For Matt Nance, a hair stylist in Chaffee County, the goal of a haircut is simple: “It’s all about making people look good.”
Nance operates as an independent contractor under the name “Traveling Haircuts.” After 12 years in the industry, he recently changed his business model to meet clients in their homes.
A native of Salida, Nance started his hair styling journey as a teenager. “As soon as I hit high school, I always did my friends’ hair,” he recalled. He studied for a year at Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy before beginning his professional career at Supercuts.
“Doing hair is unlike anything else,” Nance said. He emphasized the intimate nature of the work, even when he was in a salon setting with coworkers. “You build years of relationships with these people,” he noted. He added that the touch involved in hair styling can be comforting or energizing, especially in the wake of the pandemic.
Nance focuses more on technique than on new products, relying on his trusted Japanese steel shears. “They were crafted by a man who dedicated his life to the craft,” he explained.
Initially, Nance was apprehensive about cutting men’s hair, but over time he found joy in it. “Nothing pleases me more than a good fade,” he said. He enjoys creating various styles, including tapers, textured crops, inverted layers, and razor layers for wavy hair. “Each haircut is a challenge. You consider a person’s face and how their hair moves,” he added.
Clients typically return for hair coloring every 6 to 12 weeks, which helps Nance build strong relationships with them. He enjoys chatting with clients and receiving recommendations for local activities and restaurants.
Nance’s prices are $45 for women’s cuts and $30 for men’s cuts, and he welcomes clients of all genders. Haircuts for kids aged 7 to 12 cost $20, while teens are charged $25. He offers discounts to first responders, including EMTs, police, sheriff’s deputies, military personnel, National Guard members, and retired individuals.
Currently, Nance is saving to secure a professional address and is open to new clients.
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