Get to Know Thirteen 33 Hair Salon in Wallingford, CT

Feb 10th, 2025

Ashley Calandro and her salon Thirteen 33 Hair Salon

Beauty Launchpad is spotlighting the winners of its Top 20 Salons contest, sponsored by Wella Professionals. Here, Ashley Calandro welcomes us to Thirteen 33 Hair Salon in Wallingford, CT.

Courtesy of Thirteen 33 Hair Salon

Beauty Launchpad is spotlighting the winners of its Top 20 Salons contest for 2025! Sponsored by Wella Professionals, this contest spotlights innovative and unique salons that go above and beyond to provide stellar experiences for their clients and opportunities for growth for their hair pros.

Here, Ashley Calandro (@blend_n_snip) welcomes us to Thirteen 33 Hair Salon in Wallingford, CT, established in June 2024.

Q&A with Salon Owner

Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is the backstory of your salon? What motivated you to start your business?

Thirteen 33 Hair Salon exteriorCourtesy of Thirteen 33 Hair SalonAshley Calandro (AC): I wasn’t expecting to open a salon so early in my career, but when the opportunity arose, it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime chance that I couldn’t pass up. The location is truly a dream—it’s in the heart of Wallingford, the town where I grew up. Owning a storefront salon in the center of my hometown feels like a full-circle moment. The name of my salon, Thirteen 33, is a tribute to my late father. It reflects the connection we shared through our initials: mine are AC, representing the first and third letters of the alphabet (13), and his were CC, representing the third letter repeated (33). Together, we are Thirteen 33. This name carries his memory with me every day and makes the salon even more meaningful.

BLP: What is the overall aesthetic of your salon? What inspired you when designing the space?

AC: I wanted a clean and neutral look. We have a beautiful black and white stripped awning outside the salon that I choose to play off of. When choosing the colors, I stuck with grays, blacks and whites. I didn’t want the space to feel too busy!

BLP: What services do you provide your clients? Are any of these services signature and/or exclusive to your salon?

AC: We provide everything from blowouts to custom colors, and extensions. I would say each stylist is known for their particular skill in color!

BLP: What products are used/retailed in your salon? Do you have a personal favorite?

AC: We retail Seven haircare and milk_shake. I love all our products, but a personal favorite is the Diamond Serum from Seven! Thirteen 33 Hair Salon uses milk_shake and seven haircare products

BLP: What makes your salon unique and stand out?

AC: Our customer service — We try to go above and beyond for our guests.

BLP: What takeaway do you hope clients have after a visit at your salon?

AC: Of course that they love their hair, but also that the space is comfortable and inviting! I want every guest to feel welcomed and like they’re at home.

BLP: What piece of advice would you give to a new salon owner?

AC: You’re the leader of the pack. You must create good energy that flows through your space. Your attitude is everything! It’s up to you to set the example!

Wella's Ultimate Repair CollectionCourtesy of Thirteen 33 Hair SalonBLP: What changes do you want to see in the industry to help salon owners and hairstylists working in salons grow and thrive?