Swamp Mermaid Beauty Project Named a Finalist for Best Salon in Austin Chronicle’s Best of Austin 2026

There’s something really special about building a salon in the middle of East Austin with a team full of artists, weirdos, perfectionists, and mermaids who genuinely care about people. And today, we’re feeling extra emotional because Austin Chronicle officially named Swamp Mermaid Beauty Project a finalist for Best Salon in Best of Austin 2026.

To say we’re honored would be an understatement.

Being recognized in Best of Austin 2026 alongside so many incredible Austin businesses means the world to us. Austin is overflowing with creativity, individuality, and talent, and to even be included in this conversation is surreal.

Swamp Mermaid Beauty Project was built on the idea that beauty services should feel luxurious without feeling intimidating. We wanted to create a space where clients could walk in exactly as they are and leave feeling more like themselves than ever. Somewhere artistic, welcoming, a little gritty, a little magical, and deeply rooted in community.

And somehow, this little swamp has grown into something bigger than we ever imagined.

Over the years, we’ve become known in East Austin for lived in blondes, custom extensions, cosmetic tattooing, and laser tattoo removal. But beyond the services, we’ve always cared most about the experience. From the music playing when you walk in, to the drinks we hand you, to the conversations happening behind the chair, every detail matters to us.

Luxury at Swamp Mermaid doesn’t mean stiff or overly polished. It means intentionality. It means creating an environment where clients feel safe, cared for, inspired, and genuinely seen.

Being nominated for Best Salon in Austin feels especially meaningful this year because 2026 has already been such a huge chapter for us. Earlier this year, we officially moved into our brand new salon space in East Austin, a dream that took years of hard work, vision, late nights, and trust from our team and clients to bring to life.

This nomination feels like a celebration of every person who helped us get here.

To every client who trusted us with their hair, brows, tattoos, curls, extensions, or confidence… thank you.

To every person who reposted a reel, tagged a friend, voted for us, told someone about our salon, or sat in our chairs for the very first time… thank you.

To our incredible team of mermaids who pour their hearts into this place every single day… this belongs to you too.

We know there are a million places people could choose when looking for a hair salon in Austin, and the fact that so many people continue choosing Swamp Mermaid Beauty Project means everything to us.

Whether you come to us for blonding, vivid color, curly cuts, luxury hair extensions, brow services, laser tattoo removal, or just a good conversation and a reset moment during your week, we are endlessly grateful to have built this community together.

This nomination isn’t just about being called one of the best salons in Austin. It’s about the people who made this possible.

And honestly? That’s the coolest part.

From the bottom of our swampy little hearts, thank you Austin.

Voting for Best of Austin 2026 is officially open, and we would be so honored to have your vote for Best Salon.

We’re here. We’re weird. And we’re unbelievably grateful. 🖤