BELLES OF THE PARLOUR

You could describe Tootie McNair and Diana Fisher in a variety of ways. One way would be through their professions. They’re both beauticians, proprietors and partners in Telluride’s most established salon, the Beauty Parlour. In Di’s words, "We are a lot alike. We think a like; we work alike; we even cut hair alike." You could also describe the duo as having similar personality characteristics. They’re both personable and friendly, believe in working hard and playing hard and both enjoy and are committed to the men in their lives as much as they are their 23- year-old thriving business.

Tootie, an avid skier, golfer and windsurfer, moved to Telluride 22 years ago with her husband, Jim McNair. ( Jim is a watercolorist and an architect.) They moved from Leucadia, California, because their good buddies, Kenny and Sylvia Hemann, had spoken so highly of the area. Enticed by all that Telluride could offer in the outdoor realm of things, the McNairs have made their supposedly short stint here span over two decades now.

In the early 70s, Telluride’s population was made up of a mere 400 souls. People were much more kicked-back than they are today. However, "In those days," says Tootie, "it was harder to make a living. I worked three jobs at once ~ one at the Parlour another at Paragon Sports and the last one at The Deli. It took me six long years to finally make a living at our salon." As one could imagine, building clientele back then would be hard as many of the hippy-types didn’t bother much with their hair. Also, the economic base was substantially less than it is today. Two-thirds less, in fact. "Another hurdle we faced," Tootie explains, "is that the miners didn’t like the newcomers much."

A gal named Karen Lashmett opened the Beauty Parlour in 1970. Diana came aboard on 5 May in 1973. A year later, Tootie joined forces with them. Then the shop was located on main street, upstairs in the McIntosh Building. Until 1980, the three gals worked together. At which time, Lashmett picked up and moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, where she continues to have a salon named the Beauty Parlour. Tootie and Diana subsequently formed their partnership which is currently 16 years ripe. Upon leaving the McIntosh Building on main street, the Beauty Parlour made its home for a short while (3.5 years) at Fat Alley. They left there when they purchased the spot they now do business out of at 227 W. Pacific Street. This charming building houses an apartment upstairs, (where Diana’s son, Jon, lives) an accupunturist, chiropractor and a massage therapist and, of course, the Beauty Parlour. The interior of the salon is painted pale gray with contemporary art by Nagel and local artist Ellzey which they bartered for. The antique furnishings, abundance of plants and mirrors make one’s visit relaxing, soothing and very amicable.

Diana’s story is a little bit different, but not much. Her and her husband, Jon Fisher, had heard through the grapevine that Telluride was a real mountain oasis. Living in Crested Butte at the time and originally from Alliance, Ohio, this young couple ventured into seemingly unchartered territory when they drove into the dramatic and somewhat magical San Miguel River Valley. The year was 1973. A time when the San Juan Skyway was virtually untraveled. A time when Telluride was dubbed the 'Sleeping Giant.’ The Fishers most assuredly knew that Telluride’s unparalleled beauty would one day be discovered, so they packed their bags and headed farther west ~ southwest that is of Crested Butte.

Diana said, "I sat around for two years, just waiting for clients to walk in for a cut." Like Tootie, Diana held down another job to make ends meet. She worked as a salad maker at Annie Savath’s French restaurant, Chez Pierre. (Annie is now Telluride’s famed ski school director.) Diana reflects that one of the most enjoyable aspects of being here for so long is watching the community and friends grow-up and change. "Believe me, we’ve seen a lot of changes," she says. Diana recalls that the best thing about the earlier days in Telluride was that it was nice to have powder days ~ that meant virtually every business closed. 'Shut’ signs were prevalent and frequently seen. There also was a time, not too long ago when there were two distinct off-seasons ~ one at the end of summer and another at the end of winter. During these seasons, the town of Telluride relapsed into looking like a ghost town as most residents would sojourn to various beaches in the Southern Hemisphere. Diana and Jon, as always, acclimated to the Telluride ways by buying property in Jamaica, where they would make their annual journeys. For 17 years, Diana has frequented their land there. Hiking, sunning on the beaches and being sung sweet serenades by her singer, song writer husband, who takes his guitar everywhere. (Diana also acts as Jon’s agent. Booking him gigs whenever she can.)

Diana and Tootie proclaim the success of their business is that they treat locals well. Word of mouth always seems to be the best form of advertising. They further attribute their success to keeping on good terms with everyone who has worked for them. "We’ve worked with nearly all the hair dressers in town at one time or another," claims Diana. Roberto of Roberto’s, Maria of Maria’s, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. They recognize that they all have a great talent and have a right to own a business license in their chosen field of endeavors.

The longevity of the salon must inadvertently reflect on how they 'keep mute’ the gossipy things they hear and talk about with their clients. A beautician’s shop is traditionally a warehouse of espousing spousal affairs and other such items. The two women claim, however, that not a lot of that 'talk’ happens. They will admit though, they are instrumental in metamorphoses the looks of many. For example, they turned long-time friend, Terry Garvey, from a blond to a red head; tried to make Paragon Sports owner, Michael Brown, look like Eric Clapton once; they regularly do Elvira Wunderlich and Irene Visintin (they are sisters) hair so they look like each other; they 'comb,’ yes comb, Gay Capis’ hair every day and then wash and set it once a week; and they believe Monica has the thickest, prettiest hair in town. "Trends are forever coming and going...We keep up with them but don’t necessarily set them," said Tootie. Telluride is primarily a 'wash and wear’ town. "It’s look is the one that has prompted many of the style teachers and educators on the western slope to call us the 'natural girls,’" explained Diana.

As for much more stuff....it was impossible to get them to say any dirt or Esquire material. They only have good things to say, if anything ~ Norm Squire, local marshall, can attest to this...."Norm invited Tootie and me on his KOTO radio talk show. Neither one of us could say a word when we went live. Norm didn’t know what to do, so he quickly got two pair of scissors and two combs, and made us stand up and start cutting his hair," exclaims Diana. They started talking once the combs and scissors were securely lodged in their fingers.

Apparently, they are in their element when they’re taking care of people’s hair. And, they should be, as both have gone to school for it each and every year for 30 years. They should be in the Locks Cutting Hall of Fame, not only doing good cuts, but for doing great business.