Cutting into new territory

People in need of a haircut, but who aren't fans of scheduling an appointment, have another option that has just opened up on Bridge Avenue in Saratoga. Bringing the total of hair salons on East Bridge Avenue to four, LJ's Cuts has opened at 112 E. Bridge Avenue in Suite G of the mini-mall between Bridge Street Bargains and Duke's Bar and Grill.

Owner Lacey Hanson is no stranger to hair care. She attended beauty school in Montana, where she graduated in 2008.

"Then I moved to Laramie and worked in Laramie, at the Great Clips there, for almost 10 years," said Hanson.

Hanson's move to the Valley is very recent,. She moved to Encampment from Laramie in May of this year. LJ's Cuts officially opened on Oct. 8, announced with a chalkboard sandwich board sign bearing the name of the business. When Hanson sat down with the Saratoga Sun, she was already seeing some clients trickle in.

"The beginning of the week was slow, the end of last week was good, but I know it's hunting season," Hanson said. "I think it'll get busier."

The suites in the mini-mall aren't super spacious and so Hanson has room for a waiting area and her salon, which holds one chair for cutting hair and one for doing permanents. While other salons in the area might offer a wider array of services, Hanson keeps hers limited to haircuts.

"I do adult haircuts and kids haircuts. I do offer shampoos, but no color or nails or anything like that," said Hanson. "It's just walk-ins only. So, you can come and get your haircut. No appointments, which is nice."

For the person who is in need of a haircut quickly, that's a bonus. Like any other service, people have their preferences. At times it can be hard to get in at a time that works for them. Along with only accepting walk-ins, the prices at LJ's Cuts are comparable with the other salons in the area.

"It's only $20 for haircuts. Kids 12 and under are $15, seniors 65 and older are $15 and then everybody else is $20," Hanson said.

Along with offering haircuts, Hanson also offers beard trims for those who may be getting a little long for $12 and will clean up your neck for $10.

Hanson hopes that, eventually, there will be the opportunity to expand her business and possibly move into a storefront. She's also had some comments on her signage.

"I've had a couple people say the sign needs to be moved out, so I'm working on that," said Hanson. "I'm happy with this, for now."

If you happen to be on Bridge Avenue and you feel like you're in need of a trim, just look for the sandwich board sign that reads "LJ's Cuts." Walk down the hallway to the last door on the left and have a seat.