ELLSWORTH – Ever since she was a little girl, local hair stylist Carissa Pfaffe knew she wanted to help people feel better about themselves. After taking a brief break from the profession, she’s back behind the stylist’s chair, this time at Hair Traffic Control in Ellsworth’s East End.

“I’ve always since I was a little girl enjoyed beauty shows like ‘What Not to Wear’ and I like to help people,” Pfaffe said. “It feels good to make people feel good.”

Pfaffe, who grew up in Durand, was one of those little girls who cut her Barbies’ hair trying out new styles until they had no hair left. Growing up with three brothers, she’d conveniently blame the dolls’ misfortune on them, she laughed.

Pfaffe received her education at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire. She has worked at salons in Durand, Eau Claire and River Falls, spending six years at Fantastic Sam’s in River Falls. After working at the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery for a time, she realized she missed the salon and decided to rent a chair.

Pfaffe will be scheduling appointments two days per week, but will add more hours as her clientele base builds. Services she provides are cuts for men and women, colors, facial waxing, updos, styles and perms.

“I love it all, but my favorites are colors and updos,” Pfaffe said.

She used to compete in glamour updo competitions and won quite a few accolades.

To celebrate her return to hair, ask her about $3 off haircuts for her first three months: June, July and August. To make an appointment with Pfaffe, call her at 715-273-3005 or email her carissapfaffe@ntec.net Hair Traffic Control is located at 262 N. Broadway St., Ellsworth.