Santa Claus makes first Long Island stop at Commack hair salon

Even though he had an extremely busy night ahead of him, Santa Claus managed to find time on Christmas Eve to visit The Cutting Edge hair salon in Commack.

The salon is usually closed on Mondays, but owner Marie Perico decided to stay open to accommodate customers looking for a last-minute trim or blowout before Christmas. The Cutting Edge’s staff all wore elf hats; and a man dressed as Santa posed for pictures with young children who came into the store.

“Our clients want to look good for the holidays,” Perico said.

This is the second straight year The Cutting Edge invited Santa for Christmas Eve. The salon also hosted a holiday food drive, offering the chance to win a $50 gift certificate to all who contributed canned goods.

“Clients like to support businesses that support the communities they live in,” Perico said.

Matt Barrera, who dressed as Santa this year and last, is engaged to Christina Perico, Marie Perico’s sister. Barrera, like his fiancée, is a high school math teacher, but for the Middle Country Central School District. The two plan to marry in July of 2014.

Deer Park native Cassidy Gill, 3, visited The Cutting Edge salon at around noon on Christmas Eve. Bundled in a big white jacket, she sat on Santa’s lap and asked him for a Barbie doll and a drum.

“I think Santa might be able to do that for you,” Barrera boomed in reply.

Santa politely declined a haircut and beard trim before departing The Cutting Edge at around 1 p.m. for his night’s journey.

Above: Julia Gaeta, 15, left, and Lauren Gaeta, 12, of Commack stop in The Cutting Edge hair salon to visit Santa Claus. (Dec. 24, 2012)