In memory of Chad, the Hair Lounge opens

MILLERTON — After 13 years as the eponymous owner of Chad’s Hair Studio, the late Chad Malarchuk’s legacy lives on in a new salon, the Hair Lounge, thanks to his former employees.

Malarchuk was known for his cheerfulness and for his willingness to help those in need. He died unexpectedly on Sunday, Jan. 28, at the age of 46.

Loren Whiteley said she cherished her time working at Chad’s Hair Studio. Malarchuk was the best boss she ever had; she said working with him was like being part of a big family. 

When he died at the beginning of this year, she was concerned about what would happen next; she and her fellow stylists hoped to stay together. 

Whiteley said that in the back of her mind she’d always thought she’d like to keep his salon going whenever Malarchuk decided he was ready to retire. 

Chad’s Hair Salon officially closed for business on Saturday, Aug. 18 — Malarchuk’s birthday.

Fortunately for Whiteley, the idea of opening a new hair salon in Millerton was already in the making.

“Luckily, I was a step ahead with having all the girls behind me and having their followings,” Whiteley remarked. “It was a little scary. But so far, everyone has been just ecstatic about it.”

Now located at 143 Route 44 in Millerton, Whiteley and the other stylists and staff  transformed the space formerly occupied by Four Seasons Pool Services into a new salon. In just two weeks, friends and family were able to do the painting, lighting, flooring and plumbing. Whiteley added a few feminine touches to reflect her own style, such the chandeliers that now hang overhead.

Joining Whiteley are four of her co-workers from Chad’s: Tarah Kennedy, Kelly Kilmer, Amy Carol and Joe Musso. 

“Really, I did this for Chad, for his family, and to keep all of us girls and Joe working together,” she said. “I keep saying ‘family’ because that really describes us the most, between us and our clients.”

So far, the transition has been busy but positive, said Whiteley. As the salon takes off in the village business community and continues to attract clients, Whiteley has been adamant about keeping Malarchuk’s memory alive, emphasizing that she doesn’t want to stop talking about him or hearing stories about him. 

After giving Whiteley their blessing, Malarchuk’s family has shown support, whether it’s lending a hand with business operations or coming in for a haircut. Malarchuk’s mother, Pam, currently helps out with the bookkeeping, payroll and answering phones.

Hours of operation currently run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

For more information or to book an appointment at the Hair Lounge, call 518-592-1167 or email thehairlounge143@gmail.com.