Hair Matters: Salon extends service to hair extensions, wigs, etc.

Apr 23, 2023

Windswept, ponytailed or piled high – hair matters. According to Dupré's Salon and Day Spa owner, Jay Dupré, it plays a pivotal role in the way we meet the world.

"Hair is important; it's one of the key things we use when we’re describing someone or our self," he said. "Losing your hair, due to age, alopecia, medical treatments or other issues, can be very traumatic.

Jay and his wife, Shannon Dupré, have owned and operated their Church Point Commons business for 19 years. In December 2016, they opened Tousle, by Dupré's, a salon dedicated entirely to serving area clientele with hairpieces and services. "It seemed a natural extension of our mission to provide the very best the industry has to offer, for help with hair loss or simply to change up looks."

Several things came together, Dupré said, noting that he and Shannon pondered the decision for 18 months.

Resources here for people with hair loss were lacking, he said. "At the same time, the industry has seen a huge increase in wigs, extensions and hair pieces as popular, fashion choices. It was an ideal time, and we committed to it."

They expanded, renovating the empty suites next door so that their business now encompasses all of the ground and second floor suites on the east end of the commons. The results are spectacular, said client Kathy Howell. "It's just gorgeous, and Tousle's much more private than the main salon next door."

Tousle's interior design was created by Jean Sharp of JJS Studio and uses a polished blend of chrome and leather softened by natural elements, including a wall of moss. Beyond the sitting area, an intimate alcove holds five chairs for styling, with a discreet display and sizing room for wigs and hairpieces.

An additional feature is a unique, keratin treatment room. This private, two-chair rooms uses custom-built ventilation to provide a healthy environment for services, such as hair smoothing, without noxious fumes.

Salon manager Barbara Stansbury has been with Dupré's for 12 years and welcomes the new addition. "There's nothing comparable in the area," she said, noting the popularity for hair extensions and wigs created by pop culture icons, such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Kera Knightly. "Everyone's embraced the idea, and it really helps people who are dealing with hair loss to have so much support from the fashion and beauty industry."

Extensions and hair toppers can be used to add length or fullness, and work well with thinning hair because they blend in seamlessly and cause no damage. Tousle uses 100 percent human hair extensions from Great Lengths and HairDreams.

Wigs range from synthetic budget-friendly pieces to premium, hand-sewn human hair wigs imported from Europe. Prices range accordingly, from several hundred to six thousand dollars. Stansbury said some clients are able to use medical insurance toward costs.

Long & Foster Realtor Kathy Howell said Dupré's feels like family after 18 years of caring for her beauty needs.

"Jay's the best; he gives honest advice that I can trust," she said, noting that her profession demands a polished appearance. After a stressful time, she started losing her hair and "was devastated."

Howell said hair loss can leave a person feeling vulnerable, without confidence. She now uses extensions for a fuller head of hair. "It's unbelievably helpful to walk out those doors, feeling carefree and confident, and back to life."

if you go

What: Tousle, by Dupré's

Where: Church Point Commons at 1708 Pleasure House Road, Suite 102

Hours: Flexible and by appointment.

Phone: 757-464-9400 during 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 10 a.m. -7 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday.

Website: Search "TouslebyDupres" on Facebook

Irene Bowers, [email protected]

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