Shannan Orr, Studio Owner/Creative Director

Custom. Creative. Cool.

The ORRiginal logo began back in high school (1980) when I discovered Graphic Arts. Hand painting & lettering signs, t-shirts, hoodies, bed sheets & sneakers took up much of my time. Many people were placing orders & buying my work! Everything I created was (& still is) unique & one of a kind. “ORRiginal” was always discreetly painted on the side of a sleeve or a seam.

 

Graphic Arts has a starring role in my Community involvement. I've been designing & hand painting colorful street banners with the Nanaimo Art Gallery & Nanaimo Arts Council for the City of Nanaimo since 1992.

Hair is art. Your hair is my canvas.

 

I am a licensed, Red Seal Professional Stylist with over 30 years experience. Learning from industry icons early on in my career was epic as it motivated me to reach for the top. Education is a huge part of this business; I consistently stay current by networking & annually attending classes & hair shows. "update or you'll be out of date!"

 

I am an artist, which means I am very visual. I’ll cut your hair wet, then blow dry it & cut it some more when it’s dry. The huge windows in my Studio (coupled with great lighting) guarantee that I can see every hair on your head perfectly—which leaves no room for error. There’s even a window above the shampoo bowl so I can see your fabulous new hue in the natural light as I’m rinsing your custom color.

 

I don’t do beige—let’s mix it up! When you visit my Studio, we’ll discuss “keeping it fresh” so neither one of us will ever get bored. Hair should reflect the current season & fashion.  Precision cuts & colors are my specialty—I excel at multidimensional, natural colored highlights & lowlights. I use color to emphasize shape, shadow, texture & depth.

 

 

 

CONTACT

ABOUT

GALLERY

SERVICES

HOME

250.734.3288

1645 Bay Street, Nanaimo, BC

Dexx Dawg Orr, PR/Pet Therapy

I’m a Shorkie—half Shihtzu, half Yorkie. I’m happy, friendly, & completley laid back. I don’t shed, you won’t be allergic to me & I don’t yap. I’ve been going to work with my mom since I was 10 weeks old! Love it when you rub my ears. I’ll sit right beside you so I’m conveniently located, as long as you’re ok with that. I have nice manners. I’m not allowed to sit on the couch or on your lap while we are at work. Many people find me irresistible & pick me up anyways.

 

Pet Therapy is on the house at ORRiginal. I’m really good at it.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

 

Client Reviews

I love ORRiginal! Shannan always makes my hair look amazing, with great advice about style, length & color. The Studio has such a great vibe with its funky beach décor & relaxing atmosphere - I even get to sit outside & enjoy the beautiful view while my color processes! I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my hair & after you check it out, you won’t either.

Laura B.

 

You always do everything so beautifully. Such a creative person & an eye for detail.

Wannetta Briggs

 

Shannan took 10 inches off my hair & 10 years off my life! She is professional & does a fabulous job. I cannot recommend her enough.

BJ Reeve

 

So, I was in hairstylist hell for 2 years, asking people on the street (or wherever), “Who cuts your hair?” I would try them out & I either didn’t like the cut or they wouldn’t listen to me. My daughter was in the hospital having her baby & I asked the nurse, “Who cuts your hair?” She said, “Shannan Orr”. I said, “Oh, I know her!” & I went, I loved it & I’ve been going to her ever since.

Tookie

 

Shannan Orr is a forward thinking hairstylist, but not to the point where is trying out new styles on me that are more suited to “the younger set”. Her attention is to detail & “getting it right”. I am happy to recommend Shannan & her bright Beach Studio to anyone wanting a great “New Do” & interesting chitchat!

Jim Olsen

 

I’ve been getting my hair cut by Shannan for about 5 years, & believe me when I tell you, Shannan really does awesome work.  She takes a lot of pride in what she does & it really shows. Shannan is a great, friendly, likable person. I highly recommend her.

Christopher Bennett

 

I was lucky enough to meet Shannan Orr over 15 years ago; she has been my hairdresser ever since. She is also my daughter’s hairdresser & she gave us both great hairstyles for our wedding days. Shannan always does exactly what you ask for & then some. She goes to great lengths to make sure your hair is perfect both in cutting & color. I would highly recommend her to anyone who likes a great cut & color in very enjoyable surroundings.

Lynda Pataky

 

I have very fine, naturally curly hair & lots of it. Over the past 35 years I’ve spent a fortune in my quest for a consistently skilled stylist. Shannan is the most gifted hairdresser who’s ever done my hair. I’ve been followed into public washrooms & asked who does my hair! Every day is a great hair day. Thank you, Shannan.  I always LOVE my hair!

Marilyn Halbauer

 

Shannan has been styling my hair for years, so it was obvious she would do my hair for my wedding. I went to the Studio to get my hair expertly styled, & then Shannan came to my home to touch it up just before the ceremony. My hair looked (& felt) fabulous!

Debbie Redlick

 

I met Shannan 13 years ago & have been having her do my hair ever since. In 2002, I found a brochure on my car advertising her service &, since I had been having no luck with a hair stylist in Nanaimo, I decided to follow up. It was a great find! Shannan is the best stylist I have ever had - her cuts are excellent & color work outstanding. I still travel over from Vancouver (where I now live) to get my hair tuned up occasionally.

Elaine Baxter

 

My hair looks amazing! I've never had so many compliments on it. My daughter loves it & even my husband noticed!

Roz H.

 

As a guy, I've never had my hair did professionally before & I was nervous about the procedure - Shannan made it super easy & comfortable & I've never looked better!

Courtney Jaeb