From a young age Carrie Edwards knew being a hairstylist was her passion. Living in Drayton as a child she grew up spending a fair bit of time in a hair salon owned by a friend’s mother, as well as learning some basics from her own mother, who had a brief career in the hair industry. Edwards’ interest in hair and design grew from there, to getting her first “creative” clipper cut, trimming and styling friends and family members’ hair at the kitchen table with household scissors and arranging up-dos for fellow Grade 8 graduates.
Edwards became a licensed stylist seven years ago while living in Waterloo and gained valuable experience in all aspects of the hair industry while working in a children’s salon, a barber shop, managing a franchise salon and working in a high-end salon and spa. Eventually it lead to her decision to relocate to the small town where her dreams began, and she opened HairStyles located at 54 Dales Drive, Drayton.
The salon was built by her and her boyfriend, who had come across some old barn board which they decided would be the basis for the country design of the salon.
HairStyles offers the full services that larger salons and spas in the cities have, including permanent waving, creative coloring, barbering, professional cut and styles, but in the convenience of town with more affordable pricing. “Bringing home professional products and services without high-end salon pricing” is Edwards’ motto. She also offers bridal packages and children’s cuts.
In a continuing effort to offer her clients personalized service, Edwards has added a child’s tractor chair and video game console for children to watch short movies or to play video games.
“Getting young children to sit still during a haircut can be challenging,” says Edwards. “It can be scary for a child to see a pair of scissors aimed at their head, but I am confident that by using this new approach children will be more at ease, if not thrilled, about getting their hair cut.”
Operating a home-based salon means hours include evenings and weekends, accommodating everyone, including commuters who don’t always have time for appointments. But Edwards is ready and willing to make the time for her clients.
She is always continuing to come up with new ideas and doesn’t limit herself, although she still enjoys the more traditional barbering and cutting. There isn’t much she hasn’t tried with hair; experimenting in hair extensions, feather extensions, and chemical hair straitening. If there is something new she has heard about she won’t hesitate to try it herself. It’s not just about keeping up to date on styles but it’s about the creativity as well; it’s like an art and its fun, she says.
Edwards is committed to her community as well, having volunteered in the Teal Streaks for Cancer fundraiser and she takes donations of hair for Angel Cuts for Kids – an organization that makes wigs for children with cancer.
Edwards is grateful for her current client base and welcomes new clients. She hopes to continue to build and grow and one day own a larger salon that would include more of her ideas and dreams. So when it’s time to trim those tresses or if you’re considering a new do call for an appointment: 519-638-0687. Hairstyles is welcoming new clients.
