When Colleen McPhee had the idea to open her own hair salon, she had 22 years of styling experience, dedicated clientele and a large room in her home which served as the ‘garage’s garage.?
Flash forward a few months and McPhee’s vision turned the ‘garage’s garage? into Hair-Raizors, a comfortable and lavishly decorated salon which officially opened its doors on May 13.
‘We want more of the old time or hometown atmosphere here,? said McPhee. ‘The most important thing is knowing the people and talking with them. Even when I worked at Fantastic Sam’s, I always took my time because I enjoy the banter back and forth.?
But McPhee is not just a friendly ear, her styling skills are wide and varied.
‘Cuts, color, waves, high or low lights ? anything to do with hair from classic to trendy they can get done here,? said McPhee.
McPhee is also skilled with roller sets, something most salons and barbershops have abandoned.
What Hair-Raizors seeks to accomplish is fabulous looking hair with a personal touch that big name salons and chains can no longer provide. From swapping recipes to letting customers fish the lake behind her house, McPhee doesn’t just see her patrons as walking dollar bills ? and she never has.
‘Having my own business is something I’ve always wanted, but sometimes I would get stuck on my way there. Sometimes I didn’t want to leave Fantastic Sam’s because of my clientele,? said McPhee.
McPhee’s friends have followed her to Hair-Raizors, although she thinks some were apprehensive in the beginning.
‘I think a lot of them thought they would come out and stick their head in my kitchen sink,? said McPhee.
The salon features two professional hair cut chairs, a sink specially crafted for wetting down hair, a luscious marble countertop, bright lighting, brand new flooring, an entertainment center and an iridescent product display case ? which is sometimes used by McPhee as a night light.
‘I can’t believe (Hair-Raizors) turned out so well. It’s my sanctuary away from everything,? said McPhee.
Aside from giving her customers any look or style their heart desires, McPhee made sure to stock a wide array of hair care products. Hair-Raizors carries Matrix, Bed Head, Catwalk, L’Or’al, Textureline, Kiwi, Alfaparf, Crew and Nexus.
As far as hours, McPhee is the sole stylist, so she is on call for her customers most hours of the week.
‘If I’m home, I’m open,? said McPhee who will take appointments during the day or evening and on the weekends.
And while the house call may be extinct in the medical profession, McPhee will gladly go to her customer’s homes to style and trim hair.
McPhee credits local handyman Harry Kirk and her son Colin Gabbard for helping her install her dream.
To set up an appointment at Hair-Raizors, either call Colleen McPhee at home at 248-620-9570 or on her cell phone at 248-933-8130.