Local Salon Fosters Community

By Liz Wassman

A nearby hairdresser emphasizes a family feeling
Liz Wassmann
The Santa Clara

A mere three blocks from campus, in a small, nondescript building, is a little hair salon called Da One Above. Not many students are familiar with the unique destination, but the name and religious iconography on the sign outside has often led to curiosity about the salon.

"I am a Christian woman, and I wanted my business to glorify God," the owner of the salon, Clyther Felix, explained, while using a round brush to dry a client's hair. "That's why choosing the name was easy. Because He's what this whole place is about."

Felix explained, in her steady, paced way of speaking, that she had been to too many hair salons that were just catty. When she opened Da One Above seven years ago, her goal was to foster a place that helped clients from the "inside out." The salon functions as a community center for clients, a place where they know everyone and can relax and catch up. She wanted to create the kind of place where people would feel comfortable leaving their children.

Clients come for all types of services, especially those who are seeking expertise in textured hair, something the salon specializes in. They come to have their hair braided, to have weaves put in, to have relaxer applied, to have it straightened, colored or some combination of the above.

The age range of the clientele varies from little girls squirming in the chair getting their first braids to older women who have been customers for years leisurely flicking through magazines while Felix blow-dries their hair.

Many clients come frequently, to get their hair washed and styled. Felix puts a real emphasis on building relationships, and thinks of the salon as a family. For example, if one of her loyal clients is going through a tough time and can't pay, she will cover them until they get back on their feet.

In addition to doing hair, the salon hosts purse parties, sessions on how to manage money and classes on women's health. A back room doubles as a massage parlor and esthetician's office, and another room holds a small gym with a personal trainer available by appointment.

Da One Above is a welcoming, affordable place for students not only to get their hair done, but also become a part of a community.

Contact Liz Wassmann at ewassmann@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.