{PHOTO} Photo/Kyla Hurt
Lydia Turner, top, owner of Mane Tamers holds one of her various wigs that she has on display. Turner has over 45 years of experience in all types of hair related products.
You might know Lydia Turner as a local hairdresser. Or maybe you know her as the “Wig Lady.” You might be getting the idea that she’s a native of the beauty industry by now, right? Right. With over 45 years of experience in all things hair-related, Turner is an interesting person who helps people look and feel great.
It all began when Turner was a young woman in search of a career path that fit with her goals. Originally, she wanted to become a Dietician. But with a tight budget, she decided to work hard and save up for Cosmetology school instead. “I paid in advance so I’d have to go,” she said, laughing.
It wasn’t always an easy journey, either. One of her teachers while getting her Cosmetology degree told her she would never be successful. That was all it took for her self-determination to kick into high gear. Since then, she’s dedicated her life to high-quality service—and never looked back.
Today, Turner owns a salon and wig shop at 1111 West Morton (suite 6) in Jacksonville’s Cedar Commons. Aside from offering salon services, the 63-year-old has begun shifting her main focus into the world of wigs. “It’s easier for me to keep up with these days,” she explained.
But wigs are not new for this veteran hair stylist. She began offering wigs in the early 90’s and has been amazed at the growth of the industry in recent years. Today, her wig shop carries over 8 different companies—and the headgear, cleaning products, and accessories one might need, too.
The wigs in her shop sell for a variety of price ranges ($50-$600) and vary in styles, cuts, and colors. A person can leave their appointment with a wig that day. “Sometimes people come in and needed hair yesterday. Chemotherapy makes people loose hair very quickly, and sometimes people wait too long—and then they need hair NOW.”
When someone comes in for a wig consultation, Turner makes sure to devote at least an hour to the client so they can find the perfect color, fit, and style. “It’s not one-size-fits-all,” she said, “It needs to fit properly and look natural. That’s not a process to be rushed.”
The best part of the process? Seeing people leave with a smile and their confidence regained. Turner explained that while it’s sometimes difficult to see people struggling with a terrible disease like cancer, having hair again restores a bit of “normalness” in their lives—and that transformation is amazing to see.
Word is starting to spread about Turner’s wig shop. Customers drive from as far regionally as Quincy, and some travel from out of state to meet with her. “I’ve had customers from Houston, Texas, Arkansas—it’s amazing how far people will travel to come to my shop,” she said.
As a business owner, Turner has learned many lessons on the value of consistency, quality service, and reasonable prices. It’s taught her to step out of the box , stay on top of trends and training, and to be an expert in her field. She has no plans of retiring, but hopes this transition will make life a bit more manageable. With her determination, I’m sure she’ll excel with whatever direction she decides to take next.
