Louis Albano Jr. works at Hair-A-Fair Spa & Salon DIANA CULHANe Yes, you may know that technically Hair-A-Fair Spa & Salon is located on Fair Street in Carmel, but with its mobile beauty shop—“Running With Scissors”—it can relocate to virtually any parking lot near you.

Whether you’re getting styled in the immobile or engine powered salon, owner Louis Albano Jr. said, “We’re just better” than the rest. “The proof is in the staying power and we’ve been in business for 33 years.”

Although it’s been over 30 years, there’s nothing antiquated about Hair-A-Fair Spa & Salon. Although hairdressing began as what seemed like a convenient family friendly trade, Albano said he’s proud of the reputation his salon has garnered over the past few decades.

“I like working with people, I like working with my hands,” said Albano. “A lot of clients have been coming here for over 20 years.” Also, he believes that being from the town he works in allows him to be on the same level as his clients, as well as work with them both inside and outside the shop.

Albano is the son of the late Captain Lou Albano, who did a commercial for the business, “that was a lot of fun.” In addition he said he specializes in men’s cuts and color dye jobs, there are two other regular veteran hairdressers working the chairs as well. Additionally, roughly ten years ago, Albano was a film crew hairstylist for the show “100 Centre Street.”

In regards to being a male hairdresser, Albano said he finds women preferring male stylists to female. “I think when a guy tells you something looks nice, you know it’s the truth,” he shared. “When a woman tells you something looks good, it could be a lie because maybe she’s jealous.”

While the hair business isn’t necessarily family run, Albano’s two daughters help out around when they can. “It’s nice now because Briana comes in after school and works with us. She books appointments and takes care of the towels; and my younger daughter Nicole comes in sometimes and sweep the floors.”

The original idea behind Running With Scissors came about because there had been a lot of requests from elderly and handicapped people who weren’t able to easily get to the salon. Albano said it’s a hit with wedding parties and prom groups.

“We wanted to devise something so that we could go to these people’s homes, but we didn’t have to go into their home,” Albano said. “When you do hair in someone’s house, it’s hard to try and wash their hair in the kitchen sink, and then if you use a chemical, it smells or can make a mess.”

According to Albano, the mobile salon feels just like a salon. Some of their frequent outings with Running With Scissors is to senior citizen centers throughout Putnam and Westchester Counties. “It’s got two chairs, two sinks, Pergo floors, a beautiful sound system, air conditioning, heat, coffee, cappuccino, and espresso.”

In October, Hair-A-Fair plans to begin a four-month pilot program designed to bring in commuting customers. Some staff members will be temporarily relocated to the Southeast, Purdys, and Golden’s Bridge train stations from 4pm to 9pm. By positioning Running With Scissors at local stations, haircuts will be easily accessible to on-the-move business folk.

Albano thinks the program will probably attract more businessmen than women. This philosophy comes from noticing that women typically like to be pampered and take their time in scheduling a trip to the salon; yet he thinks men will take advantage of their convenience and on-the-go service.

He added that people like the Redken products that they use and that coloring is sort of Hair-A-Fair’s “forte.”

They also have computer technology programs that show new hairstyles before they hit magazines and before celebrities start donning such divergent do’s.