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Hair Salon Moves to North Adams

By Justin Saldo - July 01, 2008
iBerkshires Intern

NORTH ADAMS — Pamela Bissaillon and Kim Oakes know loyalty — their customers are so faithful they've followed the women's hair salon north to 81 Main St.

Shear Madness operated in Adams for five years, first on Spring Street and then at 64 Summer St., until the opportunity came to take over a "prime location" on Main Street. The proprietors, who have 45 years of hair experience between them, say the move has had little effect on their business.

"We have received a 98 percent return rate from previous customers since the move," said Bissaillon. "Loyalty like that speaks to the quality of the services we offer." 

The hair salon's services include everything from nails, waxing and coloring to foils, frames and perms.

While it may seem like a "ladies only" affair men shouldn't be dissuaded from stopping by for a trim.

"We chose professional, gender-neutral colors so that all of our clientele can feel relaxed coming in," said Oakes of the red, black and gray interior.



Shear Madness has opened at 81 Main St
.
If the cool atmosphere doesn't help customers relax, the salon also has two licensed message therapists who would be more than happy to alleviate their stress.  

The salon made a big splash during the DownStreet Art festival last Thursday when it opened its doors and offered free services and balloons to the public. 

"Being off Main Street is a great opportunity to cater to a large part of the community, plus being near high-traffic areas like [Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art], banks, bus stops and eateries makes our salon a convenience for people with busy schedules," said Bissaillon.

That convenience is reflected in the salon's hours. "Our hours are designed to cater to people getting out of work, school ..., she said. The salon is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday. 

Shear Madness is offering a $5 discount off its services for first-time customers. Bissaillon and Oakes are in the process of hiring six to eight more hair professionals and the salon is expected to be operating at maximum capacity by the end of July.

Walk-ins are welcome but to guarantee service, customers are recommended to schedule ahead of time in person or by calling 413-662-2444.
Your Comments
Post Comment
What do you mean Adams lost them? They sold their building and CHOSE to move to North Adams.
Adams is so business friendly, no planning board process, etc.
Good luck in North Adams ladies.
from: Happy Adams Residenton: 07-10-2008

Been with Pam for years and would travel where ever she puts her business. How unfortunate that Adams couldn't provide for these two talented business women. Once again Adams' loss is North Adams; gain. Pam and Kim best of luck with the new location, you will be successful.
from: Adams Residenton: 07-03-2008

Yup, Adams has lost another business. Surprised? Not at all. For YEARS, groups have tried to initiate changes to downtown zoning bylaws, streamline and enhance the process by which a business can apply for permits, find and marry up with willing landlords, etc. Not three years ago now, a viable economic incentive package was floated that would have given minor breaks to new and existing businesses looking to expand in the downtown and it was subsequently shot down in an intergovernmental discussion by one of the current board members because he was up for re-election and the plan didn't have his name on it. The rest of the board, minus one, followed suit. Hence, another business in town bites the dust for lack of governmental interest. I wish the town really knew just how much effort was put into revitilaztion in Adams for a number of years only to have it degraded and thwarted by a very small group of very politically small minded individuals who just didn't "get it" and wanted to see their political platforms remain intact. I hope this new generation of board members and politicians coming up is far less self-centered and more town focused then the last. The town needs help desperately. Pam......best wishes and much success for the new endeavor in North Adams. It was wonderful to have you in town while you were here. Thank you for your efforts and your community service. You will be missed. Oh, and by the way Adams, I was at a meeting the other day where I was told "the Glen is dead". I heard that there was no money in the budget allocated for anything beyond the trail system, if that. Now what? Good luck trying to find financing in the private sector now.
from: Long Live Adamson: 07-03-2008

Welcome to NA Shear Madness. I will try it soon. It is very difficult to find a good hairstylist around here. Just a single suggestion. Though you want to make it gender neutral, I think red and black are not very soothing colors,on the contrary, red is generally used for the opposite purpose. Anyone looking for these services looks for a bit for relaxation. Choose more soothing and inviting colors next time.
from: suggestionon: 07-03-2008

Another lost business for Adams.. Nice going mothertown! Good luck to the girls and congratulations on the move. The place looks great! I am sure you will do well
from: Tinaon: 07-02-2008

Welcome to North Adams; here's wishing Sheer Madness success!!
from: North Adams residenton: 07-02-2008



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