Sharon Hampton and Cathy Hayes September 2008 marks the thirtieth anniversary celebration of the Hair Affair Solon, which was established as a locally owned and operated hair salon in 1978. Sharon Hampton, co-owner and proprietor, states, "My staff and I are overjoyed and so blessed to have the salon reach this milestone." She fondly recalls the opening of Hair Affair as the second modern unisex salon to open in Savannah. The salon at that time featured a state-ofthe art carousel station setup. It also attracted many patrons from all walks of life, most of whom still patronize the salon even today.

Hair Affair was originally located at 3128 Bull Street, but because of its popularity and growth, soon had to seek larger space accommodations, and so it was relocated to the 2110 Sunset Boulevard (near the Skidaway Road and 52'd Street Ext. intersection) where it presently operates. Hair Affair has a productive and proud history of community involvement. Hampton states, " As we reflect on the past thirty years, we can point to such activities and experiences such as traveling to hair shows annually, working with Carson Products to formulate a few of their hair care products, traveling to Chicago for the introduction of a professional line, and working as platform artisjJ with Lustrasilk.

Additionally, the salon has enjoyed collaborative efforts with many community organizations including the Mandingo Socio-Civic Club, which they provided hair, skin and nail care workshops services during the 80's as a part of the Annual Charm School for Girls. The stylists have also served as debutante consultants and mentors for young high school girls, in addition to contributing guidance, inspiration and support to the DECA program as a training sponsor. According to Hampton, "One of our proudest moments was receiving the 1981 Hair Show Award in Atlanta, Georgia."

In 1988 Cathy Hayes become a full partner in the salon and has been with Sharon since Hair Affair opened. The original stylists who opened with the salon in 1978 included: Sharon Hampton, Cathy Hart Hayes, Marlene Whitaker Lundy, Renee H. Gregory, and Henry "Rat" Martin, along with receptionist Debra "Milk" Johnson. One year later Patricia Ward (a twenty nine year associate), Sheila Grant. Anita Turly, and Shirley Keith joined the staff.

Sharon, and Cathy are also proud of the fact that a very large number of stylists who once were affiliated with Hair Affair Have branched out into their own businesses. This stellar list of entrepreneurs include the owners of such notable salons as: Seven Steps to Reality, Sheila's Talk of the Town, Dot's Hair Care, Essence Beauty Salon, Toni's Salon, Hair Fashion, Escape Hair Salon, Pure Perfection, P. K. Hair Salon, Turning Heads, Sam's Beauty Box, Preferred Styles (Tyler, Texas), and Hair & Nails Obsession (Killene, Texas), just to name a few. One former stylist, former owner of Classic Styles, is now teaching cosmetology in Atlanta; another is making a name for himself in the world of comedy; and yet another barber is working at Mitchell Brothers, in Atlanta, Georgia.

As a highlight of the celebration, a Hair Affair Stylist Reunion will be held and they will fellowship in worship services on Sunday, September 28, 2008 with the St. Paul CME Church family during its 11:00 a.m. services.

"We bless the Lord for favor in having such loyal and supportive patrons who have stuck with us through the years, and we thank Him for bringing us to this milestone," Sharon, and Cathy remarked.