Palmer Alaska

Written by Amber Grissom

Shear Fire Design is located across from Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union and back to-back with Flowers by Louise.

Shear Fire Design is a FULL SERVICE hair salon with honest prices. The owner, Jana Powell, was more than accommodating in answering all my questions. When asked how she keeps her prices so low, she said “I haven’t change the price for a hair cut since I opened in 2004; I don’t believe a haircut should cost $100 or even $30.” In fact, the price for a cut is $16.50 for a professional and $12.50 for a student (all students’ work is checked by a professional). As a full service salon, you will enjoy a shampoo/conditioner treatment and blow drying at these prices!

Shear Fire Academy of Hair Design is Jana’s beauty school, also located here. As a certified instructor in the state of Alaska, Jana has been teaching for over 6 years. But she has been in the beauty business for over 15 years! To learn more about the school, check out Shear Fire’s website.

I opted for a student hair cut and she did fabulous! Also, I felt 5 lbs lighter because I had her take quite a bit of hair off. She layered my hair and gave it texture and body. I was checked by a professional and left there pleased!

In addition to the salon, Jana keeps herself busy as a very active volunteer firefighter. Her inspiration for the salon came from firefighting and she decided to combine her two careers. The salon has a fun atmosphere, complete with Palmer Fire and Rescue Department memorabilia everywhere. The 10 salon stations are made with large craftsman tool boxes sending a nod to the building’s former use as an automotive garage. The salon offers a large line of professional products and a selection of accessories.

Services offered by students and stylists:

* Haircuts
* Colors
* Highlights
* Perms
* Styles
* Wedding and Prom Up-do’s
* Nails
* Pedicures
* Facial waxing
* Birthday parties for all ages