Sparrow Salon is a dream come true

Sparrow Salon in East Avondale — Sparrow Salon’s new storefront in East Avondale. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

For founder and co-owner Theo Pettway, Sparrow Salon is a dream come true.

“I’ve been doing [hair care] for a long time, and I’ve always dreamed of creating an environment where stylists can feel safe to express their creativity. It’s easy for small business owners to think about the bottom line first; but I feel that if you allow your stylists to express themselves, the revenue will come.”
Theo Pettway, Co-Owner, Sparrow Salon

A native of Gee’s Bend, Al, Theo discovered his passion for hair care while in college at Jacksonville State University.

“I needed a haircut one day, and there was no one there to cut it—I’m very particular about my hair. So, I ended up doing it myself in my dorm room.

When my roommate saw my haircut, he asked me to cut his hair too—soon enough, I was cutting hair for his friends, their girlfriends and their moms.”
Theo Pettway, Co-Owner, Sparrow Salon

Theo’s college experiment quickly grew into his passion and career. In 2008, Theo and his wife (and Sparrow Salon co-owner) April moved to Birmingham, working at local salons and even operating his own—Theo Lamont in Cahaba Heights—for several years.

When they saw that the former Ore Mercantile space at 4414 4th Ave South was available, the duo leapt at the opportunity.

“I’ve been an educator with an Italian beauty brand called Davines for about six years, and I travel all over the country to teach. This space appealed to us because it is so large—we can host large classes and offer continuing education for experienced hairstylists all over Birmingham.”
Theo Pettway, Co-Owner, Sparrow Salon

Sparrow Salon helps you look good—and feel good, too

At Sparrow Salon, the team of stylists offers a wide array of haircuts, styling, color options and treatments for clients.

“Our tagline is ‘the art of self-care,’ and it’s so important to all of us.

Even though I am terrified of birds, I chose the name Sparrow because sparrows work in individual roles in their community, but they still come together as a team.

That’s exactly what we wanted to create here: a space where incredible stylists can thrive in their own specialties while working together towards a unified experience.”
Theo Pettway, Co-Owner, Sparrow Salon

Sparrow Salon is open Monday (10AM-5PM), Tuesday (9AM-5PM), Wednesday-Thursday (9AM-7PM), Friday (9AM-5PM) and Saturday (9AM-2PM).

“If you’re looking to re-experience who you are as an individual at a place that is inclusive, inviting, loving and will educate you on your own look, come check us out!”
Theo Pettway, Co-Owner, Sparrow Salon