Celebrating 40 years in style
By Angela Greiner, Community Reporter
Marlborough – For 40 years, clients have relaxed in the chairs at Roc’s Unisex Salon discussing local sports, schools, politics, latest styles and the day-to-day life of family and friends. With the shop’s anniversary just around the corner, owner Bob Yesue is proud to stand in the newly renovated two-story unisex salon and spa. Outfitted with leather couches and hair design chairs, the deep maroon walls and Tuscan flair creates a warm and sophisticated atmosphere to complement the shop’s tradition of consistently giving customers the best products and service in a friendly down-to-earth salon.
“We started as a one-chair shop,” Yesue said. “We have grown and expanded to 25 stylists, but we have worked hard to never lose the personal and comfortable atmosphere that we started with.” Now housing 22 style chairs, a massage parlor and nail care suites, Roc’s has a unique team of highly skilled stylists and barbers, who each adapt each customer’s hair to complement their individual styles and keep up with changing hair trends.
“I have been so gifted to work with the most dedicated team … 19 of my 25 stylists and barbers have been with me for 10 years, and five of those have been with me for 20 years,” Yesue said. “I love Marlborough. The people in this city have been so good to me and my staff .” Crediting the community and his dedicated family and staff for his success, Yesue explained that the recent renovation in many ways was his way of saying “thank you” to his dedicated staff and loyal customers.
Hair fashions change regularly for women and men, Yesue explained, and anything goes in men’s style. As for what’s in for this summer for women, Roc’s stylists were unanimous: “highlights and lowlights galore.” With stylists capable of recreating a specific look or making recommendations, Yesue explained that their goal is to make the clients feel good and look good. “We get a lot of [customers who need] corrective colors … All of our stylists excel at identifying what cuts or colors will look good on each individual client,” he said. Preparing for 30 Marlborough High School students about to hit the salon that afternoon getting ready for the prom – needing updoes, make-up, waxing and manicures – Yesue said that for years, the salon has worked closely to support those preparing for city events.
“We have the ability to do a large number of clients at one time,” he said. “This allows us to … design the hair and make-up for complete wedding parties or events, as well as working with professional skaters and performers entertaining or competing locally.”
In addition to offering complete family hair care, Roc’s off ers an in-house therapeutic massage and skin care services, with a licensed massage therapist and an aesthetician, who provide services like deep tissue, Swedish, sports and hot stone massage therapy, along with and facials, laser hair removal and make-up.
“Roc’s was actually opened in 1940,” Yesue said. “It was not until 1970 that I purchased it … I am so excited and proud of what we have done with this little corner of Main Street.” Roc’s is open Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome or call 508-485-1444 for an appointment or visit www.rocsunisexsalon.com