What are your favourite things about being in hair?

Rosanne: I am extremely interested in what our hair means to our identity, especially looking at the history of British fashion. it’s interesting the way our hair makes us feel about ourselves in terms of confidence or hiding behind it as a comfort blanket. It’s an honour to be the reason someone leaves the salon with a spring in their step compared to the way they felt when they arrived.  Personally I am most interested in working with our own natural hair textures and it suiting to our lifestyles, low maintenance is key in Cornwall.

Jessie: For me, hairdressing is a lot of fun. I love the fact I have to think about geometry, chemistry, and creativity all whilst also chatting to my clients about whatever may be going on with them. It certainly keeps my brain busy! I’m such a sociable person so I absolutely love hearing people’s stories, from all out scandals, to what they might be having for dinner, none of it ever bores me, and the fact  they  leave feeling happy is  the icing on the cake.

Who is your hair icon?

Rosanne: Vidal Sassoon for his clear methods, the foundation to our cutting, and Sam McKnight for his time and length in the industry creating a path for British fashion and session styling.

Jessie: Hmmmm this is a tricky one, and I think it probably changes all the time. Right now, it’s Florence Given, she’s an incredible woman with the most amazing 70’s shag mullet to match. But my all time number one has to be Jennifer Aniston. I stan healthy, glossy classic hair, she has  never veered too far off course, because she know exactly what suits her skin tone, and face shape and  it never gets boring for me.

How has lockdown impacted your business? 

Rosanne: Closing for a third of the year with little notice is a huge impact for business, still having rent and bills to pay over 90% of weddings cancelled in 2020 which would usually be a 3rd of my profit all lost. it’s also been a stressful time having to rearrange appointments and weddings, admin time for myself has increased considerably. We have also seen an increase of cancelations due to ill health or child care.

Jessie: Lockdown has firstly been a huge loss of earnings, an admin nightmare and also has stopped me from doing the thing I love everyday. So I’d be lying if I said it hadn’t been pretty  heart wrenching  at times, however  I’m so blessed to have a client base who are very understanding, patient and loyal. I’ve never spent so long out of work since starting at 14 , but knowing  I’ll be busier than ever when we return to  normal is very reassuring.

What do you miss most since not being able to work?

Rosanne: Not being in the salon has had a social and emotional effect on myself, staff and clients. Hairdressing is a real care of the community industry and is a social hub to many clients, you can’t help but worry about their personal lives, as well as your own friends and family. Also when you have worked hard for most of your life having this taken away from you is very hard to adapt, you can feel quite anxious and a huge sense of emptiness.

Jessie: I miss being able to put my creative energy  into something, I’ve found myself drawing and cooking ALOT. I have been dreaming about sectioning and bleach and balayage for the last few weeks so I’m looking forward to starting again. It really is my happy place, and nothing beats it for me! I  am so lucky that my passion is also my job, and even on the most stressful days  I still am smiling  at the end of it.

What changes have you put in place to adapt to working through COVID? 

Rosanne: We follow all government guidelines and refreshed the salon with greater safe guards. Longer appointments, no magazines or refreshments etc. A detailed email of what to expect during your appointment  was sent with every appointment confirmation email.

Jessie: We have , like every other salon in the country, had  to change  aspects  of our work. We now wear masks/visors/gloves all day,  every day. Our clients have been asked not  to arrive  early, or bring anybody with them to their appointment. We  have been going through hand sanitiser and cleaning products  like no  tomorrow and washing all of our gowns and towels in between every client. It has definitely  increased our work load, but we work in a small space  so it’s  not  too  tricky to keep it nice and clean.

How would a cut in VAT impact your business?

Rosanne: This would be an enormous help with making the business cheaper to run therefore having a better cash flow for more security and improving the runnings of a salon. It’s proven to be a great help in the hospitality industry so why isn’t the hair and beauty industry receiving the same support?

Jessie: A cut in VAT would be a welcome relief I imagine. After not being able  to work for almost  half the year, my financial situation is definitely not looking as healthy as usual. I still have bills to pay  and rent etc, so it would definitely be something to smile about in  these times when it feels like our  industry is  on its knees.