Salon Shades in Harriseahead marks 50 years. Founder Ann Gallimore remains at the helm.
Ann’s family used to live in Barlaston before they moved to Harriseahead. Her father bought the building, intending it for Ann’s sister. Her sister then moved, leading Ann to start her salon there.
Ann has trained many apprentices at Salon Shades, including her daughter, Nikki Gallimore. Nikki helps Ann run the salon and also works with Racoon Extensions. Becky Watson also trained there and still works at the salon, alongside Kirsty Littleton, Marianne Fallows, and Taylor Mae Wyatt.
Ann trained at John English in Hanley. She said that they welcome children and that the salon has a happy atmosphere. Many customers have visited over the years, including Netty, who is 96 and has been a customer since the start, having her hair done weekly.
Ann plans to work into her seventies because she enjoys her work. It’s her life, she explained, as she values the friendships with customers and likes working with her family.
Ann’s father originally bought the building for her sister. She and Steven (Ann’s husband) built a house nearby, after which Ann took over the business.
Steven has always been a farmer, and Nikki helps Ann with the salon. Nikki also won a competition and now works for Racoon International, making Ann very proud of her.
Nikki practically grew up at the salon, which is how she got into hairdressing. At 18, Ann made Nikki a partner. Nikki trained the others, while Ann handled the administration.
Nikki says Ann is shy, but the salon makes her happy. The salon helped her after her dad passed away, helping her to start talking again by doing hair.
Salon Shades offers many services besides haircuts, including gel nails and aesthetics. They also offer Botox and lip fillers, alongside massages and reflexology. The salon is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.