Carol Young Salon
It’s hard to miss this particular hair parlor.
Well, you might. Up until you notice that almost every single hairdresser is a Gen X female rocking hot 80s hair trends. However, it’s the palpable energy this salon exudes that can be seen – and heard – even before stepping into the space. From enthusiastic blow-drying, to the casual, spontaneous banter, everyone seems to be having a good time. Furthermore, this closeness extends beyond the employees themselves, and to the customers as well.
It looks like a family, that is exactly because it is one.
We were lucky enough to catch an interview with the founder Carol Young herself, who reveals that she had been running the place since 1979. Close to 40 years running, she has seen a throng of both ladies and men walk through her salon’s doors. From students, through to their married life, their children, and even some of their grandchildren, her parlour sees a robust, loyal following. A prime location like Coronation Plaza also invites the patronage of high-profile clients staying nearby, like ex-president Mr Ong Teng Cheong’s and estate tycoon Mr Ng Teng Fong’s families (wives, to be specific).
Carol's colleague interacting with a customer.
Amidst the whispers of en-bloc plans, Carol’s concerns are with the continuity of her salon. She and her hairdressers had formed many countless relationships with the regulars both in and out of the neighbourhood. The thought of being uprooted and starting again from scratch was a worrying one. “It’s a small place, but it’s cozy one with old, old friends,” she says. “It would be very sad if it was demolished and we need to start all over again.”
Moreover, after running the place for a couple of decades, retirement loomed just ahead for her. “I don’t think I will continue because of my age. I’m in my 80s,” she chuckles. And Carol wasn’t the only one feeling the effects of time. Despite having a sturdy team she trusts to carry on her legacy, dwindling mall traffic and interest of the younger demographic meant her current patrons were getting older too. Some of them were over 90 years of age, and commuting to the mall was already becoming a challenging task. In this sense, moving location simply wasn’t an option.
Carol poses at the counter of her Salon.
But as ambiguous as the mall’s future was, one thing for certain was Carol’s enthusiasm and care for people. Her influence trickles down to her fellow hairdressers who welcome visitors with smiles and chitchat. It’s no surprise for visitors to feel immediately at ease and comfortable enough to let their hair down. “It’s like a second home,” says Carol with a knowing smile, and we couldn’t agree more.