Meet the Owner: Privato Hair Studio Opens in Stony Brook

Lanette Dwyer's career in hair design spans about 30 years. It's a love she says she discovered in cosmetology school – where she initially went to pursue a career in makeup artistry.

"I originally wanted to be a movie makeup artist," she said in a recent interview with Patch. "They told me that going to cosmetology school would give me the best-rounded experience, and realistically, I fell in love with hair, so I never pursued the makeup thing."  

Fast forward to April of 2013, when Dwyer opened Privato Hair Studio in Stony Brook, located in the Coventry Commons shopping center at Route 347 and Stony Brook Road. She said she is having a great time running her own salon.

"There’s so many things I love. The technical aspect I love, the creative aspect I love," she said. "That instant gratification of accomplishing something that makes somebody happy."

Prior to her arrival in Stony Brook, Dwyer worked at Smithtown's T. Carlton's Spalon for 20 years, including 11 years as a manager.

Also the former leader of T. Carlton's training program, Dwyer said she has a big interest in educating the next generation of styling professionals.

"I like to grow and really hone people's skills," she said. "I like to see talent grow."

The Coventry Commons was formerly home to Nasrin's Hair Creations, a storefront which is now occupied by the Red Tiger Dumpling House. Dwyer said that when the owner of that salon retired, she decided it would be a good time to explore opening her own studio in Stony Brook.

Though the aging appearance of the facilities has been a concern to some business owners in the past, Dwyer said "the aesthetics of the facility are going to be changing over the next six months to a year."

"They’ve already started renovations," she said. "This is going to be honestly the best little community center. The courtyard is being redone. ... It’s all about location. They want to make it a destination."

Asked what kind of hair styles she enjoys creating the most, Dwyer said she loves to do everything.

"It’s just a matter of finding the right look on the individual," she said. "What excites me is when the style ends up being so spot-on for the individual. It’s not about everyone having the 'Friends' haircut back in the day – it’s knowing who these looks looked best on."

Privato Hair Studio is located at 1320 Stony Brook Road, Building D, near My Gym. The studio phone number is 631-675-9090.