‘I am trying to help them out’: Manalapan salon owner gives clients free advice with business closed

Barbershops and salons across New Jersey are closed, leaving stylists out of work, but some are helping from home, including one salon owner in Manalapan.

 

Olga Isakov, owner of Something New Salon in Manalapan, was forced to close her salon in mid-March.

“My clients are texting me and they are worried about their hair color, what they should do and I am trying to help them out,” says Isakov.

Isakov isn't able to help in person, but she is giving her clients free advice, telling them exactly which professional grade hair dye to order on Amazon. She is also giving step by step directions so they can do touch ups at home.

 

Isakov says it’s a very difficult time. With her salon closed, she along with her nine other employees are out of work.

“To pay the mortgage, to pay the rent, it's not easy at all,” says Isakov.

University of Miami freshman Brianna Conselyea is long overdue for a cut, color, and magic sleek straightening treatment and hasn't been able to visit her stylist, but she says being able to consult with Isakov during this time makes all the difference, and she is looking forward to getting the full treatment back in the salon.

 

“Having my hair done really just helps my confidence,” says Conselyea. “It makes me feel good.”

Other stylists across the country have started a campaign called #showmeyourroots, asking clients to wait until they return to salon to help make up for business lost.