Curt’s Hairstyling moves to North Bend

Published 11:40 am Thursday, October 2, 2008

SNOQUALMIE – After 44 years of offering the Valley a trusted place to come for great conversation and even better haircare, Curt’s Hairstyling Salon recently closed its doors in Snoqualmie.

Although owner Janet Rutledge will continue to offer her services at Another Hair Place in North Bend, Curt’s business tenure in Snoqualmie ended Sept. 6.

Curt’s was started in 1959 by Curt and Cathy Randleman. Its original Snoqualmie location was where La Fogota currently operates. Almost a decade later, the salon moved a couple blocks down to the corner store off King Street and Railroad Avenue. Rutledge has worked at Curt’s since 1967. She began managing it for Cathy Randleman when Curt died, and eventually purchased the business from her.

Curt’s Hairstyling was a full-service salon. The business offered perms, haircuts, manicures, waxing, tanning, pedicures and many more beauty services. It was a fun, convenient place to spruce up before a big event, or to simply get a hair trim. It was the perfect salon for Snoqualmie residents of all ages. Many veteran Valley residents often found themselves at Curt’s before the big high-school dance or wedding.

Rutledge lost her lease at Curt’s, forcing her to pick up and move to a different location. She is still working under Curt’s name, just out of someone else’s shop. She now leases a chair at Another Hair Place, which opened at a new location in September next to the movie theater in North Bend.

“I really wanted to get 40 years in at the Snoqualmie location, but I guess my landlord had other plans,” said Rutledge.

Rutledge said she really enjoyed working in the salon and she plans on continuing working under the Curt’s moniker for as long as possible.

“I’ve worked there for 37 years,” she said. “I love doing hair.”

She hopes to see all of her old regulars in her new location.

Although she “loved [her] last employees,” Rutledge said she won’t miss the responsibility of managing employees.

Among those employees who will be missed is Rosemary Hanson.

“I spent over 30 years working with her,” said Rutledge.

Hanson and other staff members have begun working at Bella Vita in Snoqualmie.

As for the future, Rutledge is ready to continue making an impact and meeting new people.

“I’m having a great time at this new place,” said Rutledge. “It’s really fun to see all the old faces popping in to find us, and the new ones are welcome to come discover us, too.”