Richard Sitts
Cherriee Perinne and her co-stylists are happy to offer top-notch services in Redmond.
IIn Hawaiian, “Ka Nui” means “The Greatest,” and that’s especially true for this 10-year-old hair salon, which took first place in the new category of “Best Hair Salon in Redmond.” This translation comes from Ka Nui’s promotional material, which states, “We pride ourselves on being the best we can be. We take the time to learn and grow as a team. We also believe that our customers are ‘the greatest.'”
In response to the first place award, Cheriee Perrine, owner of Ka Nui Salon, says, “We are grateful.” When asked what she finds most fulfilling about being a hairdresser, Perrine says, “Making people feel good. It’s a rewarding job. I couldn’t do this without all the girls who work here.”
There are now about eight independent stylists working in the salon. Perrine says when she opened the shop about 10 years ago, she had one other stylist.
“Most of us have been hairdressers for 20 years or more,” she says. “It’s an art. Every customer is different. You have to learn to adapt and learn how the hair works. Customer service is a big part of that. We’re a really family-friendly hair salon and we work hard to make people feel more comfortable and look good. These moments are what make our job worthwhile.”
Courtesy of Ka Nui Facebook
Making people feel good is what drives the owner of Ka Nui Salon.
On a recent muggy afternoon, another stylist is at work as we visit the quiet shop. The salon is spacious and inviting—relaxing, even, and a cool oasis from the sweltering temperatures outside.
It’s obvious that Perrine enjoys her work and her clients, as she’s been doing this for about 20 years. She jokes that she’s an “unlicensed therapist.” A colleague a few chairs away chimes in: “We’re hair apists!”
Second place: Axis Salon
Ka Nui Salon
249 NW Sixth St., Unit 2, Redmond
541-504-4544
