NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Some hair care employees are working in fear after robberies at a hair salon and beauty supply store.

Video: Robbers Target Hair Product Businesses

One victim said beauty is big business and that she learned last month that thieves are aware of that fact, too.

As she was working alone at Supercuts, Misty, who asked that only her first name be used, said an already clean-cut customer came in with a lot of questions.

"He was asking about the equipment we used as far as clippers, trimmers, what brand, so on and so forth, and he kept me focused on that," she said.

But when Misty turned to get the clippers the man was asking about, she said, "As soon as my back was turned, his hand went around my waist and the knife went up. ... It's horrifying."

Last week, a similar incident was reported at a Save Mor Beauty Supply store not far down the street from the Supercuts where Misty was attacked.

Employees asked to remain anonymous.

"He asked for the (product); there are two different kinds of them, so he knew, actually, which kind he wanted," said one employee.

The robber seemed to know his stuff so well that Save Mor staff members said they think he might be in the business.

"The common person wouldn't know at all, because clippers and trimmers, there are so many different models. He had to know about the business," a worker said.

Hair care places were the common denominator, and police said that in both cases, the robber hit businesses where women were working alone.

"'You’re scared, thinking at any minute, 'Is he going to hurt me? I've been this close to him. I've seen his face. He's seen mine,'" Misty said.

Police said hair salons and beauty supply stores should keep their doors locked and make customers knock if stylists are working alone.

But the guy acted like an interested customer, Misty said. Police said they are still trying to figure out if the same man robbed both stores.

In each case, the man left after he got cash, and no one was hurt, but the victims at both stores fear he'll strike again.

Witnesses said the man was bald or close-shaven and in his 20s or 30s. Police later identified him as Kito Williams. Police said they think he's responsible for robbing a Hair World and the Supercuts and Save Mor.