A New Look For LA Hair Studio

By Jan Howard

If anyone understands the need for a “new look,” it’s the people at the LA Hair Studio.

The studio has been in operation at 4 Riverside Road, Sandy Hook, since March 11, 1999. In the past year, its owner, Laurie Gillette of Southbury, has made many changes and renovations that have made her shop, located under the Villa Restaurant, more attractive and up-to-date.

The shop has been attractively repainted and renovated, and there is a play area with a TV for children of her customers.

Ms Gillette invites residents to “come in and see our new look.”

She has recently installed a new Peacock tanning system. The system offers faster tanning that is cool and comfortable in a sanitary vertical design.

“The system offers stand-up tanning that is stronger than tanning beds,” Ms Gillette explained. “You have to go in for one-half the time. It is very sanitary. An average session is ten minutes.

“I’m very excited about it,” she said.

Customer Bill McAllister said, “Her shop is a nice balance to what we offer in Sandy Hook center.”

A single mom, Ms Gillette has three children, Jennie, 18, who will be attending Southern Connecticut State University in the fall; Matthew, 5; and Taryn, 7.

LA Hair Studio is not Ms Gillette’s first venture into business. She has lived and worked in the area for 14 years. She owned Roxbury Hair Express for two and a half years, and, prior to that, worked at John’s Barber Shop for ten years.

“Most of my clients are from 14 years ago,” she said.

Ms Gillette received postgraduate training as a barber at Bullard Havens, and attended the New England School of Electrology in Chelmsford, Mass. She has also attended various classes to keep up with new styles.

She is the shop’s only employee at the present time, but is looking for help so she can expand her services.

 A licensed barber by trade, Ms Gillette offers full barbering techniques, foils, colors, sets, and perms in addition to tanning.

In the future, she plans to offer nails, electrolysis, and probably massage.

“I want to make the shop one stop,” Ms Gillette said. “You have to look good to feel good. My customers leave very happy. You have to make them feel good.”

The salon sells a full array of top of the line beauty products and jewelry and accessories, as well as Avon and tanning products.

 LA Hair Studio is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 am to 5 pm; Thursday from 9 am to 8 pm; and Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm. The telephone number is 203/364-0499.