Noli's Hair Salon Is A Family Affair

Local hairstylist Noli Saliu opened his new salon in Rocky Hill earlier this month by expanding his clientele with old-fashioned skills while still keeping up with the latest trends and styles.

Saliu has been cutting hair since he was 17 years old living in Kosovo. In 1999, he came to the United States and accepted a job cutting hair at the Minneapolis Airport. He would eventually move to Connecticut and open a barbershop in the Wethersfield shopping center.

However, his clientele has “grown through word of mouth” and the European stylist needed a bigger place. About two weeks ago, Saliu opened the doors to “Noli's European Hair Salon,” which features the 10 stylist chairs, three coloring stations, a special area for men’s haircuts and a shaving room. Saliu said he can cut hair in any style, offers classic shaves and hot steam towels while still being able to do perms and colorings.

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Saliu is not taking on this latest venture alone and is joined at the salon by his 23-year-old twin daughters, Alma and Nora. He said he is hoping to attract more senior clients as well.

“His work speaks for itself. It is quality service and everyone leaves here looking good,” said friend Vincent Sessa. “The girls create a different dynamic.”

Sessa has known Saliu for several years and the two are close friends. About three years ago, Sessa’s father, Michael, became terminally ill. However, Michael Sessa was a barber and wanted to occasionally cut hair.

Saliu gave Sessa a chance to cut hair at his old shop in Wethersfield without having to deal with the demands of running a business. Michael Sessa passed away last March. 

“He is across the spectrum,” Vincent Sessa said about his friend. “He has old school barbering skills... And he has kept current with all the new styles.”

There will be a grand opening event at store on June 30 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ceremony will be from 3 to 9 p.m. with Mayor Anthony LaRosa and state lawmakers expected to attend the event.

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