Hot Heads adjusts to new location, high clientele

Abi Wright works on Kim Shockley's hair at the campus Hot Heads location on Aug. 31. Reagan Allen // DN
Abi Wright works on Kim Shockley's hair at the campus Hot Heads location on Aug. 31. Reagan Allen // DN

Hot Heads On Campus has competitive prices with barber style cuts, ranging from $20 up to $25, and ladies' cuts anywhere from $25 to $30, depending on the level of stylist, Rees said.

Since its grand opening on Aug. 1, Hot Heads has been very busy.

After Benny Benefiel retired after 50 years of services as the barber for Ball State University, the Hot Heads Hair Design team took over the L.A. Pittenger Student Center’s barbershop.

Tena Rees, a Ball State alumna and Hot Heads owner and master designer said the clientele since the salon’s opening has been great and at times even overwhelming.

“We exceeded our expectations and have been swamped,” Rees said. “On Monday alone we had 21 walk-ins.”

Because of the high amount of clientele, the salon is currently working on hiring new staff to join the four stylists and one barber currently working on location.

Rees, along with her crew, were eager earlier this summer to get on campus and meet students.

Ever since, the salon has since quickly adjusted to its new location and continues to feel welcomed by the Ball State community.

“Our staff loves Ball State and love the vibe it gives us,” Rees said. “Everyone has been so nice and friendly — everyone has introduced themselves to us. A university police officer has even walked me to my car one night.”

According to bsu.edu, the on-campus Hot Heads offers cuts, colors, highlights, ombre, balayage, keratin, perms, blowouts, updos, brows and extension services. The salon also sells Paul Mitchell hair care products.

But not all those services are currently offered. One issue that has popped up within the student body is the lack of services available for students of color, which Rees said is something the salon is working to improve.

“We don’t do relaxers or perms or keratin treatments. There is no adequate ventilation for chemicals since we are in the basement,” Rees said. “[But] we do actually have some ethnic clients come in for haircuts and color. We also do wash-and-sets and I personally can do corn rows.”

The salon also does not offer braiding technique “simply because we don’t have anyone that works here that specializes in doing that technique.”

The salon is working to continue to please and serve all of Ball State students.

As a way to reach out to the community, Hot Heads will be offering some specials for students and staff.

“We’re going to be at Late Nite giving $5 coupons and cookies. Our stylist Amanda also has a special where if you book a color with her, you get a free haircut.” Rees said. “You also can get half-priced eyebrow tinting when you purchase an eyebrow arch.”

The salon is open on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the school year and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Earlier or later appointments can be scheduled by appointment. 

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