Nantwich hairdresser Denise Hartley is hanging up her scissors to go travelling after a career spanning more than 55 years.
Denise, who began work as an apprentice at 15, was given a fond farewell by staff and clients at Steven Burgin Hairdressing on Hospital Street where she has worked as salon manager for the last nine years.
The mum-of-two, who hails from Southend-on-Sea, was bitten by the hairdressing bug as a small child when she used to go to the hairdressers with her gran.
“Staff used to let me brush up the floor and hand out the biscuits to clients,” said Denise.
“I was a tiny tot but I knew hairdressing was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
At 15, Denise gained herself an apprenticeship at a ‘posh’ department store in Southend.
“It was the 70s and in those days a parent had to sign your paperwork and my dad came along with me to officially sign me on as an apprentice.
“It was such a prestigious salon in a lovely high class department store. I couldn’t believe my luck. It was my dream come true.”
After working at various salons down South, and a spell running her own salon, it was new love that brought her to Nantwich.
She met her partner Mark, from Nantwich, while he was on holiday in Cornwall.
The pair now live locally and are planning many long hauls including six weeks in Australia and a trip to China.
Denise will also visit her friends in Southend, South Wales and Cornwall during the first few weeks of her retirement.
Over the years she has seen many styles come and go from the Purdey cut sported by Joanna Lumley in the Avengers to the ‘Lady Di’ and the ‘Rachel’ made popular by Jennifer Aniston in Friends.
She added: “I have loved every minute of my hairdressing career. Working with Steve in Nantwich has been the icing on the cake.
“Today it is all about the cut and healthy looking hair which what this salon is all about.
“I can remember doing perms and feather cuts which weren’t the best for hair.
“Today we take the time to consult and study what would really suit the client.
“We want them to walk out on air. I’ve loved making people feel more confident and happy with their hair.
“I miss the sea but Nantwich has been wonderful. Now it’s time for me to spread my wings and see the big wide world – and I can’t wait!”
There were gifts and champagne and flowers for Denise on her last day – but between foreign travels she may well pop up in the salon again.
Salon owner Steve said: “Denise has decades of experience and saying farewell was a sad day.
“She’s had so much time and patience with our trainees over the years and is much loved by clients.”
Hairdressing isn’t fully out of Denise’s system though.
Steve added: “If we’re short staffed and she’s available, Denise has offered to do the odd hour or two here and there.
“It’s hard to give up making people feel good. Once a hairdresser always a hairdresser!”
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