Longtime Barnesville Hairstylist Retires
With more than 50 years behind the chair coloring, styling and cutting hair, Jeanette Hissom retired on Dec. 19, 2025.
After graduating from Barnesville High School, Jeanette attended Cambridge Cosmetology School, where she received her license in 1974. Her interest in hairdressing began at a young age as she styled her mother’s hair with pin curls. Additionally, her sister, Patty Hannahs, attend cosmetology school which “turned the key” for Jeanette.
In 1975, Hissom opened her own shop, The Beauty Nook, located in the Binns Shopping Plaza, 777 E. Main Street, managing the business until 2005. She said owning her own salon gave her more flexibility while raising her daughters, Denise and Jill.
When Michele Plumly purchased the salon, renamed it Chel’s and moved the business downtown, Jeanette continued to work at the new location.
Over the years, Hissom extended her work beyond the salon when she began serving residents at Bell Nursing Home and Altercare Adena. When Emerald Point opened in 2008, she worked there until her retirement.
Jeanette Hissom, longtime Barnesville hairdresser, cuts clients’ hair, including her husband Dave, center, before she retired in December. Photos Provided.
Some of her favorite memories involve talking with older clients, whom she described as “grandparents” to her. “They’re just so compassionate,” she said.
Her daughter, Jill Hissom, director of the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce, said her mother deeply cared about all her clients, always going above and beyond. Jeanette often styled hair for the deceased at funeral homes.
Retirement plans include spending more time working around her home, tending to her yard and flowers and enjoying her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Although looking forward to retirement, Jeanette says she has enjoyed every minute of her career and will miss her clients the most. “You learn everything about a person when you stand behind that chair,” she said.
Jeanette Hissom hugs a client after she spent decades as a hair stylist. Photo Provided.
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