New salon for men

When deciding where to open a salon that caters to men, owner Ralph Walker remembered an old saying: If you want to raise a family, move to Midland. If you want to raise hell, move to Odessa.

Which is how Walker, an Andrews resident, decided to open Well Head Salon for Men at 1926 Eighth St. Well Head, based on the concept that beautiful women and a cold beer is always a good business proposition, opened in early June.

So how did Walker, who's been working in the rough and dirty oil business for most of his life, get involved in the world of salons?

"A friend and business partner had an idea," Walker said. "In my opinion, it's gonna blow up. I don't know any man who doesn't like getting his hair cut by a beautiful woman while drinking a cold beer."

Walker said the name of the salon was inspired by the oil business that supports Odessa and is a nod to his lifelong profession.

With the purchase of each haircut, customers older than 21 are provided one complementary beer and a neck and shoulder massage. And cuts cost a thrifty $14.95. Teetotalers or those younger than 21 can have water or soda.

"It's about time somebody came up with something like this," two-time customer Thomas Gomez said. "I walked in and they offered me a beer. I said, ‘Beer? You serve beer?' I'm already sold."

Gomez said he discovered Well Head while he was walking down the street. He said he likes the salon because he gets a quality haircut for a good price.

Chelsea Cronk is the receptionist at Well Head and said the girls' provocative dress doesn't mean the girls don't know what they're doing. Cronk said all the stylists are licensed cosmetologists and do a good job.

"It's really fun. You can wear what you want and be who you are," Cronk said. "It's supposed to be kind of provocative, but it's definitely look but no touching."

The salon also takes on the appearance of a hangout. Walker added pool tables, video games, darts and a bin of peanuts that customers can have while they wait for the haircut. And just like popular roadhouse restaurants, the peanut shells go on the floor.

Walker said he doesn't know a lot about hair, but he is learning from the women he has hired. He thinks that his salon will make men feel more comfortable than salons aimed at women. However, women and children are welcome in the salon, and Well Head offers services that are in demand for women, such as highlights.

"At most salons, men are welcome, but it's really feminine. How cool is it that they can come in here, play pool, eat peanuts and have a cold beer?" Walker said.

"It's like a culture shock to Odessa," Cronk said about the salon's unique status in Odessa.

The array of men that were coming in and out of the salon all agreed they liked the idea and would be back for future haircuts.

"It's unique. Somebody is sitting back and kicking themselves in the butt thinking, ‘Why didn't I think of that?' " customer Don Vickers said.

If You Go

>> What: Well Head Salon for Men.

>> Where: 1926 E. Eighth St.

>> Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

>> Cost: Basic cut is $14.95. Includes a free beverage and neck and shoulder massage.