Date: Fri 16-Feb-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

business-hair-cuts-homebound

Full Text:

with cut: Providing Hair Cuts For The Homebound

B Y A NDREA Z IMMERMANN

There are things we take for granted every day, such as being able to stop at

the barber's for a quick haircut during our lunch hour. But what about those

who are homebound?

Priscilla Vayan, a licensed hairdresser/cosmetologist and certified nurse's

assistant, had been wondering this very thing for a number of years. That is

why she recently decided to use her skills to provide professional hair

styling to those with special needs, in their own home.

"[My service is for] anyone who can't get out," said Ms Vayan. "I want them to

know I'm there for them, I will go to them - that's my business."

The hairdresser will wash and set, cut, perm, and color hair. She also gives

manicures and men's shaves.

"I realized there was a need from being a home health aide and going into

homes," said Ms Vayan. Caregivers often try to do haircuts, "but it's not that

professional a job," she said.

Ms Vayan, a native of Newtown, has worked as a hairdresser all her adult life.

She has also been a physical therapy aide, has worked as a nurse's assistant

at Ashlar of Newtown for 12 years, and is a home health aide with the Danbury

VNA. For years, she has done her elderly aunt's hair and nails every Saturday,

which left her with a smile on her face.

"I thought if I can make one person happy, there are a lot more people out

there I could make happy," said Ms Vayan. "When [my clients] look good and

have their hair done, they feel better - that's important to me."

Ms Vayan, who will take her licensure exam for practical nursing this year,

writes a profile on each hairdressing client so she is aware of any allergies,

medical conditions, and medications. "A medical background is so important,"

she said. "If someone is on blood thinner, you have to be very careful not to

cut them... If a person is diabetic, you do not cut their cuticles because of

[the risk of] infection." And fumes from chemicals used in a permanent could

aggravate a respiratory problem, she said.

"I consider this to be a therapeutic service not only a hair sort of thing,"

said Ms Vayan, who often receives hugs and shaving cream kisses. "It's a

social visit, too, and that does make them feel better."

Between talking and working, it takes about 45 minutes for Ms Vayan to cut a

man's hair. Her task is a little more difficult than working in a hair salon,

because she often needs to work in the tight spaces of bathrooms or kitchens

and needs to take extra time with special needs people. "You have to be really

understanding and go slower with them," she said of her elderly clients. "At

that age, they're not in a hurry!"

The cost of Ms Vayan's hairdressing services are "less than salon prices." She

brings all the equipment - hair dryer, curler sets, and portable totes full of

everything she needs for a particular appointment.

"This is my town," said Ms Vayan. "And I'm going to take care of these people

- I'm going to make them beautiful."

To find out about services, or to make an appointment one week in advance,

contact Priscilla Vayan at 426-3920.