
Maggie’s Hair Journey: A Decade of Style and Her Own Extension Line!
Maggie, a Marshall County native and proud mother of three, brings over a decade of experience to her work. She attended the Elite Academy of Hair Design in Bridgeport, Ohio, where she honed her skills and became known for her expertise in hair extensions. Recently, she took her passion further by creating her own line of extensions, Inches. Frustrated by the rising costs and inconsistent quality of other products, Maggie spent a year developing Inches to offer her clients and other stylists high-quality extensions with better consistency. Inches has become a favorite both in her salon and with stylists beyond her own walls!
Beyond a Hair Appointment: The Studio 27 Vibe
For Maggie, Studio 27 is about more than just hair—it’s about creating a place people genuinely look forward to visiting whenever they have an appointment. She loves coming to work every day and is proud of the space she’s created for herself, her stylists, her clients, and the community. With a team of six—including stylists Ashley Hood, Ciarra Beaver, and Olivia Carte, plus assistants Shelby Koontz and Madison Meade—Maggie has built a welcoming, family-like environment. “I want to be there for my clients through life’s ups and downs, from finding out your expecting a new baby to tough times like shifting careers or losses in your family,” she shares. “I am here for it all.” Maggie also adds that some of her clients have seen her grow up over the years. “I’ve had some clients in my chair since I started back in beauty school.”
Maggie’s Must-Have Magic Potion: Elixir Ultime Hair Oil
Studio 27 is the only salon in West Virginia to carry the coveted Kérastase Hair Care products, a luxurious line straight from Paris, France. One of the most sought-after products in the line is the Elixir Ultime Refillable Hydrating Hair Oil, which has a waitlist here at Studio 27! “It’s flying off the shelves,” Maggie exclaims. “I can’t keep it in stock!”
This iconic product hydrates, adds density, fights frizz, and protects from heat, making it a must-have for every hair type. It features a secret ingredient—glucose peptide—that works on the deepest layers of the hair to give it that smooth, nourished shine.
Maggie adds with a smile, “What a great stocking stuffer!” It’s become a fan favorite in the salon, and clients can’t get enough of it. “Could it be magic?” Maggie wonders with a laugh.
Maggie’s Pro Tips for Gorgeous Hair
What’s Maggie’s best hair advice? She offers her go-to tips for keeping your locks in top shape:
- Don’t Skip Trims: A couple of trims a year keeps your hair healthy and strong.
- Invest in Quality Products: “Your hair is the one thing you wear every day that you don’t take off,” Maggie says.
Studio 27: Where Glamour Lives On
From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that Studio 27 is more than just a salon—it’s an experience. The vintage vibes of Studio 54 live on in the high-energy, glamorous atmosphere, and Maggie has brought that unforgettable spirit to life in Wheeling. One of the standout features of the space is the stunning mural by local artist Rachel Goodman, which adds an incredible splash of color and creativity to the salon’s modern, yet nostalgic ambiance. It’s a true work of art that elevates the entire experience at Studio 27.
Whether you’re getting a fresh shampoo and blowout, a sleek new set of extensions, or simply soaking in the cool, creative vibe, Studio 27 is the place to feel truly pampered and fabulous. It’s a space where every client feels like a star, and every visit is a celebration of beauty and confidence. Pictures don’t do the space justice—you’ll have to see it for yourself. Ready to get the Studio 27 treatment? Book an appointment today, and step into a world of beauty, luxury, and a little disco magic!