Leading Ladies: Dillon Kirby

Story by Amelia Bowen

True beauty begins with an intentional, holistic mindset at Salon Dalon, a private studio suite in Bowling Green. Owner Dillon Kirby combines custom haircutting and color analysis with low-tox beauty options, helping women embrace their natural features while prioritizing everyday wellness. Growing up in Bowling Green, Dillon discovered her passion through her childhood hairstylist, Amanda Cheek, whose tragic passing in 2016 revealed just how deeply a stylist can touch a client’s life. Choosing beauty school over a traditional degree felt like a leap of faith, but embracing the learning process allowed Dillon to build a business grounded in intentional care and healthy salon practices. “My mission is to leave people better than I found them through a holistic approach to beauty, wellness and personal style,” Dillon says. “I want to help women feel confident, cared for and inspired to take care of themselves.” Adopting a balanced 80/20 lifestyle, Dillon actively reduces unnecessary chemicals behind the chair by researching cleaner color choices and products. She expanded her practice by traveling to Texas for specialized color analysis training, giving clients a clear roadmap to the shades, makeup and styles that naturally highlight their skin tone and eye color. Beyond cut and color, Dillon treats her studio as a place of genuine connection. Whether offering a quiet refuge during a tough week or gifting services to clients navigating loss, divorce or illness, she believes taking care of others is the most fulfilling part of her work. “When you look and feel your best, that confidence carries into how you serve everyone around you,” Dillon says. “Beauty brings people through my door, but the relationships we build are what matter most.” At home, Dillon recharges alongside her high school sweetheart and husband, Clayton Kirby, and their two dogs, Birdie and Bronny. Her ideal off-days include quiet mornings, long walks downtown and grabbing a healthy lunch at local spots like The 30Bird. “Be very mindful of what you consume,” Dillon says. “Intentionally surround yourself with people, habits and environments that are life-giving. Stay in your lane, do right by others and keep faith at the center.”