Thomas Dunn opens Stand Out Salon in Roanoke. Emily Flora SWoCo

Thomas Dunn‘s dad always told him he could be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond. After experiencing life as both the big fish and the small fish, Dunn has opted for a more quiet life here in Roanoke and opened his own salon, Stand Out Salon.

Duun says that Stand Out Salon is “the new elite salon in Southwest County and Salem.”

Stand Out Salon carries TIGI products and Rusk products.

“I like the product line. It’s pretty true to form and its an amazing product for the cost,” he said.

Dunn grew up in Lynchburg, Va. and for three years he attended Liberty University. He then transferred to Savannah College of Arts and Sciences. After studying there for a while he decided to go against his parent’s wishes and enrolled in Empire Beauty School.

He has now worked in the salon industry for six years, the fashion industry for 10 and recently worked locally at Salon del Sol.

For five years he modeled, but gave that up because he was tired of being skinny, he said.

“I’ve always wanted to hair,” Dunn said. “I’ve worked for state title holders competing for Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, co-owned by Donald Trump and the Miss Universe Organization.”

Dunn said that family is what utlimately brought him back to Roanoke about two years ago.

“I like this area,” he said. “I can focus on charity work that I love and help women to feel beautiful.”

Dunn said that giving back to the community is very important to him and therefore he plans to work with, or has already worked with TAP, the downtown homeless shelter and recently the YWCA Focus Forward Program Diva Nikita Fashion Show at the Sheraton.

“Being in Roanoke has given me the opportunity to give back to the community,” Dunn said. “The reason I love to do hair is because of the feeling I get when a woman turns around and looks in that mirror and smiles and feels beautiful.”

During his time as a stylist, Dunn has worked with many celebrities including Katy Perry, Miss USA 2005 Chelsea Cooley Altman, and Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton. He was also named number one extensionist by Donald Trump.

“Clients like that I have worked with celebrities because it’s something that sets me apart.”

Dunn said that Stand Out Salon plans to have a grand opening the second week of January and he plans to bring in a major celebrity. They will hold a soft opening sometime in November.

Dunn is the son of Dr. A.T. Dunn.

More information on Stand Out Salon:

Location: 1630 Braeburn Drive, Suite C

Phone: 434-907-0602

Email: standoutsalon@gmail.com

Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday.

Services: color, cut, extensions, manicure, pedicure, massage, bridal packages, make-up, on site hair and make up for events, Prom, Homecoming