by Dana Sleger
When Alexander D. Deeks recalls that “ah-ha” moment he knew he was destined to be a hairstylist, it brings him right back to his first teacher in the industry, his mother.
“My mother owned a beauty school and was one of the instructors,” Deeks says. “One day, mother asked me to sit in on one of her cutting classes and it was then I realized it was in my blood. Scissor became an extension of my hands and it was as if I had been cutting hair all my life. It became the fuel that excited me to take this venture to the next level and make it my future.”
Deeks owns Salon Alexanders on Cowan Road in Gulfport, which operates in one of the Coast’s oldest Victorian homes, and with 20 stations, it’s also one of the largest salons on the Coast. Deeks says the welcoming atmosphere full of southern charm is built on giving clients the best experience in a relaxing atmosphere they can enjoy and also learn in.
“You will find our friendly staff is made up of experienced artists that take the time to listen to our clients’ needs and provide the best service and experience,” Deeks says. “Because of our passion and love for what we do in serving the public, we enjoy teaching our customers how to feel good and look amazing by using the right products and tools to the best of our knowledge.”
When Deeks was just 18, he opened his first salon in Louisiana in 1988. Even though he was a fresh graduate right out of beauty school at this time, he was already a licensed instructor teaching the class “The Artistry of Hair Cuts/Design” at his mother’s beauty school named “Eve’s College of Hairstyling.”
“I saw the passion for hair through my mother’s love for teaching others what she loved to do in this industry,” Deeks says. “As my own passion grew for hair, I realized that I too love teaching and sharing my skills and talents with fellow hair artists.”
This knack for teaching helped Deeks develop an apprenticeship program that currently helps new and upcoming artists looking to grow within the industry and at Salon Alexanders, which was established on the Coast in 2000.
When it comes to the number of services available at Salon Alexanders, the list is long: Hair cuts, color, bayalage, ombre, keratin smoothing treatments, perms, nail services, eyelash extensions, special event makeup/hair, and more. One this is for sure, nothing beats that light in a client’s eyes when they leave the salon looking and feeling their best.
“The most rewarding aspect of working in the salon industry is seeing that smile of confidence when you have given a client your very best,” Deeks says. “It’s that confirmation a client gives you when he/she experiences that ‘wow factor’ through your service, which builds your reputation as a great and legendary artist.”
SALON ALEXANDERS
1115 Cowan Road, Gulfport
(228) 896-3352
salonalexanders.com
Monday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.