Salon 146 now offers spa services

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

Stylin’ stylists: Sarah McDonald, center, who owns Salon 146, is flanked by cosmetologist Deborah Leach, left, and Rebecca Riggi, an aesthetician. The salon, which now offers spa services, is holding a grand-re-opening on Saturday.

ALTAMONT — This Saturday, Salon 146 — located on Route 146 at the eastern edge of the village — is hosting a grand re-opening to celebrate its addition of spa services.

A raffle will benefit efforts of 8-year-old Emma Detlefsen to raise funds to fight lymphedema, a chronic, debilitating disease where fluid builds up in body tissue. Emma was born with the disease.

Emma wore her purple cape when she was honored at the State Capitol for “her outstanding advocacy, support, and fundraising efforts for lymphedema awareness.” She and her team, “Emma’s Incredibles,” wore superhero capes at her request when they walked across the Brooklyn Bridge to fight the disease.

The owner of Salon 146, Sarah McDonald, went to Berne-Knox-Westerlo with both of Emma’s parents.  “She’ll be here on Saturday, making lemonade,” said McDonald of Emma.

The salon, during the celebration, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will also give away products and services. “The services retail at $50 or more,” said McDonald, and highlight new offerings.

McDonald, 34, opened the business three years ago and is pleased with its progress. She has local as well as far-flung customers. Patrons who have moved away will drive a considerable distance to continue at the salon, McDonald said, giving an example of a customer who now lives in Clifton Park.

“She’ll call and say, ‘I cheated on you again. Now I look like a 12-year-old.’ And then she’s back here,” said McDonald. “People just don’t listen to them.”

McDonald has been a licensed hairdresser for a decade and is also a makeup artist who does airbrush makeup. “It’s high def, good for photos,” she said. “It’s a flawless application. I do a lot of models and brides.”

She went on to describe the special skills of the salon’s staff members.

Erika Bates has been a hairstylist for over 10 years. Deborah Leach has done full cosmetology for 20 years, including hair styling and giving manicures and pedicures. Lindsay Hill has styled hair for more than 16 years, and also gives manicures and pedicures.

Lorinda Hilmar-Kimball and Tiffany Butler are both licensed massage therapists.  Hilmar-Kimball, who works in a chiropractic practice as well as at the salon, specializes in Swedish and deep-tissue massage. Butler does both of those and is a licensed reiki healer as well. “She’s a reiki master and does reiki services with horses, too,” said McDonald. Developed by a Japanese Buddhist, reiki involves hands-on healing.

Rebecca Riggi is an aesthetician who uses organic products, many of which she makes herself, for facials and body wraps. Body wraps, McDonald explained, “cleanse the body, and it slims and tones the body. It’s good before an event.” Body scrubs exfoliate dry skin, which can be a problem in the winter, said McDonald.

“Right now, Rebecca is doing a pumpkin mask,” said McDonald. “Pumpkin is good for the skin.”

McDonald concluded of her business, “It has been a big success. We have a great team and good clients.”

The Altamont Enterprise is focused on hyper-local, high-quality journalism. We produce free election guides, curate readers' opinion pieces, and engage with important local issues. Subscriptions open full access to our work and make it possible.