The salon is a buzz of activity — the muted sound of conversation, the metallic snip of scissors, the buzz of a blow-dryer, all underscored with easy listening music from a local radio station. In the center of the action is Lisa Smith-Gargaro, owner of Capelli Salon.

Smith-Gargaro, previously part owner of two other salons, opened Capelli Salon in 2005. Then, the business was part personal training/part salon, but as demand grew, the salon moved to all hair, all the time.

“The salon became so busy I couldn’t handle both,” said Smith-Gargaro, who further explained the choice to streamline by simply saying, “I love doing hair.”

At Capelli, Smith-Gargaro and her eight stylists offer a variety of salon services outside of the average cut and blow-dry: straighteners, perms and all color services. Capelli offers family hair care, so children are welcome. The 2,500-square-foot salon is large enough to accommodate entire families or other large parties. Then there are the manicures, pedicures, facials, makeup services, spray tanning, waxing — all offered to men and women. But it’s the special events where Capelli’s stylists shine.

“We specialize in special-event hair,” said Smith-Gargaro. “We’re very popular for proms and weddings.”

Smith-Gargaro got her salon start in Georgia, northeast of Atlanta, 29 years ago. During that time, she’s learned it’s the little touches that keep customers coming back to her salon.

“We give each client personal attention from the minute they walk in the door,” she explained. “We all say ‘Hello.’ Everyone is offered something to drink and a magazine. And the feedback we get from every client — they say it makes them feel special.”

From 1-year-olds getting their first haircuts to the nonagenarians’ weekly “do,” Capelli stylists draw a good crowd, according to Smith-Gargaro.

“Each stylist has their own personality,” she said. “We just have a good mix. We draw a wide variety of people in.”

Capelli Salon is located at 211 N. Market St., 252-974-2112, Washington, and is open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome.