NASHUA — Those who are looking for a welcoming, high-end salon may want to try Exotica Hair Salon by Germaine, located at 176 Main St. in Nashua.

The salon is owned by long-time Nashua resident Germaine Dodier. William Hanna, an independent contractor, also offers services.

“I run a business within her business,” Hanna put it.

Together, they offer services such as hair coloring, cutting, straightening, highlighting, perming, skin care, manicures and pedicures.

Hanna met Dodier through a friend while he was working at another hair salon across town.

“I came in every now and then, bugging her, telling her I was interested in her business,” Hanna said. His persistence worked. The two said they now work very well together.

Dodier opened the Exotica Hair Salon 20 years ago.

“It was always my dream,” Dodier said. “I had two choices in my life to choose between when I was growing up — being a nurse or being a hairdresser. I was always doing hair for family and I liked it. After my last child started school, I did my courses and I’ve been doing hair since 1976.”

Hanna said he got into the beauty industry by accident.

He was invited to a beauty show by a friend who had an extra ticket.

“I walked into the Jacob Javits Convention Center and the energy hit me like a ton of bricks and I wondered, why am I not already doing this,” Hanna said. “I went home, enrolled in beauty school, got my license and I am happy to be doing hair.”

Hanna said he brings more techniques to the table than some hairdressers.

“I have a background of working on celebrities in New York. I used to work with W Magazine, Fox television and for big names like Bumble and Bumble and John Frieda,” Hanna said. “I approach hair in a lot more technical manner.”

In his past, he’s also done the hair several famous people, including Donald Trump’s first wife, Ivana Trump, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, American model and actress Stephanie Seymour, rock singer Joan Jett and Gillian Anderson with the X-Files.

Hanna spent a few extra years training after completing beauty school, which he said prepared him better.

“I think I have closer to a bachelor’s degree in hair as compared to most people having a certificate,” Hanna said.

Hanna and Dodier also agreed that they try to make their shop welcoming.

“We are completely inclusive and we want everyone to come into our shop,” Hanna said. “I don’t care what walk of life you come from — everyone deserves a chance to be treated with respect. I like to make sure everyone can come here and be comfortable.”

Exotica Hair Salon by Germaine is open from Tuesday through Saturday, with varied hours, beginning at 9 a.m. To schedule an appointment, call 603-595-0966.

Grace Pecci may be reached at 594-1243, or at gpecci@nashuatelegraph.com.

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