Enter The World Of Elysian Hair Spa

Stylist Colleen Moran completes a “curly cut” that has clients wear their curls naturally for two customized cuts. Long islander News photos/Sophia Ricco

By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com

Step into Elysian Hair Spa in Huntington village and find yourself immersed in a world of beauty, with naturally-derived elements and experienced stylists.

All of your glamorous wishes can be granted, whether it’s a new cut or color to adorn your locks, a fresh face of make-up with shaped eyebrows, or refreshment for the pores with healing facials. Owner Josephine Pearsall has worked diligently to craft a complete beauty affair for anyone who walks in the door. A warm welcome greets guests who are given a list of libations that can be enjoyed during the venture.

“All we’re about is customer service. It’s number one,” Pearsall said. “We are always friendly and welcoming. We want the entire experience to be better than anywhere.”

After working at the Haven, the salon that previously occupied the Main Street storefront,  Pearsall took over the business in 2016. She spruced up the salon, brought in a new color scheme and styling chairs and worked to improve her stylists’ knowledge.

“I just felt the industry was not where it should be,” Pearsall said. “I always felt it could be more. I want stylists to be respected.”

Pearsall and her staff are capable of achieving just about any hair desires, whether it’s an intricate up-do or flowing extensions. They offer a multitude of dye colors from natural highlights to bright pinks and purples, though they tend to stay on the natural end of the spectrum.

“I feel we attract clientele who want natural looking hair,” Pearsall said. “We don’t see a lot of the fashion colors but we do have a few young girls who love it.”

For the summer, Elysian is “face framing” with highlights in the front strands to create the illusion of “sun-lightened” hair. A signature at Elysian, the “curly cut” lets curls flourish and bounce.

“We cut it curl by curl, then they shampoo and dry it under the ‘curly cut dryer,’ and then we go over it one more time,” Pearsall said. “This dries their hair in the natural way their curls fall. It’s more customizable because one area could be more or less curly.”

But it’s not just hair that gets the special treatment at Elysian. The salon has two floors making it possible to host bridal or birthday parties. there is a spray tan booth and a private healing room for facials.

A top priority for Pearsall is ensuring her staff is educated on techniques and equipped with the best tools. She requires stylists to attend monthly classes to brush up on skills and pick up new ones.

Elysian uses Eufora products that contain organic aloe, natural plant extracts and essential oils to give clients wonderful color and shine.

 “I’ve been doing hair for 18 years and I still go to classes,” Pearsall said. “You may think you there isn’t anything left to learn, but I’m still surprised about what I’m learning.”

In the transition to Elysian, only one stylist remained at the salon giving Pearsall the opportunity to choose her staff of stylists. Before allowing them on the floor, Pearsall trained each through weekly classes.

“I like to train stylists as assistants, then move them up,” Pearsall said. “I feel this way they are trained knowing the standards and don’t have any bad habits.”

Elysian uses Eufora products exclusively. From shampoo to hair dye to deep conditioner, all of the blends contain organic aloe and other natural plant extracts and essential oils. Pearsall feels these ingredients produce great color and shine.

“They are eco-friendly,” Pearsall said. “Many of their products have aloe in them, which is great for sensitive or dry scalp.”

In case of an allergy to aloe or beeswax, Elysian carries an alternative dye brand, but for most, Elysian stylist’s can tailor Eufora’s variety of products to a person’s hair care needs, Pearsall said.

“Eufora is the only product line that doesn’t have water in it,” Pearsall said. “Water is just a filler, so they don’t put anything that’s not needed in their products. It’s very concentrated and full of all the good things, so people get a lot out of them.”

Over time, Elysian has garnered a clientele of regulars of all ages and genders. Even men immerse themselves in the experience, getting a sophisticated style while learning how to maintain their mane.

“With scissors we can give them more of a styled cut,” Pearsall said. “I always hear men say that at barbershops, they don’t like to use scissors. So we can style it, then talk to them about how to do their hair.”

Elysian Hair Spa
294 Main St, Huntington
631-923-2211
elysianhairspa.com