STYLED FOR CONFIDENCE

For Grace Frank, great hair has never been just about style—it's about confidence, connection, and helping people feel like the best version of themselves. Since opening Foiled Hair Studio in Wilmington's Cargo District, she has built a salon known for its thoughtful approach to lived-in color, seamless extensions, and individualized service, while fostering a welcoming environment where both clients and stylists can thrive.

As Foiled prepares for an exciting new chapter with an expanded space, Grace remains focused on the values that have shaped the studio from the beginning: healthy hair, continuous education, and creating meaningful relationships with every guest who walks through the door. We sat down with Grace to talk about her journey, the inspiration behind Foiled Hair Studio, the latest trends in hair, and why the Cargo District is the perfect place to relax, recharge, and leave feeling more confident than ever.

Foiled Hair Salon Owner Grace Frank

Foiled Hair Studio has built a reputation for creating beautiful, confidence-boosting transformations. What inspired you to open the studio, and what kind of experience did you want to create for both your clients and your team?

Hair has been a passion of mine since I was about 15 years old. I attended cosmetology school at Cape Fear Community College and started my career as a salon receptionist. Those early years taught me so much—not just about becoming a stylist, but about the kind of salon I hoped to create one day. I launched my own business in a salon suite in 2021, and as my clientele grew, so did my vision. In 2023, I rebranded and moved Foiled Hair Studio into the Cargo District. From the beginning, I wanted Foiled to be about much more than beautiful hair. I wanted to create a space where people genuinely feel seen, heard, and cared for—a place that feels elevated without ever being intimidating. Healthy hair, education, and meaningful connections have always been at the heart of what we do. As Foiled continues to grow, that vision extends to my team as well. I want to build a company where stylists can create fulfilling careers, continue learning, have a voice, and feel like they're an important part of what we're building together. We're now preparing for an exciting new chapter as we expand into a larger space, allowing us to welcome even more guests while maintaining the personalized experience we're known for. My goal has never been growth for the sake of growth—it's about creating a place where more women can build confidence, feel cared for, and leave loving their hair.

Great hair is about so much more than appearance. How do you help clients feel confident, refreshed, and truly themselves, and what makes the Foiled experience unique?

Everything starts with listening—really listening. We want every client to feel understood, not like they're receiving the same service as the person before them. Every consultation is personalized because no two people, lifestyles, or hair goals are the same. We take the time to understand your daily routine, what you love about your hair, what challenges you're experiencing, and, most importantly, how you want to feel. Those conversations help us recommend the right color, cut, extensions, products, and maintenance plan that truly fit your life. Our philosophy is that great hair should enhance who you already are. Whether we're adding extensions for fullness, creating lived-in color that complements someone's natural beauty, or making a subtle change that restores confidence, every service is approached with intention. Education is also a huge part of the Foiled experience. We don't just want clients to leave with beautiful hair—we want them to understand how to care for it and feel confident recreating that look between appointments. Ultimately, we want every guest to leave feeling refreshed, understood, and even more confident than when they arrived.

Hair trends are always evolving. What specialties set Foiled Hair Studio apart, and what are clients loving most right now?

Extensions and dimensional, lived-in color have become our signature specialties. I love creating transformations that make a noticeable impact while still looking completely natural. Our innovative K-tip extension method has become something we're especially known for. Extensions aren't always about dramatically longer hair—they're often about adding fullness, creating natural volume, filling in thinner areas, or giving clients a solution for hair loss that feels completely seamless. It's incredibly rewarding to help someone regain confidence through hair that looks and feels like their own. We're also committed to continuing our education. The beauty industry evolves constantly, and I never want our team doing something simply because "that's how we've always done it." Our clients deserve stylists who continue learning and refining their craft. Right now, we're seeing a huge demand for effortless luxury—dimensional blondes, lived-in color, healthy shine, and extensions that are virtually undetectable.

The Cargo District has become one of Wilmington's most creative neighborhoods. How has being part of this community shaped Foiled Hair Studio, and why should visitors include it in their perfect self-care day?

Being born and raised in Wilmington makes being part of the Cargo District especially meaningful to me. I've watched this neighborhood grow into one of the city's most creative and entrepreneurial communities, and it feels like the perfect home for Foiled. I love being surrounded by other small business owners who have turned their passions into reality. Everyone brings something unique, and there's an incredible sense of support and collaboration here. That creative energy aligns perfectly with Foiled's values of individuality, connection, and doing things a little differently.

For us, self-care is about slowing down and making time for yourself. Whether someone comes in for a complete transformation or simply wants a fresh blowout and a chance to relax, we want every experience to feel thoughtful, personal, and restorative.

First-time guests can expect a warm, welcoming environment with no pressure—just a team that's genuinely invested in getting to know them, understanding their goals, and helping them achieve healthy, beautiful hair over time.

The best part is that your self-care doesn't have to end when your appointment does. After visiting Foiled, you can grab a coffee, enjoy lunch, browse the local shops, and spend the afternoon exploring everything the Cargo District has to offer. We want every guest to leave with beautiful hair, but even more importantly, feeling refreshed, cared for, and confident.