After two Aveda salons have come and gone, St. Thomas hopes to fill the vacant space on the lower level of the Anderson Student Center with a barbershop service.

Vice President for Auxiliary Services Gerald Anderley said the university has focused on finding another hairstyling service because the space already has the necessary equipment.

“We are currently looking at providing more of a barbershop, hair stylist environment with pricing typical of barbershop pricing,” Anderley said. “We would not offer manicures and pedicures, nor services typically found in a salon.”

Anderley said Auxiliary Services sent 50 letters to hair stylists offering an opportunity to operate in the space.

“Several have viewed the space and have declined based on their business models,” Anderley said.

The space has been unoccupied since Madison and Co. left in December. Before that, Estetica filled the space from September 2012 until December 2013. Both salons left the space after losing money due to the lack of traffic, Anderley said.

Anderley explained that little student traffic during times when classes weren’t in session was a major factor in both salons’ closing. The new barbershop, however, will be open during class times and closed or have reduced hours when campus is less busy.

Senior Angela Koppen said she didn’t go to any of the salons before and that her habits probably will not change. But Koppen said she thinks a different, cheaper business might attract more students.

“Overall, I think an inexpensive hair cutting option would be the best route for that space as students are all about spending the least amount they can,” she said.

Junior John Gauger said male students especially would jump at a simpler barbershop option.

“Most of the time our haircuts are a bit less detailed. Guys’ haircuts are just easier than girls’ most of the time,” he said.

However, Gauger also said he personally would not go to a new business in the student center, as he has a barber he already goes to regularly.

Sophomore Francesa Ippoliti also said that she would not use the service for the same reason, even though more students might if it were less expensive

“Personally, I probably wouldn’t use it because I have a stylist at a salon in my hometown who I always go to,” she said.

Lauren Schaffran can be reached at scha7492@stthomas.edu.