Britani Fairhurst and Brooke Howard, co-owners of B & Co. Hair Salon, spent long days and late nights converting the old Stable Gallery in Damariscotta into a salon. They opened at the new location on Tuesday, June 1.

“We look forward to providing our customers with the same level of care and expertise, but in a more spacious and unique environment,” said Fairhurst. “It looks more like us.”

Fairhurst opened B & Co. Hairdressing salon in 2018 in the space next to Consigning Women in Newcastle. She previously owned the Aaron Michaels salon in Newcastle, having worked in hair salons across town for years.

Howard, from Bristol, rented a booth at Fairhurst for several years after working at Serenity Hair Salon in Damariscotta. When they found out that the former Stable Gallery location was available for rent six months ago, the couple decided to go into business together and Howard became part-owners.

“The amount of work involved was really intimidating, from cleaning to electrical repairs, we could only do it together,” Howard said.

Leslie Benner will also join the duo in the new space. Benner was previously Acasa Hair Salon in Damariscotta, which closed in December. She then started renting a stand in Fairhurst at the B & Co site in Newcastle.

“We looked at the space three or four times before we committed,” Fairhurst said. “Every time we did it, it was like the universe was pulling us towards it.”

Major renovations included ceilings and walls repainted by Fairhurst and Howard; electrical repairs by Beau Campbell, of Damariscotta; and the installation of new booths and equipment, including a spray tanning machine.

The stable hasn’t lost its charm either, and Fairhurst and Howard have kept many rooms from the old barn. Guests will experience the kicking of horses on the walls, and the stalls now serve as private utility rooms for nail treatment, massage therapy, and spray tanning. There is also a relaxation room to sit, read and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.

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“We love the character of the building. There is a lot more growth and creativity here, ”said Fairhurst.

B & Co services. supplies remain the same, including cuts for men, women and children, hair coloring, facial waxing and manicures. They will continue to use Davines hair dye products, an Italian product that Fairhurst has been using for about a decade.

The salon now offers spray tanning, and a Botox and cosmetic enhancement specialist will offer salon services once a month.

“With the nearest Brunswick and Augusta spray tanning salons, customers will have the flexibility to stay local,” Howard said.

To expand the salon’s services, Fairhurst and Howard hope to find a qualified cosmetologist and massage therapist or esthetician to rent two chairs.

Fairhurst said that while she enjoys being an owner and a hairdresser, she finds that booth rental allows hairdressers to own their own business and set their own agenda.

“As a stylist hiring a booth, you really are your own boss,” Fairhurst said.

“It really means no one is looking over your shoulder, telling you how to treat your clients or when to schedule your appointments,” Howard said. “It gives you a lot more freedom, responsibility and upward mobility.”

The three professional stylists said most of their clients have stayed with them through all of their salon moves and life transitions.

“When you’ve been a hairstylist for so many years, in a tight-knit community, you make a name for yourself and people trust you,” Benner said.

With Fairhurst’s 19 years of experience as a hairstylist in Lincoln County, Howard’s Six, and Benner’s 37, the three professional stylists can attest to the continued demand for hairstylists in town.

“We are very fortunate to have people in our community who will encourage us and stay with us as we grow up,” said Fairhurst.

Located at 28 Water St. in Damariscotta, B & Co. The hairdressing salon is open from Tuesday to Saturday by appointment. To make an appointment, dial 563-1122.

For more information, find the company on Facebook.