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The Luxurious Interwar “MRM” Hair Salon – A Symbol of Elegance and Modernity

In interwar Lithuania, the beauty industry was thriving, and one of the most renowned and modern salons of the time was Juozas Muralis’ “MRM Hair Salon” (Muralis, Rubšys, Muralis). Located in Kaunas, the salon spanned two floors of the “Pieno Centras” Palace — the ground floor served men, while the second floor catered to women. Known for its cutting-edge equipment and exceptional service, the salon’s team included hairdressers who had trained in Paris, bringing the latest trends to Lithuania.

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Luxury Service and Prestigious Clients

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From the moment guests stepped into the "MRM Hair Salon", they were greeted by a uniformed doorman, and inside, elegantly dressed stylists offered top-tier beauty services. Thanks to its outstanding service and modern treatments, the salon became a favorite among Lithuania’s elite:

  • President Antanas Smetona and his wife, Sofija, known for their impeccable appearance

  • Diplomats and their spouses, preparing for official receptions and evening galas

  • Bankers and businessmen, who valued a polished, professional image

  • Singers and actors, seeking standout hairstyles for the stage and society events

Cutting-Edge Technology and Innovation in the Interwar Era

The salon was known for its state-of-the-art technological innovations, many of which were rare even in Western Europe at the time:

  • Electric hair dryers – for faster and more comfortable drying

  • Steam machines – used to soften and tone the hair

  • Massage devices – designed to stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth

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One of the salon’s most remarkable features was the semi-annual styling machine, imported to Lithuania by J. Rubšys. This luxury treatment cost 60 litas — a premium price, affordable only to the wealthy. The procedure allowed women to maintain a flawless hairstyle for up to six months without the need for additional styling.

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Services and Prices

The “Muralis” salon offered far more than traditional haircuts — it was a full-service beauty destination, providing a wide range of grooming and wellness treatments:

  • Men’s haircuts – 2 to 3 litas, depending on the complexity of the style

  • Women’s hairstyles – 5 to 10 litas, with finger waves and elegant updos among the most fashionable

  • Shaving and beard styling – 1.5 to 2 litas, using premium shaving foams and lotions

  • Hair coloring – 10 to 15 litas, with high-quality dyes imported from France and Germany

  • Scalp massage and toning – 3 litas, performed with essential oils and special tonics

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At the time, beauty services were considered a luxury, and the prices reflected the expectations and means of upper-class clientele.

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A Full-Service Beauty Experience

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“MRM Hair Salon” was more than just a place for haircuts and styling — it was a luxurious interwar beauty center. The staff included:

  • Professional manicurists offering stylish interwar nail shaping and lacquer trends

  • Massage specialists providing relaxing and restorative facial and body massages

  • A retail section, where visitors could purchase professional haircare products and styling tools

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This iconic salon stood as a symbol of elegance and modernity in interwar Lithuania — a gathering place for the country’s elite, where the latest fashion trends were discussed, and clients indulged in the finest beauty services of the era.

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