By Rich Bockmann
A Touch of Class is a full-service salon and spa that for nearly three decades has grown as it has built a loyal clientele in Bellerose.
Owner Maria Phillips said some customers have been with the salon since 1989, when her mother retired and she took over the family business.
“We have a lot of regular clients because we’ve been in the area since the mid-’80s. Word of mouth is the best for us because we have a good reputation,” she said, adding that the salon’s good repute has been earned by “just giving quality service at fair prices — actually, excellent service at great prices. We’re kind of like family here.”
The unisex salon offers a full line of hair stylings and cuts, including coloring, perms and straightening, both of the Japanese and Brazilian varieties. On Mondays, customers can take advantage of specials like a shampoo, cut and blow dry for $23, normally $30.
“Everything is a specialty here,” said stylist Louise Fernandez, who has been with the salon for more than a decade.
Phillips said that about two years ago, the business moved into its current location, on the corner of 252nd Street and Union Turnpike, from one just a few doors down.
“When we did it, every single store on the block was closed down,” she said. “We’re staying alive in this economy.”
Today, A Touch of Class’ 2,000-square-foot space sits next to a wine store, a realty office, a fitness/dance studio and the 700-square-foot chiropractor’s office it used to occupy.
“We actually have the atmosphere so that it’s not crowded like you’re on top of one another. It gives the feel of a Manhattan salon with a huge front desk and a waiting area I feel is more comfortable,” Phillips said.
The front of the salon is a bright, open space where waiting customers are served coffee and cake. The spacious floor has ample space to accommodate washing and cutting, and a separate area in the back is provided for nail care, facials, waxing and massages.
“It was done in-between where we did hair before,” Phillips explained. “We’re trying to establish a comfortable place. When you’re trying to get your nails done, you don’t want hair spray in your face.”
Massage prices range from $120 an hour for L.A. stone therapy massage to $15 for a 15-minute chair massage.
Customers can also have permanent make-up applied by a tattoo artist.
“Some people don’t have eyebrows after chemo and things like that. It’s a great service, my girl has been with me for about 14 years,” the owner said. “We also have a doctor that does Botox and restalyne injections.”
The salon’s owner is not the only person singing its praises, though. Customer Ryan Nevins penned an ode that concludes, “We are a union and a team/United with only one dream/When you look at the woman or man in the glass/Only a smile with a touch of class can be seen.”
For more information, call A Touch of Class at 718-347-3389.
Reach reporter Rich Bockmann by e-mail at rbockmann@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4574.
