Bayville Salon Gives Free Makeovers To Help People 'Push Forward'

BAYVILLE, NJ — A hair salon in Bayville is trying to help people who have been feeling down during the pandemic to look their best.

After Hair Fantasy reopened last summer, owner Michele Fury discovered that many of her clients were not pampering themselves as often.

Some people lost their jobs or took on less hours at work to stay home with their kids for virtual learning, losing income that used to cover the cost of their haircare.

To help anyone who is struggling to reenter the workforce or had a rough time during the past year, Fury is donating 10 percent of her sales to cover the cost of hair dye and makeup for them.

“I went through a lot in my life and the one thing that would make me feel good is if someone did my hair,” Fury said. “You feel better, you want to push forward. When you look good, you feel good and it does help.”

Fury is paying it forward after her own salon struggled throughout the pandemic amid closures and capacity restrictions. Unlike restaurants, which could offer delivery or takeout, there wasn't an easy way for salons to adapt their services.

Even when salons were allowed to reopen, capacity restrictions slashed the number of appointments Hair Fantasy could accommodate in half to give clients enough space to be six feet apart from each other.

Hair Fantasy had only been open for six months when Fury had to close the salon in mid-March.

“It’s been really tough and I had just opened when COVID hit. I didn’t even know if I would be able to come back,” she said.

Despite the hard times the salon endured, Fury understands what many people are going through and wants to help them get back on their feet.

Hair Fantasy is hoping to offer a free makeover to two people each month.

Anyone interested in a makeover or anyone who knows someone who needs one can call Hair Fantasy at 732-228-7777 to schedule an appointment.

“It’s so nice when someone comes in that hasn’t cut their hair since COVID, and then they’re getting their hair done—a lot of them say ‘Oh my god. My hair is back to normal.’ You see people change. That’s the best part," Fury said.

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