You’re likely here because you’re stressed. Or maybe your back hurts. Or perhaps you just saw a video of someone floating in a giant, futuristic pod and thought, "That looks like something from a sci-fi movie." Honestly, that’s the first impression most people have of Studio Anew Salon Spa & Float Center. Located in the heart of Cortland, Ohio, this place isn’t just your run-of-the-mill hair salon where you get a trim and leave. It’s a massive, multi-sensory facility that aims to basically reset your nervous system.
Let’s get real for a second. We live in a world that never shuts up. Notifications, traffic, work emails at 9:00 PM—it’s a lot. Most of us don't even know what true silence feels like anymore. That’s where the concept of "REST" (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) comes in. At Studio Anew, they've leaned hard into this. They aren't just doing hair; they're trying to manage the physical and mental fallout of modern life.
Why Studio Anew Salon Spa & Float Center is Different
Most "day spas" feel like a waiting room with better candles. You know the vibe. But Studio Anew is built around a specific philosophy of holistic recovery. They’ve managed to combine high-end aesthetic services—think balayage and precision cuts—with clinical-grade wellness tools like sensory deprivation tanks and infrared saunas.
It's a weird mix, right? Getting your highlights done and then immediately jumping into a tank filled with 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt. But it works because the owners understood that beauty and wellness aren't two separate things. If you're stressed to the point of a breakdown, no amount of expensive moisturizer is going to make you look "refreshed." You have to actually relax.
The Science of the Float
If you’ve never done it, the idea of floating in total darkness can be a bit... daunting. You might worry about being claustrophobic or, weirder yet, just being bored with your own thoughts. But here is the actual science behind what happens at Studio Anew:
The water is heated to skin temperature, roughly $93.5^\circ F$. Because there is so much salt—we’re talking high-density saturation—you don't "sink" or even have to try to stay afloat. You just bob. This removes the pressure of gravity from your joints. For people with chronic back pain or athletes recovering from a heavy lifting session, this is a game-changer. Your spine actually decompresses.
Beyond the physical, your brain starts doing something interesting. After about 20 minutes, most people shift from Alpha or Beta brainwaves into Theta waves. This is that "half-awake, half-asleep" state you usually only hit right before you fall deep into a dream. It’s where creativity happens. It's where the brain processes trauma and stress. Honestly, it’s like a power nap on steroids.
👉 See also: Corn Beef and Cabbage: Why Yours Is Probably Tough and How to Fix It
It's Not Just About the Water
While the float tanks are the star of the show, the salon side of Studio Anew is equally legit. They use high-quality lines and focus heavily on hair health rather than just slapping on some bleach.
They offer:
- Advanced color techniques (ombré, sombre, fashion tones)
- Specialized bridal and formal styling
- Precision cutting that actually accounts for your hair's natural growth patterns
The staff there doesn't just treat you like a number on a spreadsheet. They’re educators. You’ll find that a lot of the stylists are constantly training on the newest techniques, which is why they’ve maintained such a solid reputation in the Mahoning Valley for years. It’s a localized expertise that you just don’t get at big-box chains.
The Infrared Sauna Factor
If you aren't ready to get wet, the infrared sauna is the move. Unlike a traditional steam sauna that just heats the air around you, infrared light penetrates your skin. It heats you from the inside out.
🔗 Read more: How I Fell in Love With a Gangster: The Real Psychology Behind the Obsession
Why does that matter?
- Detoxification: You sweat out more toxins (heavy metals, etc.) compared to regular heat.
- Pain Relief: The deep heat helps with inflammation.
- Skin Health: It stimulates collagen production.
Most people who visit Studio Anew for a "spa day" end up stacking these services. They’ll do a sauna session to loosen up the muscles, then a float to quiet the mind, and maybe a facial or hair treatment to finish it off. It’s a total system reboot.
Common Misconceptions About Floating
People have some pretty funny ideas about sensory deprivation. "Will I drown if I fall asleep?" No. The salt makes you so buoyant that you couldn't flip over if you tried. "Is the water clean?" Extremely. The filtration systems at Studio Anew are medical-grade. The water is filtered multiple times between every single guest, often using UV light and ozone systems that make it cleaner than most public swimming pools.
Another big one: "I'll get bored."
Maybe. At first. But that’s actually the point. We are so addicted to dopamine hits from our phones that being alone with our thoughts feels like a chore. Once you get past that initial five-minute "itch," your brain finally lets go. It’s a skill. The more you float, the better you get at it.
Making the Most of Your Visit
If you’re planning to head to Studio Anew, don't just rush in and out. This isn't a "fast food" version of wellness.
- Don't shave right before. That salt is no joke. If you have a fresh nick from a razor, you’re going to feel it for the first ten minutes.
- Eat a light meal. You don't want your stomach growling loudly in a silent tank, but you also don't want to feel bloated.
- Skip the caffeine. You’re trying to go into a Theta state. A double espresso is going to fight that the whole time.
- Hydrate. Especially if you're doing the sauna. You'll lose a lot of water.
The facility is located at 3584 State Route 5 in Cortland. It’s accessible, but it feels tucked away enough to provide that sense of escape. They’ve created an environment that feels premium without being pretentious. You can walk in there as a stressed-out parent or a busy executive and feel equally at home.
The Verdict on Studio Anew
Is it worth it? If you value your mental health and want a salon that actually understands the chemistry of hair and the physiology of stress, then yes. Studio Anew Salon Spa & Float Center has carved out a niche by being more than just a place for vanity. It’s a place for recovery.
👉 See also: Garnier Whole Blends Leave In Conditioner: What Most People Get Wrong About These Formulas
In a world that demands 100% of your attention 100% of the time, giving yourself sixty minutes of absolute nothingness is perhaps the most productive thing you can do. It’s not a luxury; for many, it’s a necessity to stay sane.
Actionable Next Steps
To get the most out of what Studio Anew offers, start with a "Trial Float." Don't commit to a massive package until you see how your body reacts to the salt and the silence. If you’re going for hair services, book a consultation first—especially for color. The stylists there prefer to see the integrity of your hair before they promise a specific result, which is the mark of a true professional. Check their schedule for "off-peak" times if you want an even quieter experience, and always arrive 15 minutes early to decompress in their lounge before your session starts.