Karen Midgarden
jokarmid@gmail.com

Colorful candles flicker and fall-themed arrangements adorn the walls and windows of Hair We ‘R’, the hair salon located inside Moorhead’s Eventide on Eighth Street South. Inspired by her work with Eventide residents, salon owner Mary Hennen is extending her business hours there to serve community members, especially those who require accommodations to utilize salon facilities.
She also offers her services at a second salon located in Eventide Fairmont at 801 Second Ave. N.
Hair We ‘R’ is handicapped-accessible and equipped with specialized equipment. Because clients confined to wheelchairs may have a difficult time moving to a traditional salon chair, Hair We ‘R’ includes a station where wheelchairs can be pushed directly to the shampoo sink. The hydraulic sink raises and lowers to meet individual client requirements, with the stylist utilizing an adjustable saddle-style stylist’s stool to move around the client’s chair. Shampoo completed, the client, still in the wheelchair, moves to a wall-mounted, adjustable overhead hairdryer.
Learning how to operate the specialized equipment while providing her clients with the ultimate salon experience proved a challenge. That has inspired Hennen to offer extended hours. She said that working at Eventide has prompted her to think about people in the greater community who can’t enjoy salon services because buildings and equipment are not handicap-accessible.
A native of Forman, North Dakota, and a long-time salon operator in Elbow Lake and Brandon, Minnesota, Mary responded to a Craig’s List ad seeking a hair stylist for the Eventide salon. She moved to Moorhead four years ago. Although her training at Josef’s in Fargo and work experience as a stylist lacked specific training for working with individuals with special needs, she adapted quickly.
Family members visiting Eventide residents have confided that finding salons for people with special needs is difficult. Mary said, “I want the public to know that anyone – men, women, children – can make an appointment here. You don’t have to be an Eventide resident, although they do receive precedence for daytime appointments. I am also available in the early evenings and on Saturdays.”
Hennen said that she finds her salon to be a place of comfort for herself, her clients and their families. She crafts much of the salon’s décor, which she switches on a seasonal basis. She wants to provide her services in a soothing and comforting environment. “Sometimes the room fills with family members, enjoying themselves. We all visit and laugh. I love it,” she said. “I love living in Moorhead, and I love coming to work.”
She has two employees here. Mary Kay Nelson works part-time with Hennen at the Eighth Street location, while Lisa Kimble is employed at her salon in Eventide Fairmont.
Call 218-291-2274 or 701-219-3138 for more information, to book appointments and purchase gift certificates.