PLATTSBURGH — It's been 30 years of sheer perfection at a local beauty shop.
Punki's Shear Perfection opened in 1982 on Healey Avenue across the street from LaBarre's Meat Market, the present site of Rite Aid in the City of Plattsburgh.
Owner "Punki" Duhaime said the shop was at that location until the property was sold to build the drug store in 1998. That led her to buy and renovate the former office building at 2 Halsey Court in the City of Plattsburgh, where the shop is currently located.
"As the business grew, we decided to leave the stone pillars of the car port in place and build the waiting area," she said, noting the stone columns on each side.
She later expanded to the east, which now holds a variety of treatment rooms. There is also an apartment upstairs.
The shop is bright and clean, with a number of large windows and multiple mirrors.
"Our motto is 'we specialize in only you,'" Duhaime said.
She said it takes a lot more than certification as a stylist to succeed in the business. It helps to have some knowledge of psychology to deal with customers and math and chemistry skills for mixing colors.
"There's so much more than just cutting hair," Duhaime said. "It's not just about the haircut. It's how you treat people."
Duhaime said she recently decided to open the shop on Sundays after two of her staff said they would like to work on that day.
"It's been amazing. It's been pretty busy," she said.
It's a full-service salon, offering everything from haircuts to pedicures and manicures to massage therapy.
The main room features eight chairs for stylists. There is a private room with two chairs for pedicures, a private room for waxing and facials and a private room for massage therapy.
Eight women work at Punki's, including Duhaime.
Paula Ashliner will mark her 16th year at the shop in February. Duhaime said she comes in early and stays late and is very good with people.
"We're proud to have her," she said.
Ashley Howard and Kylie Dufresne, sisters, started as receptionists about eight years ago when they were 16 and are now stylists. Duhaime said they are both very energetic.
"I've watched them grow with us. It's been amazing," she said.
Dottie McMillan is very creative and provides outstanding men's haircuts, Duhaime said. She also does hair extensions.
Danielle Filion welcomes everyone with a smile. She is taking business courses in college in addition to working.
"She's great to work with," Duhaime said.
Heidi Canada is the newest staff member, and works nights and weekends.
"She's a perfectionist," Duhaime said.
Katie Tooley works as a receptionist when she's home from Boston College.
Erin Tate is the massage therapist. She left Punki's to work in Lake Placid, then returned.
"She's very good, and people love her," Duhaime said.
Cosmo the Shih Tzu is another friendly presence.
"He's here every day that I'm here," Duhaime said.
Duhaime said hair styling was very basic when she started. It was women only, with no hand-held blow dryers, with styles still created with rollers.
"Now there are so many products. Keratin is a big thing now," she said.
Trends constantly evolve, Duhaime said, but some also come full circle.
Punki's Shear Perfection is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Local checks, cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
"We've always accommodated our clientele's requests to open early or stay late," Duhaime said.
Call 563-0620 for more information.
Email Dan Heath at:
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