A Hair Studio Pumps A Friendly, Key West Style

On the corner of 6th Street and West Bay, the bright white and pink house boosts a real southern feeling, specifically a Key West groove. The outside hints at the ecletic decor inside. Palms flank the two step entrance and a Key West plaque hangs above the door. 

The 1945, stilted building is home to A Hair Studio, owned by hair stylist David Fiaoni. This groovy salon has a pink lattice fence that frames the building's side path and a mailbox covered with a plastic wrap of colored sandals. 

Respecting the house's history, Fiaoni updated the most important areas, like the plumbing and electricity. The wood floors remain, but the building's previous brown and black trim now bursts with a mecca of bright colors and ocean decorations.

Fiaoni created a visually bigger space by building a half-wall in the center. The bright pink wall now separates the stylists' work stations. Peach and green walls flow into each other. Colored flip-flops create a wavy wall border and trim. There are even beach towels that cover the dryer seats and fish decorations dot the ceiling. The salon bring the beach inside.

"It's nice for customers. They can look up and see those. It's something to look at," Fiaoni said.

His salon may make you long for margaritas on a far-away beach, but Fiaoni describes Largo as a terrific place.

"[It's] fabulous. It's a good will neighborhood. It's personal," Fiaoni said.

With 32-years of experience, Fiaoni has travelled the U.S., setting up shop in places like his hometown Chicago, Kentucky, California, Las Vegas and a final return to Florida. He’s been a stylist in the Largo area for many years. He owned another salon at an outlet mall but sold it.

Fiaoni opened A Hair Salon a year ago. Many of his stylists are friends and previous co-workers. His previous customers remain loyal and pack his current salon, although walk-in customers are beginning to trickle in.

“Anyone that goes up new … people watch it to see if it’ll last. I’ve been here a year now, so people are curious. They’ll think, ‘Oh, he’s been around for awhile’. They’ll check us out,” Fiaoni said.

His salon offers hair coloring and hair cuts for men, women and children. Men’s haircuts start at $15.00. Women cuts start at $20.00. He advises customers to have a consultation for prices on color, which start at $30.00.

Fiaoni jokes with customers and treats everyone with attentive friendliness. He cares about making them look and feel good. With good-hearted banter, he whips out the hair clips and mixes the hair color formula. He says the salon is about having fun for the customers, the stylists and himself.

"We have a good time. It's all about fun. I can honestly say I've never felt like I dreaded going in to work. Never in 32 years," Fiaoni said.