Hop to it - Your Hair Will Thank You!

“We’re the only one who specializes in curly hair,” Bates said, citing her use of the DevaCurl line of products “working with the natural texture and learning how to embrace your hair’s natural movement,” Bates said.

“Bring in your hair, and we’ll make it look good,” is the vow of Rebecca Bates, co-owner of The Hair Parlour.

The Hair Parlour is the new name for the business because it stresses what it does – hair. Previously, the shop at 117 S. Coast Highway was called Beauty 101, and it was a full-service salon. But gone are the manicures, pedicures and facials.

Co-owners Rebecca Bates and her sister-in-law Ashley Reichert do hair. They cut it, shampoo it, style it, color it and curl it. Also, Bates said, “we do up-dos,” fancy hairdos for such as Marine Corps Balls.

Bates especially likes to deal with curly hair. “We’re the only one who specializes in curly hair,” Bates said, citing her use of the DevaCurl line of products “working with the natural texture and learning how to embrace your hair’s natural movement,” Bates said. Dedicated to ongoing education, Bates is going to New York in May for a DevaCurl class on curly hair.

Bates and Reichart took over the salon two and a half years ago (and a story appeared in The Downtown Connection soon after), but Bates’ history with the place goes back further. She worked there for five years under the previous owner. Their logo, a rabbit (hare) was chosen Bates said, “because we have a sense of humor.”

“It has changed hands many times,” Bates said, “but no one could hold onto it for very long until we came on the scene.” Now, she quotes the salon’s “five-star rating” on Yelp, the online advisor. “We offer you a very comfortable family-like environment,” unlike the more impersonal atmosphere in some beauty shops, she said.

The Hair Parlour is small, Bates said, so she can retain more quality control. “We love doing hair,” she said. “It’s not just a job. It’s exciting for us. We don’t just go through the motions. We take a lot of pride. You can look out and see if someone is enjoying it or seeing it as an art form.”

The salon is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, from 9 to 6 on Saturdays and from 9 to 5 on Sundays. Bates said Sunday is particularly popular with patrons affiliated with the military and their busiest day.

Phone: 760-529-5947.