A 2017 graduate of Nevada High School has come back to his hometown to add a little “pizzazz” to local hair options.
Austin Doty has opened his 3 Lux Salon at 1011 6th St. in the Nevada Main Street District. In the furthest back room of a building with two other long-time Nevada beauticians – Teresa Ludwig and Julie Shickell – Austin is ready to work his magic on the tresses of area residents.
Austin admits he’s always liked clipping hair. When he went to DMACC for a year after high school, not knowing for sure what he would eventually major in, he started trimming the hair of friends living on his floor. That hooked him.
He traded in the idea of transferring to a four-year university to study “who knows what” for pursuing a cosmetology career at the Aveda Institute in West Des Moines.
His post-graduate training encompasses mentorship from Vidal Sassoon’s esteemed hair-cutting directors, as well as instruction from global and national educators within the Aveda and Redken networks. Notably, he completed Aveda’s specialized program focused on cutting and styling techniques for curly and coily hair textures.
Austin comes back to Nevada as a former Haircutting Specialist from Salon Spa W in downtown Des Moines. His typical clientele ranged from politicians, local TV personalities, downtown socialites, young and vibrant trendsetters, as well as everyday people just looking for a change and little bit of luxury. “Being so close to the capitol, we got all sorts of people with all sorts of styles.’’
“I really like working on the funky, weird stuff,” he admitted. “I’ve done shaved sides, little tiny wispy sideburns, purple mohawks, cute little business girl mullets…”
He’s also done bridal hair styling on-site, fashion week shows, and photo shoots. “The salon I worked for produced all of their own advertisements, and a couple of times a year we did big photo shoots for fall and spring trends.”
When asked what he’s best at in the hair world, Austin said no doubt he’s best at working with curls and cutting hair. “I’ve worked on all types of hair and with all types of hair textures,” he noted. “I’ve also done quite a bit of color, and my specialty is definitely blonde and lived-in hair color.”
Austin began working in Nevada in December and said he’s gradually picked up new clients.
The thing he lives for in his job, he said, is that little twinkle he sees when someone is really excited with their cut. “When I see them beaming, it’s like, ‘YES!’ I can tell myself I do a good job all the time, but when I hear and see it from others, that’s what’s great.”
Austin hopes to be in Nevada for a long time and eventually have his own salon with other stylists who work in it,
A few more interesting things about Austin Doty:
Family: His parents and sister all live in Nevada. His parents are Mike and Robin Doty; and his sister is Aby Doty
Activities at Nevada High School: Austin was involved in golf and drama when he went to Nevada High School. In fact, he plans to help with the upcoming spring musical.
Pastimes: When Austin isn’t at work, he enjoys drawing and painting. He’d love to have a gallery space at the salon someday for himself and other artists. He also enjoys hanging out with his black cat, Apollo James. “My ‘son,’” he said.
Thoughts about Nevada: “I really like that it’s changing a lot with a new breath of fresh air.” He said the fresh air comes from eateries, like Cubbies on Main and his favorites, Renn’s Cafe and MiCasita, where they know him by name and know what he likes to eat.
What he’s looking forward to most about being back in his hometown: Spending time with family and reconnecting with the community
How to reach Austin: Contact Austin by phone: 515-290-8477 or by email: dotyhairx@gmail.com
–Written by Marlys Barker, City of Nevada
