“I’m feeling good from my hat to my shoe. Know where I am going and I know what to do. I’ve tidied up my point of view, I’ve got a new attitude,” musician Patti LaBelle sang in her 1984 hit album, New Attitude.
Those lyrics would inspire hair-stylist, Gregory Addison, to take his talents to the Roanoke community with his salon Hair Attitudes. Addison, his staff and clients recently celebrated 25 years of salon service. “I never dreamed about having a salon,” Addison said. “I feel good about Hair Attitudes in the community.”
Content in his position as a stylist, Addison said the status of business owner was essentially “forced” upon him when his employer at Lifestyle Beauty Salon offered him ownership of the salon. He was just 24 years old at the time. “I was so passionate about doing hair, I did not want to own a business,” he said. “I realized back then that owning the business and actually doing hair are two different professions.” Despite his initial reluctance to own a business, he made sure to give it the same care and passion he provides his clients. After a 13-year stint in Roanoke, Hair Attitudes moved to Salem.
Although Addison admits Hair Attitudes is not a trendsetter in the crowded salon market, he insists that what sets his business apart is his dedication to his clients. “I’ve always wanted my salon to be known as a salon that serves all. I want anyone to feel comfortable coming to Hair Attitudes,” he said. “I want it to be a family-oriented hair salon. I just want people to feel good about themselves when they leave.”
Another aspect that makes Hair Attitudes unique is the accessibility. Addison opens the salon at 5 a.m. partly because he’s “more of a morning person,” and because the early opening has been a staple of the salon since it started.
The early hours help Addison to manage his own scheduled clients better, and provides his clients the opportunity to get their hair styled before they go to work. Addison said he provides his clients more than a convenient haircut or a trendy look. He is gives them a new attitude and way to express themselves in a range of circumstances.
Addison explained that a stylist is present behind the scenes in nearly every stage in life, from weddings to funerals. “Whenever someone needs a job, your hair stylist is one of the first people you need to call so you’ll look good for your interview,” Addison said.
Rather than waiting for customers to fill the chairs of the salon, Hair Attitudes also brings its flair, talents and influence to the community of Roanoke. “Avenues have been opened for us to contribute to other organizations throughout the community,” Addison said. He has contributed to several nonprofits, held coat drives and has even held voting drives. “I am very proud that the salon is now considered a staple in our community. I’m very blessed and honored to own it,” Addison said.
He attributes his success to his upbringing as a “country boy” with a solid work ethic and a strong faith in God. Throughout the years, 
Addison said that the most notable change in the hair world, aside from fads and trends, is the convergence of culture through hair. “Hair was either black or white. You had your ethnic hair and you had your Caucasian hair,” Addison said.
Because of advances in styling techniques and technology, “ethnic” and “white” hair can be treated and styled in ways that were formerly “no-no’s” in the styling world, he said.
Aside from cultural unification, the local community of stylists unite under the common love of the art of hair styling. Addison mentioned that there is a misconception that stylists from other salons are often rivals or competitive, when, in fact, the opposite is true. Addison insists that he could not function “without my fellow stylists supporting me in the community.”
One way stylists in the surrounding area come together is the hair and fashion show that Addison and Hair Attitudes throws. “I’ve always loved music, art and theater. I incorporated that into the marketing of the salon,” Addison said.
The shows happen every two years and features an overarching theme for stylists and fashionistas to be creative. This year’s theme was “Nostalgia.” The shows boast roughly 800 guests, he said. While still active in the community, and taking care of business, Addison said that he is “looking forward to retirement, but I have a few more years in me.”
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