Pure Headspa Opens in Middletown After Years at Fall River Location

(Middle from left to right) Paula, Steven and Amber Elizardo with family at Pure Headspa opening.

Paula Elizardo had been working as a hairdresser for almost 30 years when she and her husband Steven decided to open a salon in the basement of their previous home. In 2017, for eight months straight, Steven transformed the underground level into a fully functioning salon. A year and a half later, Paulas daughter Amber started working there. The salon was a success, bringing in regular customers and helping Paula and Amber gain more expertise. Their dreams were unfortunately too big for the space they had and three years in, the two decided it was time for their next adventure, which meant leaving that salon.

“There were so many things we wanted to do and be able to offer, but we didn’t have the physical space for it,” says Amber. “Around 2020 we started looking at other locations so we could really provide what we wanted to.”

The duo originally looked at a space in Providence in 2021, but unexpected life events put moving forward with that property on hold. In November 2024, they visited a space in Middletown and signed the lease for it in March of 2025. The new salon, Pure Headspa, is located in an unassuming plaza off Middletown’s West Main Rd. Amber’s cousin Paul Lopes and his team at Legacy Contracting started the salon build out last July. The salon was set to open in September but, in typical opening a business fashion, that date was pushed back due to the gutting process the space required. A full year after signing the lease, the salon is officially open, much to Amber’s delight.

“It all just feels surreal and like such a long time coming,” says Amber. “This has been a vision in our hearts for over five years and to stand here and see what we created makes me so happy. All the hard work was worth it.”

Hair washing station.

Inside the salon is tranquil, with earthy tones and decor giving the space a calming and natural essence. The salon is lit with a combination of natural light from the expansive windows up front and gentle mood lighting helped made possible by lighting consultant Evelyn Audet. Plants fill pockets of the space, aiding in the natural atmosphere of the salon. Wooden panels separate each of the hair cutting and styling chairs while on the opposite side of the room is the hair washing station, complete with ready to use organic products. The salon prides itself on only using the safest products possible, with all colors and lighteners being ammonia and PPD free.

“All of our products are European standard organic,” says Amber. “We import everything because European standards are a lot higher than anything that’s made in the United States. Our main priority is always the health and the integrity of your hair and your body. We’ll always focus more on that than a quick fix”

Each station will soon feature Ketra light technology, an advanced lighting system that can mimic the daylight in any geographical location. The technology helps clients see what their hair will look like in different environments, mimicking the lighting in environments like bars, offices, museums, and even certain areas outside.

“We found that lighting makes such a difference,” says Amber. “We say to clients, ‘where are you going to spend most of your time?’ We then set the light to match that location and color based on that.”

Further into the space is the scalp spa area, which is one of the standout services offered at the salon. Dividers separate each head spa station for privacy but can be removed for group head spa services like bachelorette parties. The service starts with a scalp consultation, where clients will learn about the condition of their scalp and what customized treatment they need, before being led to the salons state-of-the-art Korean Scalp Bed. Highlights of the scalp session include Water Halo Therapy, an Herbal Steam Infusion, gentle exfoliation and buildup removal, and customized botanical masks.

Sugaring hair removal services room.

The salon offers sugaring services as opposed to other hair removal methods as it’s a more holistic approach. Sugaring uses a plant-derived paste to gently remove unwanted hair, leaving skin hair free without irritation. Amber, a licensed esthetician, hopes to offer full-service facials in the future as well.

Now officially open, the salon is gearing up to offer wedding packages for the plethora of brides and bridal parties getting married in the Middletown area. With the Fall River location officially closed, Amber and Paula, self-described “people people,” are excited for the new team they hired to be part of the salon and are eager to see returning and new clients.

“We want people to walk in and feel like they’re recognized and heard,” says Amber. “My prayer is everyone leaves feeling refreshed, in a good space, and better than they came in.”

To learn more about Pure Headspa visit their website here.