Confetti, fireworks, and joyful music! Shag86 Hair Salon is 20 years old. Since its inception in March 2004, Shag has lived by its motto of Life, Hair, and Happiness.
Numerous friends and family have stepped up to the plate to help Gerald Ferraro, the owner, create a premier salon in the heart of Little Falls. Growing up, he observed his mother and uncle, both hairstylists, create beautiful designs for appreciative clients. His uncle, Allen Veneziano, a significant influencer, mentored Gerald, demonstrating positivity and providing the logistics of running a successful salon.
In addition, Gerald’s wife, Sarah, Director of Operations, ensures the highest quality of functionality, along with a fabulous team that upholds the most important values of character and integrity propel the salon’s success. Gerald has also worked with many of the finest leaders in hair design throughout his career.
“I realized my dream of creating a hair salon with like-minded stylists who share a passion for hair design and their talents in creating beautiful hair. With passion and talent, the rest falls into place,” he says. “It is quite simple to do so. Surround yourself with others who love what they do.”
Simply put, Shag86 thrives by making its clients happy. Shag86 has twenty-eight employees and twenty-two stylists, many of whom specialize in a specific hair design, such as curly hair, long hair, short hair, and color. Many stylists stay at Shag86 their entire careers due to the camaraderie and continuing education they receive. “Keeping a splendid work environment with positive attitudes and always sharpening our skills in hair design is a winning recipe. Our employees love what they do, are happy, and treat our clients with the highest respect and deepest appreciation,” he remarks.
Although Shag 86 always provided opportunities for its employees to upgrade their skills, in 2021, the salon opened its educational opportunities to area hairstylists with the creation of Shag86 University. Tom Harris, the artistic director, brings years of experience as a Paul Mitchell educator. The Shag86 University educators are eager to share their wealth of knowledge with stylists in the regional area. The faculty are Shag86 employees, with more than a combined total of 160 years of professional experience and with diverse specialties. “An oasis of opportunities now exists in our backyard, with Shag86 University as a destination point,” states Gerald.
Further expanding its client base, the S86 Men’s lounge opened its salon on the third floor with an eye toward excellent and complete client service. From beards to buzz cuts, master barbers Daniel Stevens and Edward Parks promise to deliver that perfect look and style.
“We have a passionate business here
at Shag86, and we have some more exciting plans to unfold soon. We are always looking for the best ways to serve our dedicated, loyal, and new clients,” says Gerald.
Shag86 Salon
86 Main Street, Little Falls
973-837-0086
