Q: Could you tell us about the history of Pell 22 Hair Salon? When and how was it established?

Tony: We started the salon 13 years ago, so the business has been running for a long time. The old team was all from Asia; I’m from Hong Kong. So we all had experience with haircutting before we began operating in America.

Q: How has your salon evolved since it first opened?

Tony: The difference before and after the pandemic is big. Because of the pandemic, people were scared of the virus, and many stayed home. Since the pandemic, we added a new focus, using disposable cases and disposable towels to keep our customers safe. 

Q: What inspired you to become a hairstylist and open a salon in Chinatown?

Tony: When I became a stylist, I was working in Hong Kong. I’ve been cutting hair for almost 44 years, and I started in Hong Kong when I was almost 15, really in my junior year at 14 and a half years old. I moved to Los Angeles in 1989, and I also went to London and Shanghai to study hair cutting. My academy taught more famous hairstyles, and the training helped me develop my skills before I came to New York.

Q: What do you think makes Pell 22 unique compared to other hair salons in the area?

Tony: We are more presentable and offer a good price. Customers sometimes want to do multiple hair treatments, but the combination of chemicals all at once can be damaging to the hair. We try to be honest and give suggestions so the customer can make decisions that maintain their healthy hair while getting a cut that looks good.

Q: Your salon has gained popularity through social media platforms like TikTok. How has this online attention affected your business?

Tony: I never knew about TikTok before one of our stylists began posting online. She began posting TikToks, and more of our walk-in customers came back. Since last year, our account has been blowing up, and some of our stylists became popular with certain customers since we promote them online. For example, Steven, Justin, and Simon, to name a few.

Q: How would you describe your relationship with the Chinatown community?

Tony: We have lasted well in Chinatown and always want to do good. We listen to our customers, and that will keep the business okay. Haircuts take time, and if you have the desire, you will have success. We think about service, quality, and if those are covered, you don’t need to worry about the business.

Q: How has Chinatown’s changing landscape affected your salon and customer base?

Tony: Chinatown has changed for more than 20 years, and there are more and more Chinese people in other boroughs too, like Brooklyn and Queens, that like to come to Chinatown. It would be great if even people from upstate and New Jersey could come to Chinatown!

Q: What goals or plans do you have for Pell 22 Hair Salon in the coming years?

Tony: We want to keep ourselves okay, and provide the best customer service possible. In terms of styles, we limit them– as a team of stylists, we are not young, but in the future, we will always focus on the customer first.

Q: How do you hope your salon continues to impact or influence the community?

Tony: Right now, there are less hair salons than before because these days, people are not studying hair styling. We hope that we can make an impact on the younger generation by not only giving them new and popular hairstyles, but inspiring them to try hair styling too!