by Bryant Hammonds
Daily Lobo
Paul Panas said cutting hair is a big part of his life.
"Cutting hair has always been in my blood," he said.
Model Hook It Up Barber and Salon opened Sept. 7 in the SUB next to the fitness center.
Davina Panas, co-owner of the barber and salon, said she and her husband, Paul, have styled hair for Adam Sandler, Nelly, Burt Reynolds, Kim Basinger and Tom Hanks.
Paul said the general manager of the SUB, Timothy Backes, asked he and his wife to open a barbershop on behalf of student request, and also because most universities have a barbershop on campus.
"He asked us to be the ones to open it up," Paul said. "I was kind of excited. I thought it'd be different."
The owners of the shop have to pay rent to utilize the SUB, Paul said, but the rent is affordable. He said they had to pay about $4,200 for new flooring, a sink and all the furniture in the shop.
Backes could not be reached for comment.
Since Tuesday, the salon has held a special for haircuts. This week haircuts are $3 for both male and female students, and the price will rise to $4 per student next week. The price will increase by a dollar each week until it flatlines at $8.50, Davina said.
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"We want to keep everything reasonable," she said. "Nothing is over $50."
Davina said she and her husband want to do more than just haircuts. She said they can also color hair for about $38, depending on what the customer wants.
There are some things students can't get done at the salon - the barbers can't use razors for shaving beards or defining haircuts.
"We can't shave anybody in this building because of the high liability," Davina said.
Student Roxanna Billie said she likes the prices and the convenience of the shop.
"We just walked by and decided to check it out," Billie said. "It's really cheap compared to other places."
Student Matt Chavez said he saw the shop last week.
"I thought about going, but I have my own barber," Chavez said. "But it's still a great service for the students."
Student Thomas Fitzwater said he didn't know a barbershop was opening but plans on trying it out.
"I didn't even know there was a barbershop," he said. "I'll use it if it's that convenient."
Fitzwater said it contributes to the assortment of services the SUB offers.
"More variety, there is a lot more to do," he said.
Paul said he has been cutting hair for 15 years. He and his wife have owned three shops before Hook It Up, he said. He said the shop will accommodate students who don't drive, and also staff.
"We are hoping to accommodate everyone at UNM," he said.
Paul said students could get a haircut between classes because it generally takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete a haircut.
Hook It Up will be open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Hook It Up will also hold a drawing every week giving students the opportunity of a free haircut.
Student Kiyun Lynch said the shop was a good idea but didn't know it existed.
"A barber in the SUB?" Lynch said. "Really?"
